What a difference an absolutely barbaric savage historical event makes in the minds and hearts of all...

I have NO idea how Islam will ever again have a shred of any true credibility in the West... for many generations.

Well, I certainly was much less distrustful and suspicious of the societal impact of Islam before 9/11.

Not much different. The only thing that really surprised me was the reaction of the Iranians. We should look at becoming better friends with them (I know we've got a looooong ways to go, though).

Pre 9/11 I had no opinion-- it was just another religion, sort of vaguely oriental. I knew Saudi Arabia had draconian laws, and I knew the Taleban were real bad, but I didn't really connect it to religion.

Since then, I've done a lot of reading (not just web news, but real, hardcover books as well) and I think we're going to spend 20 years stomping these jerks into submission. Islam must modernize-- they're stuck in the Middle Ages, and they're going to have to travel the same distance that Christianity did from the Crusades to the Protestant Reformation in next 20 years. That's a tall order, and it won't happen without widespread conflict.

The same opinion, except less vociferous: Islam is a pagan religion that basically stems from a jealous indignation of Western Civilization.

they're stuck in the Middle Ages,

Naaa ... I think they are stuck in a time long before that ..

I'm looking at Dateline right now. Sheik Khabanni is an honorable man.

Before Sept 11th, I knew that many Muslims had an anti-Western opinion, if not murderous. I had a very close personal friend that seemed sympathetic to Palestinian terrorists.

Despite what some may think after reviewing my posts, I have no doubt that many Muslims are loyal, Western citizens and are my friends. Unfortunately, the percentage of evil Muslims bent on the destruction of what I hold dear is too large to ignore. Witness conflicts with Muslims worldwide...

Pre: Generally favorable with exceptions for the most anti-American element like Hamas, PLA, et al. Didn't care for their religion but thought they might be a restraining influence on the trashy social exports of Hollywood.

Post: Rude awakening. With notable exceptions (the Turks, Kurds and some individuals) who denounced this kind of terrorism in every way, shape and form, there were too many which ranged from open support (Pakistan, Palestine) and indifference (Malaysia, Indonesia) to those pontificating and offering excuses (Saudi Arabia, Egypt) for inexcusable terrorism.

Then I started reading a lot of books, including the Koran and was shocked to discover, as a whole, less enlightened and tolerant than so-called Christianity in the 15th century.

I have considered arabs arrogent for as long as I remember.

A long time ago I read the book about Israel by Leon Uris, forgot the name however. My impression was that Muslim Arabs thought that everything was directed from above by Allah and that they didn't have to make any effort to change their lives. As of 9/11 I believe that many of them are ignorant sheep who follow fanatics blindly.

Primarily I'm fascinated with the fact that you can (without fear of penalty) explore that topic - that religion - that people. You chose wisely. Had your curiosity led you in this direction . . .

I'm curious to hear, if you care to share, just what impression you had of Judaism three months back, that is: PRE-911.

And then, too, if you would briefly compare and contrast that with whatever your current impression and opinions of Judaism and Jews happen to be.

Thanks!

. . . you would have soon joined a long list of "dead" Freepers.

Why is this?

Reply to post #1: I don't think any different about islam than I did before Sept. 11, 2001. I believe it to be a satanic religion that is responsible for the deception of millions of people.

I thought it was a nuthuse outfit 20 years ago. I thought it was a dangerous nuthouse outfit a year ago. My opinion hasn't changed.

I had literally been thinking for weeks before 9-11 that the Palestinians must be pi**ed at the U.S., at our constant support of Israel.

I had also been thinking, I wonder if this generation will get through unscathed. Every other generation has had to go through some type of war.

I couldn't believe how quickly my musings turned into reality.

Muslims I knew prior to 9/11 were almost universally anti-Israel and incapable of being persuaded otherwise. One would have thought it was virtually an article of faith with them.

Never liked them before 9/11 and still don't. Having had experience in the mideast and an understanding of their mindset helped me make that decision. They lie when telling the truth is much easier.

Trolling for trouble again. Can't get that Jew-hating out of your system, eh, Phil?

You damn well know the answer to your stupid, inane question, but here's the answer in black print:

Jews did NOT attack and murder Americans on American soil! Your Arab-Muslim pals did!

Since I am a Catholic, I necessarily held that, theologically, Islam is in serious error on many points. What has changed in my impression of Islam since September 11 is in the area of the EFFECTS that those theological errors have on people. I have come to believe that Islamic societies and people are much more dysfunctional than I had thought--and especially that polygamy produces masses of hysterical, near-psychotic young men who pose a danger to the rest of the world.

. . . Can't get that Jew-hating out of your system, eh, Phil?

For the record, I hate no Jews. Nor do I hate Judaism.

. . . Your Arab-Muslim pals did!

I have no Arab-Muslim pals.

But more to the point . . . Asking this forum the questions advanced by "meridia" is like asking a pack of buzzards what it thinks of road-kill.

Real simple to me: We let them build mosques over here. They do NOT let Christians build churches there. They do not even let Christians EXIST there.