[Kerberos]

" think the basic misunderstanding arises from the what "fundamentalist" means to each party."

I draw a lot of my conception of fundamentalism from what I read on this site, that and being subjected to it in my youth for many years.

And what I draw from here is deeply concerning. It demonstrates many parallels between Islam and itself.

[AreaMan]

I draw a lot of my conception of fundamentalism from what I read on this site, that and being subjected to it in my youth for many years. And what I draw from here is deeply concerning. It demonstrates many parallels between Islam and itself.

I think I understand what you are trying to say.

Look, we are imperfect beings with limited understanding and sometimes we have to rise above our experiences to understand the truth.

When I was a kid I stuck a nail in a 220VAC outlet and woke up across the room. Is electricity bad? Nope, but that incident did make me wary of how electricity can hurt and kill.

Christianity has been abused and distorted by many throught time for their own ends, e.g. Divine Right, Forced Conversion, Jim Baker, Branch Davidians, and more recently TBN.

Are those examples Christianity? No, they are distortions. Are some of those people considered "fundamentalists?" Yes.

Islam is not being distorted or being practiced in an extreme way. Islam is inherently violent and cruel, with no system of atonement other than the whim of their god.

Christianity is the foundation for western civilization and much of the scientific and social advancements that we enjoy today.

[fuzzycat]

THAT is absolutely brilliant and exactly my sentiments. I would point you all to a story on Fox and elsewhere from Rhea Co, TN ( Dayton), If God created man he created all men and I wonder- why would anyone cast such aspersions towards one of God's creations ? Hate.