Reforming Islam remains a fantasy
Re: "For peace, there must be social cohesion regardless of belief," Letters, May 27.
It is fascinating to follow the evolution of JC Wilcox’s thinking about Islam. Originally he was assuring us that Muslims are lovely people despite the atrocities committed by occasional deviants like “Jihadi John”. And let me digress to note that many Muslims are indeed wonderful people – friendly, generous and hospitable – thanks to Islamic hospitality norms. But be a little careful if the topic of conversation happens to stray toward religion.
Now JC has come around to the idea that Muslims are okay, whereas it’s Islam itself that’s bad. Welcome to the real world, JC. Unfortunately, he ventures the pious hope that, “Reforming the belief in which Muslims are entrapped could be the answer.” Just like that, eh, JC? One snap of the fingers and the entire belief system of millions of people will be magically transformed.
As I pointed out earlier (“Why Islam cannot change,” Letters, April 2) in response to a similar fantasy of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, it is impossible to reform Islam so long as Muslims believe that Allah dictated the Koran to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. No believer would ever dare to change a single comma in such a supernatural book.
JC concludes his encyclical with another pious hope: “To achieve peace, there must be social cohesion regardless of belief.” Such insight makes me bow down in dumbstruck awe. But how do you get social cohesion from a belief system that divides humankind into believers and infidels and preaches hatred of the infidels?
Still Not a Fan of Islam
