In full disclosure, I was raised a Christian and still believe in many of the principles that western civilization was built on. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of religion are two of these. That being said, as Western Civilization continues to slide into the dumpster, I find more merit in Islamic concepts every day. In my opinion, western culture has become far too permissive in allowing its own self desecration. Islam however seems to tolerate no dissenting opinions at all. To the western mind, this seems contrary to positive growth. That being said, I still have too many questions to list, but I will give it a try. I hope none of them are out of bounds. I am genuinely curious about the following:
1) The nature of the Sunni Shia split. If as a Christian, I said the Shahada, what exactly would that make me?
2) I've been told there are two Qurans, on written in Mecca and one written in Medina. Supposedly they differ a great deal in their nature. What is the truth behind this?
3) The nature of Taqiya. It is often presented by critics of Islam as deliberately hiding a more violent intent toward other religions. Contrary to this, I have also read that it is only used to avoid unjust persecution.
4) The concept of Jizya.
5) Advocates say Islam is the religion of peace. Critics say the definition of peace requires the entire earth to be Islamic before this peace is possible. Obviously adherents to other faiths would have a problem with the later. What is your take on it? Can Islam exist in pluralistic societies, or is it an article of faith that the world will one day be entirely Islamic?
6) The birth of Jesus is favorably discussed in the first part of the Quran. Jews have a rather less charitable view of Jesus. Why then do you think Christians and Jews seem to have a better relationship than that of Christians and Muslims?
7) As I understand it, followers of Abrahamic faiths rate higher in the eyes of Muslims than that of say Buddhists, Hindus, or Taoists. I would hope even these groups would be viewed more favorably than that of atheists and secular humanists. What does Sharia say about the relative treatment of these other faiths?
7) Freedom of speech is a huge tenant of western Christian culture. In this light, the amount of turmoil that surrounded the publishing of the Salman Rushdi book was a bit perplexing to many of us. Likewise the violent response to the Charlie Hebdo cartoons is mystifying. Can you explain why these types of things cause violence? In the west, modern "artists" desecrate the image of Christ with no repercussions at all. I tend to think the best policy would be somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. What is your take on what is acceptable criticism vs acts of disrespect or desecration?
8) As the US has managed to destabilize the mid-east, supposedly, many ancient sites and historical art have been destroyed by "Radical Muslims". What does the religion say about historical works such as those of ancient Egypt? Are they worthy of preservation, or are they destined for destruction because much of it is of Pagan origin?
9) How does the Muslim world view the virtue signalling SJW crowds seemingly embracing Islam? To a conservative Christian, it seems strange as with our limited understanding of Sharia, these folks wouldn't exactly fare very well under Islamic rule. Those videos of the LGBT crowd chanting "Allahu Akbar" must be truly mystifying.
I guess that does it for now. Thanks in advance for any insight you choose to provide.
