Cultural differences: How Islamic countries are different

Oh, wow! Thanks for clarifying that for me! Shows how much I really know! I still have a lot to learn about Islamic countries!

What I do not understand, then, is why some Muslims execute others for leaving Islam. At least, I hear and read about this from time to time. Is it a misinterpretation, or are they reading into the Quran what is not there? Sorry, but I am relatively new to Islam and the Quran, and am showing my ignorance. Forgive me. I truly have a lot to learn.

Wow! I don't know much about freemasonry either, but I do know a tiny little smidgen about that, and I do mean tiny little smidgen. I had no idea that those folks in Pakistan are involved in that. This is the first I have heard about that. So, has freemasonry been behind some Muslims killing apostates as well as folks like al-Qaida (spelling?) doing terrorist attacks on innocent civilians? Since this is all so new to me, I am trying to piece it all together. Could freemasonry also be behind whoever wrote the viruses that completely wiped out my hard drive? I am sure that he or she (or they) wanted to take out a huge corporation. Instead, they caused a lot of problems to a low-income person with hearing, speech, and other disabilities who is just trying to lead a more normal life. By the way, I am a Christian and am not right now considering converting to Islam, but I am trying to understand it, and to have more respect, love, and tolerance toward my fellow Muslims. I do care about them as people, and some of them as fellow Americans who I see in the stores, restaurants, and even on public transportation. In that way I am opening up to Islam. I believe that it is ignorance that leads to prejudice, hatred, and discrimination. I have heard some rather hateful, prejudice, and discriminatory remarks, and so many times it has come from people not getting all their facts straight. And, so I am here, trying to get all my facts straight, because I want to show love, respect, and admiration, not intolerance, prejudice, and hatred.

One good quote deserves another! Every nation on earth has exactly the government its people deserve. - Will Rogers The problem with the Israeli-Arab wars is that each side thinks God is telling them they are right. - Letter to the editor of Time magazine. The author of the second quote went on to reason that no one can argue or reason with anyone who thinks God has given him the truth concerning the issue being discussed. This has a lot to do with why religious fundamentalists so desire theocracy while being so holier than thou about it. It is also why they should not be allowed to be in charge of a country or ever have nuclear weapons. It is hard to imagine a country run by people who think the mere disagreement of their political opponents with the state's policy proves those political opponents stand against God and therefore are evil. This totally short circuts the process of sorting through ideas and courses of action to arrive at what makes the most sense. Such a country is dysfunctional. More and more Muslims are starting to realize this. As gnosis said earlier, there is hope.

The muslim objectives are so outrageous that people like us who talk about it look like kooks. Still, make no doubt about it. The fundamentalists muslims absolutely believe they have a duty to convert the world to Islam, by force if necessary. Thanks, for the JFK quote. You know, of course, if he was alive to today he would be disowned by the democratic party just like was Joe Liberman.

Theres a big difference between helping and fighting someones battle for them. Especially when they arent willing to stand up for themselves even after we are in the middle of the fight.

At this time it is only a proposed law, so maybe it will not pass.

You truely sound as if you know what you are talking about. I very much like hearing the opinion of those who know what they are talking about. That being the case, thank you especially much for the informative response.

Thank you very much for your kind response. I know about the said bill and the circumstances that surround it because i am a citizen of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the bill in question was proposed from my city by hard line clerics (read fanatics inspired by the Taliban regime). Thank Almighty that we have a sensible and a moderate Muslim President who didnt consider the bill at all! You wouldnt believe the outrageous demands these so called flag bearers of truth come up with! for example they wanted a ban on all cable channels, wanted to ban women from going to the market alone and other such nonsense! As for me i cant imagine living without HBO, or MTV :)