Free speech

Submitted by Scared or sacred? (United Kingdom), Feb 19, 2004 at 00:51

It seems some religions in this world have been able to move forward (abolishment of slavery, religious tolerance), partly because those who practice and lead neither fear nor suppress discussion and debate of their religion's history, validity, practice and any number of other issues.

Many Muslims seem incapable of entering into any discussion regarding Islam. Having read the Koran/Qu'ran, it is apparent that any hint of dissent, doubt, or general curiousity about Mohammed's revelations, his life, his intentions or almost any aspect of Islam is strongly discouraged in the text itself. It compels the reader to believe, whilst warning of the dire consequences of: failure to believe/practice, any form of criticism toward the text and any behaviour which could be seen to entice any Muslim away from Islam.

Whilst other major faiths had their own 'dark ages' characterised by bigotry and subjugation, Islamic states today seem incapable of escaping that same fate.

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