The problem I see in this discussion and others like it is that although everything in that letter may be the truth, it is little more than purist theory if the dominant practice of Muslims runs contrary to it.
As an example from the Catholic faith. It is against clear Church teaching to use any form of artificial birth control, yet a majority of Catholics in Europe and the West do use it and are contributing to the decline in western populations, or what some are calling the suicide of the west. In other words there are huge social, political and religious consequences. But at the same time, ask a group of orthodox Catholic theologians and they would give you the correct answer.
The two things are not totally analagous, but letâs say the letter to the Pope represents real orthodox Islam. We can still say, so what? On the ground, in practical terms, in large regions of Islam, it ainât happening. The opposite is the practice. Try practicing the Catholic faith in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, etc. It is difficult even in Turkey where there is supposedly some semblance of freedom. In those other places it can be deadly. This is the reality. We all know it and many here have quoted the rhetoric that confirms it.
And, it also inevitably causes us to ask that question that others here have claimed to already have the answer to, ie. is it really the case that the thinking in that letter actually represents Islamic orthodoxy?
We want, in charity, to make the analogy that comes to mind, such that a violent Christian is not a good Christian, and likewise a violent Muslim is not a good Muslim.
Many here would claim the opposite, that a violent Muslim is actually a good Muslim.
Frankly, I donât know. That was the implicit question behind the Popeâs original mention of Islam. Can we count on reason in dealing with Islam, or must we always have to resort to the sword in self-defense?
I tend to be from Missouri on this as well as some others here. Show me. If these signatories have any influence in their world should they not apply it? Or are they really that out-numbered? In which case, does it practically speaking matter a whole lot what they say?
