Every time I read something in the Progressive Press that refers to Muslims I have a question that forms in my mind, “What kind of Muslim are we talking about?” The press refuses to give the details that make a difference. There are two distinct errors.
The biggest problem is that the media refuses to recognize the difference between Muslim and Black Muslim, between Islam and the Nation of Islam. These are two totally different groups. One is basically a racist religion, white is evil. The other is a world wide religion that embraces people from all races and cultures. It makes a difference which one you are talking about. This difference may be coming to an end. I didn’t mark the page, but in reading Michael Youssef’s book Blindsided, it seems that the two groups have temporarily patched up their condemnation of the other in order to pursue jihad. That then makes them part of the second error of the media.
The second problem is the simplification that projects a monolithic Islam. Islam is as divided as Christianity. The two big divisions are the Sunni and Shia, just as Christianity has Protestant and Roman Catholic. This is a historic, obvious difference that demonstrates the ignorance of the press. They mention the existence of the two but don’t seem to understand how deep the divide is. When you mix in the Wahabi and Sufi it gets even more confusing because they overlap.
Most reporters and talking head have never read the Koran. They know a few quotes provided by either true believers, deniers or haters. None begins to shed light on what motivates these people. Ignorance is dangerous. Those who are paid to inform us come in two flavors. One is ignorant from laziness. The other is informed but wants to keep us ignorant.
So ask questions. Are we talking about Islam or the Nation of Islam? Mohammed or Farakan? Are we talking about Sunni or Shia? Are we talking Arab or Persian or Turk?
Read the Koran. You can do it. I urge you to read it and I am a Christian. I will take the risk that it will convert you. It isn’t that long. Don’t take anyone’s word for what it says, even mine.
Youssef, Michael, Blindsided, No City: Kobri, 2012.
homo unius libri
I read part of it and found it full of half-truths. Much of it is very believable to the ignorant.
ReplyDeleteThat is a key ingredient: Ignorance. The second is willing ignorance because it gets you what you want.
DeleteYou are the rare person who has bothered to actually do the research.
Grace and peace.