Yes, Richard Dawkins also criticizes Islam and fundamentalism in his book (as far as I can remember from my reading of the book about 2 years ago) But Muslim world does not react to stuff like that. Most of the Muslim world DOES NOT READ. Intellectual debate is not what they understand or decode. But give them a cartoon and call it Mohammad and they will burn everything in anger. How many of them had ever read Satanic Verses when they went on bashing Salman Rushdie? Hardly anyone. Rushdie issue was politicized by Muslim elite powers and Salman Rushdie’s career and reputation as a writer/ speaker against fundamentalism was solidified forever. Regardless of his gifts as a writer he would be nowhere as popular and acclaimed as he is today without the controversy and fatwa. Some Muslims leaders chose to politicize his book.

Sometime ago I’d read that an American novelist wrote a sensational novel about the life of Mohammad and his wife, in which Mohammad is shown as a lustful, barbaric or in such bad light. But because the Muslim elite did not choose to politicize it, no one has ever heard of it. Too bad for the writer whose goal most probably was to market her work through the controversy.

But it is indeed notable that if there is some work that exclusively makes fun of Christianity and Jesus the Muslim world will not react angrily even though Jesus is regarded as a revered prophet in the Koran. This is because Muslims are concerned with only their version of God and their version of the Abrahamic lore.

In a similar fashion, although in the reverse, I find it odd sometimes how soft muslims can sometimes be on atheists. Consider how in 2006, there were cartoons printed in several european newspapers depicting muhammed in a negative light and there was an uproar all across the muslim world as people burned flags of the countries involved, rioted and even some people were killed as a result of it. In that same year, Richard Dawkins published his infamous ‘The God Delusion’ which attacked, not the islamic faith, but all faith and did not depict Muhamed in a bad light, but rather depicted God Himself as a terrible evil being… and yet where was the uproar in the muslim world about ‘The God Delusion?’ Why is it that so many people were so angry when someone in the west insulted Muhammed, but the response was so much milder when someone in the west insulted God Himself? The God Delusion is even being sold in bookstores in a few parts of the Muslim world, while danish embassies were burned to the ground.

I suppose Muhammed must be more important than God somehow. At the very least, there does appear to be something irrational about it.

I had a weird rash last summer which turned out to be nummular eczema. I didn’t know about licorice so thanks for mentioning that. I found that flax seed oil helped (internally) and also oils externally (neem , coconut or olive). It seemed to get better when summer ended. I also stopped wheat and switched to spelt flour bread (not as gross as it sounds). It tastes like regular bread actually. They hydrocortisone didn’t help me but it was very hot here last summer so maybe that was part of it. Thanks for an interesting blog.

Deb
Skin Rash Info
http://www.itchyskinrash.net

I am very much aware that Christianity is mostly spreading in the third world. I think it is simply because populations in those regions are still very receptive of mythological gods, religious systems and of course superstitions. I call their conversions as totally phony and fake. You can take some of the Pacific Islands in the South Pacific as examples.

They’re almost completely Christian and are actually living in old time Christianity days of ritualism, strict church attendance and literalism. But this sticking to literal Biblical commands and rules does not turn them into some kind of idyllic Christian heavens. Their little countries are full of corruption, sexual promiscuity, inefficiency, shabby work ethics and all the squalor and chaos that ensues as a result.

I would much prefer life in non Christian but peaceful Japan or a Sweden with non legalistic Christianity.

Dedee- I am just making some honest observations. We all have right to express our opinions. In no way, I am spreading hatred against any religious groups or wish that they disappear or are outlawed. But any institution, philosophy or religious system must be open to honest and conscientious criticism.