We often hear about extremists these days. But just what is an extremist? I view them as those that believe wholeheartedly, 100% of the time in whatever theology or ideology they profess. The same could be said for any interest they may practice. IE; music, art or poetry. Taking it to the extreme.

It’s rather a strange thing, this extremism, when we are talking about religions. I pointed out that Jesus was the most extreme Christian there has ever been. We are told to “be like Jesus” to be extreme in our belief. In Christianity that is certainly the ideal, the ultimate goal, one so exalted we are told we can never achieve that.

Now take the religion of Islam. Well, first off, it isn’t really a religion it is an ideology. Yes, they are quite different. Ideology involves political theory and economic policies. Religion, by contrast, is focused solely on belief in a higher power. Islam is known for its’ “extremists.” Is that a good thing? Depends I suppose, on your point of view.

I often point out the 109 “sword” verses in the Quaran. I’m told repeatedly that real “Muslims” do not believe in those verses. Well, at least they don’t practice them, so I shouldn’t be concerned about them. Only the extremists do that stuff! So, to be an extreme Muslim would have to be a bad thing? Isn’t that the message?

Would being an extreme Christian be equally as bad? I’m no biblical scholar; I have read the book: both testaments in fact. In the Old Testament there are quite a few passages involving violent actions, an eye for an eye and slaying your enemies, all of that stuff. That is often pointed out to me in my discussions.

My response to that is, the New Testament is like the amendments to the United States constitution. The old laws have been clarified, amended and instituted. The old laws are there for reference, for context and understanding. Those folks in the Old Testament weren’t Christians, they were Hebrews.

Some of those Hebrews were extremists! It can be argued some still are to this day. Ask the Palestinians about that, from their point of view. Personally, I think defending your homeland isn’t an extreme thing at all. But I’m not going to discuss all of that in this essay.

I’m just wondering about this. The Bible is the textbook for the Christians. Specifically, the New Testament, the amendments to the Old Testament, is what directs the actions of Christians. There are no verses I’m aware of in that New Testament that directs Christians to attack, rob, subjugate, tax or enslave anyone that doesn’t believe in Jesus.

I wonder why the Muslims haven’t amended their Quaran in a similar fashion? Mohamed said the angel Gabriel spoke to him over a period of 23 years. Instructions were received, as necessary, in response to current events. But since 632 CE, there has been no revisions or amendments, nothing has changed.

If you are a Muslim and follow the Quaran as written you are an extremist! I can’t see it any other way, I have to take your word for it. I have never heard any Muslim say, I don’t believe in that part of the Quaran, nor have I heard any Christian say, I don’t believe in that part of the New Testament.

That’s simply because you can’t say that and be a believer! It’s an all or nothing thing! That’s what belief is! Either you do or you don’t. As a Christian when I fail to obey, the punishment is on me, same with being a Muslim I would assume.

The big difference, as far as I can see, is that as a Muslim I am bound to do very bad things to the non-believers, the infidels! There are 109 verses instructing me to do just that to secure my place in heaven. I get rewarded for those acts! As a Christian the opposite is true, if I hurt others, I’m not getting that reward!

I have heard Muslims that insist those 109 verses are only there as a last resort. That is the only time they should be used, that there’s is a religion of peace. Well, if that is the case why not amend that Quaran, point out that killing the infidels isn’t really the right thing to do.

I believe Muslims need to hear that from their religious leaders. I realize that puts them between a hard and a hard spot. Hard to preach that you should only believe some of the book. Are there verses in the New Testament that I should be told not to follow or believe?