Free Republic

I don't understand how you can deny the fact that Americans are going around the world, doing just as bad things as muslims supposedly are. In fact, BBC published an article today reporting on a claim that modern-day abuses in Iraq are worse now than under Saddam's control, and Americans play no little role in that, for sure.

And only a few days ago, an innocent Muslim with distant ties through friends-of-friends was abducted to Syria and held in a coffin-like cage for 8 months.

Although the numbers vary, about 50,000 Iraqi civilians have died since the beginning of the war.

But besides all that, you're right. Only Muslims are trying to attack Christians, not the other way around.

I would think the level of xenophobia in this country couldn't get any higher. And I honestly didn't think the pope's comments were such a big deal, until I saw not only Muslims attacking him but conservatives on this website attacking Muslims. Apparently statements like that increase racism on both sides of the globe.

Believe it or not, it's not a one-sided battle "good-vs-evil." At least if we can get both sides to admit prejudices and racist beliefs - I have seen racist Muslims, and I definately see many racists on this website. As a non-white Catholic-raised American, I'm sorry, but I'm going to stay disgusted. Especially with Western superiority. Please, dervish, but your email just exemplifies that sort of "We are so much better" false attitude that so many people hold.

Actually, Muslims aren't discouraged from reading the bible. In fact, some of their greatest scholars happen to study Hebrew and the bible in great detail. If you would happen to watch any of the great Christian/Muslim debates, you would know that. In fact, many Muslims are openly invited to read and learn about the Bible, and if you spoke to some, you would find it only increases their faith.

Also, the supposed western superiority is laughable. I know as an educated American. Very few American Christians actually follow their religion, or even know much about it, yet they feel free to condemn others quickly. In fact, popes and other religious leaders from past centuries were very prone to avarice and sexual freedoms; even in recent years we discover how the church struggled to hide its pedophilia scandal.

That's not to say Christianity is immoral or "heathenistic." Many people seem unable to separate the religion from the practicer. From the standpoint of many people in Africa, India and the Middle East who have been colonized, mistreated, enslaved, as well as are currently being invaded and killed by the West, that would be condemning and hating all Westerners.

Oh wait, they do. Maybe for good reason. But they're no different from ignorant Westerners who have probably have had more education and more opportunity to learn about different religions - and NOT from foreign invaders who decide they want to own the world.

The fact that there are such hateful Muslims as well as Christians disgust me. Speak in favor of your religion, but to go so far as to call other ones names just shows insecurity and closed-mindedness.