Religions do not change. People may change the way they perceive or understand their own devotion to a religion but the principles and laws of any particular religion cannot change.
If we take islam to be a religion -which it is not - then it is a "religion" prone and dedicated (by its own founder) to violence and a utopianist eschatological view of history (similar to Marxism). The fact that so many muslims want to live peacefully does not change the fact that the ideology itself clearly calls for domination and annihilation of non muslims. Therefore muslims who demonstrate peaceful behavior and claim their wish for peace are either betraying the tenets of islam or are deliberately misleading others by their claims of peaceful coexistence.
Obviously, Bin Laden, his backers, and others who are anti capitalist and anti West are exploiting the muslim's world's frustration and disgust with what they perceive is the West's (secular) decadence and ability to manipulate the world's culture and economy.
>... but the principles and laws of any particular religion cannot change.
I must STRONGLY disagree with this statement. Study religions and their histories. The Christian religion has gone through numerous changes in dogma and doctrine throughout its 2000 year history... look at all the current day divisions and sects that claim to be Christian. The Jewish religion has changed its stance on many tenets and beliefs over it's 4000 year history. Islam has been molded and changed over its history by those in control of the countries that profess this religion. It's even broken into two sects Sunni and Shi' ite. Religion is a constantly changing thing. Each time a man decides that his church doesn't have it right he runs out and starts another offshoot... Luther, ever heard of him? Great example.
Regards,
V.T. Eric Layton
***Tempus Fugits***
vtel57@softhome.net