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" As Christianity has changed such that it now exists in a symbiotic relationship with Democracy so too can Islam." It has not. Christianity, not a word of it- has changed. It BROUGHT democracy to the western world, not learned to exist along side it. What has changed in Christianity is the people, and the leaders of people. No longer do we rely on the interpretations of a single priest/church. People can now read what the gospel says for themselves. This came about with the protestant movement, when scripture was nailed to a church door for all to read.

"Christianity, not a word of it - has been changed."
99.99 percent in the literal sense has not been changed. But, to nit pick and thereby avoid your point. It has changed literally, additions here, redactions there, exclusions yonder and variations hither.. King James, NIV ......council of Nic....

In any event, to fairly address your point, the underlying texts are amazingly accurate, unchanged, and preserved. But please lets not go into this type of discussion because it is a subject unto itself. Nonetheless, while literally unchanged, point conceded here, kinda, the interpretation and teaching and focus have changed.

"It BROUGHT democracy to the western world....". The process was a bit more dynamic than this. Certainly, the protestants, Lutheranism, and other influences had much to do with the creation of democracy. But so to did philosophy, competition among political structures .... Increased middle class of merchants... Advances in technology allowing for dissemination of information and the like.

Japan has a democracy. It is the product of an A bomb though and not the kind word of Christianity. Of course you could propose that because Christian America nuked em and forced democracy upon them that Japan's democracy is the function of Christianity. But, I'm not sure I'd like this characterization of Christianity as a nukem and convertem to democracy religion of peace. Further, in fairness, I think your point was that the idea and precepts of Democracy find their roots in Christianity and then the idea of Democracy was spread.

Funny thing here though is that you refer to different a brand of Christianity, protestantism. And this is but one of many that emerged over time. Ironically, such brands are factual testament to the fact that Christianity, its interpretation, focus and observance, have indeed changed over time.

In any event, I way over simplified matters. But I just didn't have it in me to write another 1000 words and so I compromised on just trying to get the thrust of my point across albeit at the expense of accuracy. And now I'm here on Friday, after 5, when I could be half way home. Blast you!

So cut me some slack, Zach :). And, may your cows not produce milk. And yes, I know you can debate most everything I wrote above..... But I won't be here to hear you :)... TGIF