I just agreed with Jared!!!

Double talk ranting and self-righteous BS. Here let me ask you a question? Now because you've failed to answer the question that I just asked you in this same post, let me assume that you're avoiding the question because you're a bigot.

Also saying that that any in-group/out=group ideology will do, does not excuse the one in question (Islam) from atrocities that it commits. Whether it is merely a product of other factors that results in Islam being involved in violence and oppression more than other religions, or a results of the teachings of Islam itself, has no bearing on judging whether Islam is in fact involved in violence and oppression more than other religions.

The question was never, "Is Islam responsible for violence?" It's, "Does mainstream Islam endorse violence?" You are just moving the goal post, and then accusing me of ignoring evidence, when that evidence is unimportant to the question at hand. If you want to have a discussion about WHY Islam is so violent, we can have that discussion, but only after you've admitted THAT Islam is so violent. Or you know, you could just call me bigot again and go on a long winded rant.

I pointed out the potential counter argument against myself regarding the correlation with undeveloped countries first. I stated that as a possibility, then you agreed. That does not change the fact that while the majority of Christians and Jews live in developed countries, the majority of Muslims live in undeveloped countries, so even if that is the primary driver of savage cruel expressions of religion, it does not change that mainstream Islam is savage and cruel.

I believe that you have a common bias in developed countries, where you find it socially acceptable to criticize Christianity (as the dominant religion in your society) but feel that criticism of other religions is a sign of bigotry. I am not 'biased'; I am making judgments, and judging all faiths and ideologies by the same standards. It is not my fault that, of all the world's religions, Islam is the violent and oppressive. And that I have the greatest disdain for it is a consequence of the evil it promotes, not some bigoted prejudice as you assert.

I think people overestimate their survival instincts. I think it's fear of pain that motivates people more than fear of death.

I'm bias in favor of Christianity? Did you see what I posted below? You are arguing in allegory, not refuting my claims, assuming bias on my part, and using that assumption as justification to call me a bigot. Shame on you.

Man SunTzu,

Now you're being dismissive of me? I am well aware of the detestable views of some self proclaimed Christians. I also know however that this topic asks about "Mainstream Islam." Mainstream Christianity does not endorse or support the horrible things (well outside of the Catholic church and the rape cover ups, but that's perhaps another topic) done by some Christians. The Christians attempt o divorce themselves from the events, claiming they couldn't be real Christians, blah, blah , blah.

Things like suicide bombings however are not something that most Muslims divorce themselves from, but that is encouraged not only in the holy text, but actively by the culture. Now you could make a point that this is simply the result of most Christians living in developed western nations, while most Muslims live in poorer countries. But regardless of the reason, it should first be admitted that Islam (in it's present form) promotes violence. If speaking the truth makes me a bigot, then so be it. I have no reverence to political correctness, merely the truth, regardless of who it offends.

Woah, you're trying to get me banned? I think the title makes it pretty clear what the video is about. If you don't want to watch it, no problem, it doesn't load automatically and the preview is a low resolution image that doesn't show anyone being burned.

As to the evidence that it is Christians behind the witch burnings happening in Africa:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/18/african-...
http://hayesfam.bravehost.com/WITCH1.HTM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/video/2007/dec/09/...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/dec/09/tracy...
http://fivepublicopinions.wordpress.com/2008/01/2...
http://www.royalafricansociety.org/index.php?opti...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4677969.stm
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_exor5.htm
http://news.exchristian.net/2007/12/christians-de...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_ow...

Behold the sad, harsh, disturbing truth.

Well there is this:

[youtube 1Lv-dVk_bPo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lv-dVk_bPo youtube]

First off, Most Christians don't even read the Bible anymore. The percentage of Christians who take their religion seriously, or who have any real knowledge of their religious heritage or holy text is small and shrinking. Tell a Christian that they're supposed to kill gays because the Bible says so, and they'll tell you just how crazy they think you are.

Ask a Muslim who was responsible for 9/11 and they'll tell you it was the Jews:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/21/majority...

Would you like me to post recent stories about honor killings by Muslims living in Europe, Canada, and the US? They're easy enough to find, I just don't want to overwhelm you with too much damning evidence all at once. Islam preaches hatred. It's a despicable vile religion. The 'moderate' or 'modern' Muslims are very much the minority, not the mainstream.

SunTzu, I agree with you, but your tone man. Perhaps be a little less dismissive.