[Phil V.]

What do you mean? [[. . . but it is not the food of a "good" FReeper]]

I should withdraw that statement. My cynicism has clouded my perceptions. Many "good" freepers have "died" on the ME threads . . . "died" not so much for seeing that there can be a better Islam, but, rather, have "died" for arguing the evil of SOME Christians and Jews.

Too often the war on terrorism (good vs evil) is portrayed in black and white. It as if the solution to improving a garden with weeds is to plow under the garden. Weeding is difficult, sweaty, tedious work. Many "good" freepers avoid the ME threads.

Your question moved me to examine Good and Evil ^ that I posted over a year ago. There was, in fact, more positive discussion than negative.

I need to reexamine my "reality"!

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Your words give me encouragement.

As a Christian I believe that having the freedom to believe in God, is the greatest freedom for man. So, my wish is that the spread of democracy, be it in Africa, Asia or the Middle East, will allow people to find God. It isn't my place to berate the faith of others, but I can hope that peace will bring an opportunity for some to find Him.

The Middle East is much more complex than black and white, as you suggest. I think we haven't even scratched the surface yet. We have much to learn. And, I am willing to LISTEN first.

Keep up the good work... don't worry about what others think. It is your understanding that is of importance, right?

Best wishes.

[Augustinefan]

Good is definitely only found at times when one looks for it. Those who look for the negative will only see negative as long as that's what they seek. It takes courage to look and see both. Humility and honesty are the key requirements to accomplish this.

Besides, I think too many people think Islam = terrorist. It doesn't necessarily, although in the present day practices it does. Just like the Inquisition doesn't necessarily reflect true Christianity, even though it was executed by "Christians".

In fact, I once heard it said that, where there is the greatest good, there is the greatest evil nearby. Probably pretty accurate.