They ain't extinct yet?

First of all, let me preface this article by saying that I am far from an expert on Islam. The only thing that qualifies me to write this article is a handful of research and experience with Muslims. I feel that maybe a Muslim would be better equipped to tackle this issue, however it is so important to me that the Western World understand the difference between Islam and Radical Islam that I felt compelled to write this article.

In this article, I will clarify that normal Islam is as peaceful as any other mainstream religion, like Judaism and Christianity. However, that does not mean that radical...

Originally submitted for school on December 6, 2006.

PETA – Is It Really Ethical?

Who would think twice about questioning the motive of a nonprofit animal-loving organization with the word “ethical” in its title? The word “ethical” usually refers to someone who is doing the right thing. After all, who wouldn’t want to treat animals ethically?

I sat behind an avid PETA supporter one year in my high school English class. PETA, as I was later informed, was an acronym for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and was an organization dedicated to saving animals and promoting veganism....

Islam Rejects Terrorism

"Do not destroy one another" (4:29)

"Do not take any human being's life- the life which God had declared saved" (6:151)

"If anyone killed a human being it shall be as though he had killed all mankind;whereas if anyone saved a life it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind" (5:32)

"Do not act wickedly on earth by spreading coruption" (2:60)

Islam Teaches Tolerace

"Those who follow the Jewish faith, and the Christians, all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds- shall have their rewards with their sustainer; and no fear need they have...

This is an excerpt from a not-so-short story I wrote a while back (Kegel, you ought to recognize it pretty fast). The character of Simon is heavily based on a man I met randomly at my college one year, and the views expressed echo some of his thoughts almost exactly. The story about the girls and the bar and getting kicked out is a true story he told me. Anyways, I just thought I'd share that opinion here, for the sake of perspective.

From Salam (Rated PG-13-- you've been warned)

Simon held his breath before letting out a long sigh. “Before I went overseas, I can’t say I was much unlike our...