Submitted by John Leabeater(United States), Jun 8, 2004 at 11:24
I appreciate Mr. Pipes' articles. His insight is quite helpful in making sense of the Muslim mindset, particularly the bizarre logic of the Muslim terrorist.
Having spent some time in Lebanon as an American I can say that, for the most part, the Arab people are open-hearted, kind, and generous -- even when mildly provoked by our poor Western etiquette. Christians are openly tolerated with small, street-front churches sparsely dotting their country.
There was one incident, however, which I will never forget. One of the native Lebanese members of one such Christian assembly was very forthright in his beliefs. He felt obligated to share his faith with Muslim members of his community. He became a Christian martyr when agitated Muslims felt compelled to decapititate him.
Christians view a martyr as one who dies sharing his faith - Muslims view a martyr as one who dies murdering those who do not share his faith.
Mr. Pipes' advises us to memorize Islamic statements of faith to spare lives. But how many lives will be jeopardized when this approach is inevitably compromised? Further, what are we communicating to our Muslim friends about Judeo-Christian thought and culture? If what we say becomes meaningless and pragmatic, a mere form for political correctness, then it follows that we are fueling the fires of longer-term distrust in exchange for short-term goals.
Might I suggest that our approach be more forthright and honest? Is not the truth what both Muslims and Christians are interested in? Perhaps our co-existance is better served by a firm but compassionate sharing of who we really are - than what others want us to be...blood on the carpet and all.
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