Yes, but if the Quran calls for it, is it actually "evil?"
2.24: "..be on your guard against the fire of which men and stones are the fuel; it is prepared for the infidels."
2.191: "And kill them wherever you find them... such is the recompense for infidels."
4.89: "...if they turn [away from Allah's way], then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper."
4.101: "...surely the infidels are your open enemy."
9.29: "Fight those who do not believe in Allah ... until they pay the tax in acknowledgement of superiority and they are in a state of subjection."
9.30: [of Jews and Christians] may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!
9.73: "...strive hard against the infidels .. and be unyielding to them; and their abode is hell, and evil is the destination."
25.52: "So do not follow the infidels, and strive against them mightily."
I am just very concerned for us all not to get on the path of analyzing each other's books. The last time we did it, we conducted a lot of fratricidal wars not just for land but for the "purity" of Christianity. I would not want to go back to that. If you read some of the posts, you see already some of that.
I do not think any of us need to read Quran to justify our resolve in wiping out any present or future threat to us coming from that part of the world. I think inside our country we should go back to unapologetically insisiting on the Western values. These actions, both inside and outside the country are way overdue; and, since I have seen this threat since 1980s, I am very impatient, angry, and frustrated that I was not able to prevent the deaths of 4000 of my fellow Americans. I am just 12 miles away from where they still lie.
All I am saying is that (i) I do not need to know the intricacies of Quran to justify my anger and resolve, and (ii) focusing on the holy books is a dangerous path, which may do us a lot of harm, (iii) Islamic countries were once peaceful, they may become such once again; and, even today, Turkey reads the same Quran but is out loyal friend and a democracy; so Quran does not explain why Arabs are presently beligerant and vicious but Turks are cultured and democratic. In sum, I see more harm on this path than additional good.
Unlike some posts with irrational hatred, your post was cerebral and intellectual. Therefore, should you disagree with me, I'll remain respecting your opinion.
