Allow me to clarify the point I'm trying to make. I've already stated that you have me at a disadvantage. I have not read the Koran. Therefore, I have no knowledge of specific verses or passages, to which you refer.
I agree that a Christian who lives only by the New Testament would not preach hate or violence. However, isn't there a "Christian" pastor who travels around with his flock, promoting death to homosexuals, based on verses from Leviticus? Yeah, I know, Old Testament, but they still profess to be "Christians", do they not?
And what of the Crusades? Weren't they all undertaken in the name of Christianity? Then there was The Inquisition, backed by "the Church", wasn't it? Then we have Ireland, where two Christian groups have perpetrated violence against one another for how long now?
No, I'll stand by what I've said. I believe "religion" is once again being used as an "excuse" to gain power and control. I'll grant you, those Muslims who are willing to sacrifice themselves believe they are following the Koran because they've been convinced (indoctrinated, brainwashed, or ???) that it is the word of the Prophet and/or Allah. But who convinced them? Who sends them out on their suicidal missions to murder innocents? The day that I see one of the terrorist "leaders" strap a bomb to themselves, is the day I'll believe they are motivated only by a devout belief in Islam. Till then, I'll continue to agree with my young friend from Pakistan.
Regards
I get your point. My point is - one religion is based upon turning the other cheek, treating even your enemy as you wish to be treated, hating the sin not the sinner...
The other teaches that all who do not answer the call of jihad, are infidels who are to be conquered and/or put to death in the most brutal of measures.
Like I said originally, those who claim Christianity in any way compares to Islam know little about either. This includes many who claim both names...
The Christian church has come full circle at least twice throughout history on the subject of no war is just - some war is just - war is just when it serves a just purpose (such as defense of the innocent) all the way back to no war is just and everywhere in between. The church has not yet settled on how it feels about war.
As a general rule, this is because Christianity is certainly a peaceful religion as taught in the New Testament, the book of Christ if you will. But also, when under attack as a group, many Christians recognize the need to war in defense of Christian principles and survival.
I highly recommend you read a little known writer from a little known group of "former" Muslims now trying to teach America about the truth of Islam...
www.faithfreedom.org