.... But suppose this is a distinction without a difference. After all, the Islamist is willing to die in order to spread the faith, his death a testament of his religious devotion. Most people would say this is fanatical, but from the Islamists perspective this is a tactic that intimidates religious rivals driving them to appease or convert.
Without having to utter a threat, Jews and Christians know that may criticism of Islam, even mild ones, could lead to retributive violence. This is what gives Islamism its advantage.
Islam, by contrast, is regarded as benign, a pathway to Allah like any other religion. But is this true? Admittedly most Muslims are not violent, yet it is also the case that violence perpetrated against infidels is clearly suggested in the Koran.
Koranic dogma indicates there is only one true religion and its adherents have an obligation to spread the faith. [WAMC Northeast Public Radio] Read more
