Is Islam, the religion of Muslims, a bad thing?
The answer flies in the face of what many people think

With the election of Burak Obama as President of the United States, it's important to know a bit about the Muslim religion. Contrary to much of the pre-election propaganda that has been circulated, and very importantly, Burak is not a Muslim, he is Christian. A quick search of Snopes will dispel all of the rumors. Although Burak's father was raised Muslim, he was never from a radical Muslim family. This does not say though, that he does not understand the Muslim way of thinking, which is a very important trait for the President these days.

There are Muslims that strictly adhere to the daily call to prayer. Others go only on Friday, when it's required. Kind of like any other religion; you do what suits you.

We made friends with one young man who helped carry our groceries. I told him that I didn't want to offend him by asking him to carry the wine we had bought. He didn't quite understand what I was saying. I said You're Muslim, aren't you? "Yes", he replied. I responded with This is alcohol. I don't want to offend you. His answer was, with a sly smile, "Well, I am not a perfect Muslim. I drink beer." In his defense, he was only 23 years old.

While much of Islam appears to be Christian, the basis and center of their religion is Mohammed, not Jesus Christ.

Turkey is 99% Muslim, and has been friends with the United States for many years. We hear about the Muslim Fundamentalists that blow up people and buildings. Yes, there are bad Muslims.

We also hear about the Christian Fundamentalists that blow up abortion clinics. Yes, there are bad Christians.

The Spanish Inquisition was orchestrated by Holy Men. Jesus was crucified by Holy Men. Face it: any religious fanatic can be dangerous.

One of our friends (previously Muslim) is now Christian. He mentioned that one of the things about Islam, is that the religion is still deeply rooted in the 1400's, and has not evolved with the times.

Islam is rooted in total submission without any questioning. It controls the religious, civil, and every other aspect of ones life via the Sharia' which is the religious law. Of course many of the Muslims are moderates and really generous people, unfortunately the extremism has been brewing for decades and is taught in many of their Madras' (religious schools).

My father tried to convince me that it was the responsibility of any good Muslim to kill Christians. Him, not being Muslim, was not exactly in a good position to dictate what was in the minds of "Good" Muslims. He'd been listening to the drivel that floats around on the Internet. God rest his soul. I hope he has the answer where he is now, but I just could never agree with him on that point.

Our journey here has reinforced the fact that there are more good Muslims than bad. I'll never say that all Muslims are good. It's just that most people are, in their hearts, good people that wish well to others. That's what being a good Muslim or a good Christian... a decent human being... means.