Because your observations and opinions of the religion echo a very naive perspective of it, the one that is usually presented to the Western media.
For example, the way you characterize Sharia law.
It's noble that you attempted to read the Koran, but simply doing so is not a complete understanding of Islam. In fact, doing so probably is more confusing. Again, as I've asked in the past, what order did you read it? How did you deal with the issues of chronology? Which translation was it? And most importantly, did you read any of the supporting writings like the Sunnah and the Hadith, the Tafsir?
I really don't like to delve into my personal history on the internet publicly.
Again, while I don't consider myself an expert on Islam, I have studied it quite a bit. I started out with the same "open minded" opinion as you, sort of based upon the same idea that it must ultimately be peaceful and have the ability to coexist. But my deeper study of the religion started when I was formally studying the history and politics of regions where Islam still dominates, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Under the instruction of both Israeli and Muslim professors.
You'll learn more about Islam by simply studying Nigeria than you will by consuming any of the P.C, apologist or propagandist material that we're usually provided in this country.
I would also frequently attend or view lectures and speeches by authors, historians, and theologians with conflicting views on these issues. When I learn of or find a debate by individuals I respect, though don't necessarily agree with, I will participate.
Ultimately, even if you think Muslims are capable of a "reformation" that would make it compatible or able to co-exist with the West, then you have recognize the principles that need to be reformed. Reformation isn't possible if you deny the violence and subjugation that defines Islam as it was originally written.
You can't understand Islam unless you understand the Muslim Brotherhood.
You can't understand Islam unless you understand what Sharia law is.
You don't understand Islam unless you realize that it dictates all aspects of your life. From law, to politics, to relationships, and even business and finance. It is not compatible with our constitution or any Western government.
You responded to it, but you didn't answer it, that's why I added the emphasis. Imposition of Sharia through political, "democratic and non-violent means."
I suggest that you actually research those countries.
Turkey is sliding back into Sharia at a very alarming rate. Which is very upsetting since it has long been the "hope" of the West that demonstrated the Muslim communities ability to live with a secular government.
The violence from Muslims directed at the Orthodox Christians in that country is also becoming very intense.
And if you look in Mali and Kazakhstan, Sharia law is creeping in through the foreign Muslims. And with is, so is the violence directed at pagans and the people of the book.
And this is the naivety I spoke of before.
You're making the fundamental mistake of viewing Islam with a Western perspective. Sharia is NOT the same as the ten commandments.
I've outlined some of this already.
Sharia is not a moral code. Islam is not just a religion, it's a complete theo-political system. Perhaps you can answer this for me, we'll start out easy, how would you work dhimmitude into the constitution? Islam preaches Islamic supremacism, not tolerance and equality.
Do not believe the creeping Sharia, the incrementalist lies that you've probably been exposed to. Incrementalism is usually a tactic used by people not powerful enough to force a conversion.
I want to address another point here, one you keep repeating.
Why do you automatically dismiss anything that is views or examines Islam critically?
I mentioned Robert Spencer in another thread and you reflexively launched an ad hominem attack on him. Have you read any of his work? If you don't want to invest the time, have you ever listened to him speak on the subject of Islam? He's an EXCELLENT resource and well worth your time to read. His work is well researched, sourced, and documented.
This is reinforced by the efforts of terrorist groups like CAIR to silence him and their ability to actually point out what he's said that is historically or theologically untrue.
I'll stand by my statement earlier,
The Complete Infidels Guide to the Koran is an excellent
primer book for Westerners to read. Your study doesn't end with that book. But I highly suggest everyone read it.
And, I want to add one more thing.
I don't remember where in the process it was, the Barbary Pirates.
Those events in American history also inspired me to learn more, and began teaching me a lot about the "Religion of Peace."
I presume you're familiar with the United States history with the Barbary pirates. If not, you'll certainly look it up.
