Islam, Judaism and Christianity

WHY DO THEY HATE US?
Six Reasons for Muslim Animosity toward Jews and Christians
pdf (136 pages)
Dr. Paul Manuel—2003

Contents

	Preface	2
I.	Introduction	3
II.	A Brief History of Islam	4
	A. Its Inception
	B. Its Expansion
	C. Its Opposition
III.	The Main Beliefs of Islam	6
	A. The Pillars of Islam
	B. The Authority of Islam
	Frame: The Principle of Naskh	7
IV.	The Hostile Attitudes of Islam	10
	Frame: Jews and Christians under Islamic Rule	10
	A. Why do Muslims hate Jews?
	Frame: Differences between the Quran and the Old Testament	11
	Frame: Differences between the Quran and the New Testament	12
	Frame: The Seven Rewards of Martyrdom	13
	B. Why do Muslims hate Americans?
	Frame: Islamic View of the World	19
	Frame: Other Reasons for Muslim Animosity toward America	23
V.	A Constructive Response to Islam	27
	A. What can we do Nationally?
	B. What can we do personally?
	Frame: How Does the Kingdom Come?	32
	Frame: How Does "Love Your Enemies Apply"?	33
VI.	Conclusion	36
	Bibliography	37
	Endnotes	37

Preface

This study began in response to a question one of my parishioners asked after the horrific attacks of 9/11 —"Why do they hate us?" Although I had some understanding of the answer, having lived in Israel and come close to being a casualty of terrorism, I decided to research the matter more carefully. Some of this material, especially quotations from contemporary sources, I chose not to update with recent examples, because they still illustrate the thesis, and those who hate us continue to wish us harm.

In fact, now, more than a decade later, the animosity of Muslims toward the West remains as fervent as ever. Some have attempted to finesse the conflict by drawing a distinction between radical Islam, whose proponents allegedly represent only a fringe element, and the vast majority of moderate adherents to the 'religion of peace' (n. 160; an oxymoron, given its tenets). This bifurcation is largely artificial and is akin (absent the violent elements) to the difference between conservative and liberal Christians, where the former take the documents of their faith at face value and the latter are selective in what they choose to believe. The two portions of Islam are similarly disposed toward their sacred texts, with some adhering to them closely and others adhering to them only loosely.

So-called 'moderate' Islam is an artificial construct—useful, even necessary, for the West, lest it antagonize and alienate all Muslims—but such a construct is not representative of the religion's core beliefs (e.g., "How Does the Kingdom Come?" p. 90). In other words, it is the radical portion of Islam, those waging Jihad against the US and Israel, that most closely represents the teachings of Muhammad and the Koran. To be sure, some terrorists may be insincere followers and may regard Islam as a useful foil for their activities, but they still justify their violent actions in the same way as do sincere followers.

Given how little has changed in Islam (and there should be no expectation of change), the material herein continues to be relevant, even without an update.

Dr. Paul Manuel

2014

For the complete paper see the pdf here (136 pages).