I've been thinking lately about why it is that we rarely, if ever, hear any outcry or condemnation from the general muslim population of Islamic terrorists who have "hijacked a peaceful religion".  My thoughts to follow are simply a starting point while I think on these things further, look at the facts, and do more research on the matter.

I believe that it is probably for the same reason Christians, the majority at least, support Israel in their fight for survival against these thugs. The Christian bible includes the Old Testament - or the Jewish scriptures and the New Testament - letters and epistles written by the Apostles to the early Church. As a Christian, I believe what God says about His own word (the bible), that it is inherent and inspired by Him.  From this perspective, it is a no brainer to support Israel because of what God's word says about Israel - it's history and future as His chosen people via Abraham, through whom God would bless all nations through the perfect sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ.  Part of the history of Israel includes being commanded by God to completely destroy the heathens living in the land of Cannan, the land promised to the nation of Israel in God's covenant with Abraham. Since I believe the bible to be God's word, I belive all of it, and don't pick and choose what parts I like and don't like to serve my own purposes.

By contrast .... or comparison .... the Koran teaches both about peace and violence as well. The peaceful passages in the Koran were written when Mohammed was militarily weak. What kind of idiot goes around calling for the destruction and slaughter of un-believers and apostates when he has no assurance that he can back it up. Most who do get beaten to a pulp - and I think through the last 30 or 40 years, we've seen some small dictators take their shots at the United States and pay the price in some form or another. On the flip-side of course, the militant or violent side of the teachings of the Koran were written when Muhammed was militarily strong. These I believe are the more truthful teachings of the Koran.

So why do "moderate" muslims hold their tongue, or worse yet, protest any kind of retaliation on the part of the U.S. and Israel? It is because although they may seek to live their lives according to the more peaceful teachings of the Koran, deep down, they know they can't pick and choose what part of the Koran they will follow, they know that these terrorists have not perverted an otherwise "peaceful religion", and will support their muslim brethren before speaking out against them. I truly believe that these so called "moderate" muslims, particularly those living here in the U.S. - alien, naturalized, or American born - who only wish to live in peace and on any given day, do not wish harm on those they live nextdoor to, work with, or go to school with. 

If I belive one bibical scripture, but don't believe another because I don't like it or it doesn't serve my purposes, then what power does my faith hold for me? None. The same goes for those who follow the muslim faith.

Does my analysis above mean that I hate muslims? Certainly not. As a Christian, I love them as those who were made in the image of God just as myself. I love them as sinners (just as I am) for whom Jesus willingly gave himself on the cross and shed His precious blood to save (just as he did for me.) And just for good measure, my understanding of the teachings of the Koran are not speculation and personal opinion: My in-laws (including a large extended family) are all from the Middle-East, and although Christians, grew up going to school being required to read and learn the Koran and meeting as Christians underground for fear of persecution.

Like I said at the start, I acknowledge that this is a fairly raw piece, and I will seek to clarify or enhance any comments that need it in future pieces.