I’ve been going there to get a better understanding of Islam, probably post more than I do here, where I mostly just read. I’ve saved for later reading several promising looking documents by Muslim writers on human nature in general, but obviously with a religious bent. Read some really pleasant stuff.
To some degree I would say I have been reassured by the things I’ve read. For example, there is only one fatwa that I could find that expressly states all of us infidels should be killed. That by our old friend, Osama Bin Laden. While some radical clerics spout hate, there are definitely in the minority.
However, I would say there is a higher proportion of hotheads over there. I go to some political discussion boards where there are a lot of inflexible, intolerant idealogues – both left and right – but they don’t hold a candle to these guys.
On the other hand, I’m very comfortable posting there. I think I can hold my own in an exchange of views. On those political boards, I would be cut to ribbons. Most whyislam posters are, how shall I say, come across as a bit unsophisticated. In some respects. In general. (It’s funny; they think we are not very worldly, and I think it is they that has the narrow perspective.)
I’m attempting to understand the Muslim mindset. It is different than ours (and there’s nothing wrong with that). And not in the way I may have anticipated. Their faith is simple. Ours is probably more complex. They think with their brain when it comes to faith; we follow our heart. There tends to be more black and white, right or wrong, based on what I’ve read. There are more subtleties with us.
At least that’s what I’ve gathered at this early stage.