Angelo--Thanks for trying to bring some perspective to this issue. We have our own brand of religious extremism right here in America. Those Christians who think it's okay to kill doctors who provide abortions as well as those who work in clinics are just as extremist as any Muslim. Many of my friends and acquaintances have been victimized by these anti-choice zealots. Yet, many think that those who call themselves Christians are good people. However, I know many Christians who don't think this kind of extremism has anything to do with what it means to follow the teachings of Christ.

To paraphrase the Bible, those who think Muslims are the only extremists need to remove the beams from their own eyes.

Diane--Thank you for those wonderful pearls of wisdom. I’m so choked up right now I can hardly type. OBL, in his wildest dreams, can only imagine of causing the same kind of death toll of innocent life in this country that the abortion culture has racked up.

Jonathan--You never disappoint. I knew someone was going to bring up the issue of the abortion rate. It's not surprising that it was you who did--and so sarcastically, to boot. Of course, you left out the world wide abortion rate and the rate of abortions in the USA pre-Roe v. Wade. Some people think, wrongly, that women started having abortions only after 1973 in this country. A little research into the topic will prove otherwise.

Those who are opposed to abortion not only have a right to have that opinion; they also have a right to speak out against it. They don't have a right to harass, harm, or kill the already born in the name of their beliefs.

Thanks Diane for your comments. You get the point of my blog. People try to stereotype all Muslims as being extremists, when Christians and other religions have their own extremists. Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists, and any other groups will have their extremists. I think it's just a weakness of human nature. I think Pakistan's blasphemy laws and Uganda's proposed anti-homosexuality law are just ways in which the majority can legally harass any minority groups into submission.

You and Jonathan have had this ongoing debate for some time and I'm sure you can defend your opinions very well without my help.

Jonathan, I'm curious to know your opinion about something. What's your opinion on some Christian groups supporting Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill? Do you think gays and lesbians should suffer the death penalty or spend life in prison? Should Christians support the harassment of any marginalized group?

Radical extremists, of whatever shade or flavor, seldom recognize their own extremism. There is no middle ground for them and compromise is unthinkable. It is either their way or no way.

Jesus, in no way advocated such extremism as many Christians of today display.

It ia only the marvelous, amazing Grace of God that makes me any more acceptable to Him than the vilest most wicked person you can identify. Billy Graham nor the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church are any better, withot Christ, than theives or murderors in the world.

Thanks Ken. You're right about extremists. It can apply to individuals as well as groups. We all can be guilty at times of being extreme of something due to our human natures. From the people in the highest offices in the land to the people to the lowliest positions, we all have our human fallibilities. I appreciate both your comments and Diane's.

Many of the things that we associate with extreme Islam (the subjugation of women, the anti-semitism, the intolerance of differing views) has also been true of extremist Christians in our history. But many Christians have struggled to make amends for the sins of those extremist elements, and are trying to live up to the true spirit of Jesus. In the same way many Muslims reject the extremist Islamists ideology and are trying to practice a better more tolerant Islam.

We shouldn't define a religion by the actions of an extremist minority, whether it be Islam or Christianity.

"We shouldn't define a religion by the actions of an extremist minority, whether it be Islam or Christianity."

I definitely agree with this. I define Christianity by the life of Jesus and by those of my friends who are peace and justice-seeking Christians. I also know Muslims who hate what people like Osama bin Laden do.

As for my "debate" with Jonathan, I'm not sure it's necessary to defend my opinions. He will never agree with my point of view. I state them so he and others will know not everyone agrees with them. There's no point in debating when two people are so far apart.

Thanks Diane for your comment. I meant no offense. I just notice that whenever you make a comment, Jonathan seems to stalk you and always gives a sarcastic remark. I think your replies are always forceful and to the point.

I used to debate with conservative friends when I was younger and I actually gained a greater understanding of their philosophy, even if I still disagreed with them. I really don't have those type of conversations anymore, other than talks that I've had with my brother-in-law. The thing with him though is that he respects people with different points of view and he can articulate his point of view without any snarky or sarcastic remarks.

Most conversations I've had lately with conservatives have been two monologues going past each other rather than dialogues. And they're like the comments I often read from Jonathan, lots of sarcasm and smart mouth remarks. Sometimes he writes some thoughtful remarks and I used to try to understand where he's coming from. When I read some of his replies to you though, I'm less and less likely to make any attempt to listen.

I can't help thinking that if our mainstream media prominently featured Aasia's story, then Pakistan would be too internationally embarassed to execute her. Our media might lend the same help to similarly oppressed Copts in Egypt, and other Christians in the Arab world, not to mention gays in Christian Uganda, and so on.

Instead, they have much better things to do, like analyzing the Royal Wedding in Britain or looking for ways to credit Bush's crew with getting bin Laden. The last is a hard task, I admit. Still, when an American was going to get a whipping for vandalism in Singapore a decade or so ago, they found plenty of time to get excited about that.

Angelo--I wasn't offended. That's the problem with communicating on the Internet. Nuances get lost. For some reason, certain types of people among those who disagree with me think that harassing me will make me change my opinions. Instead they could egage me in dialogue that could develop into something useful. For example, for the past year or so, every time the Wichita Eagle prints one of my letters, I get a bill for a magazine subscription under a weird name with my address on it. I think this kind of thing is considered fraud, and I'm not the only one who gets these bogus bills, but there's no way to catch these people. As far as I'm concerned that's a cowardly thing to do and it sure doesn't lead to constructive dialogue.

The only time I have ever had good dialogue with conservatives was when I was teaching in the English Department at Butler Community College. We English instructors would gather around the table in the office at lunch and have some really good discussions based on our differing opinions. No one got mad and we all listened to each other. We also laughed a lot. We disagreed, but we respected each other. As Aretha sang, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T." That's what it's all about.

I always appreciate what you write.

Mr. Lopez; there are a lot more important things to talk about other than sex, like the economy and our national defense. But as a Christian, would I support an anti-homosexuality bill? No. Do I think homosexuals should be harassed, imprisoned, or put to death? Again, No. What people do behind closed doors in their bedrooms is private and nobody else’s business – all I asked is that we all keep it there, in the closet – I don’t wanna hear about it. I don’t feel comfortable talking about any kind of sexual behavior in public and it should never be politicized. Yes, I’ve been taught through my faith that homosexuality is a sin, and like all sin, should be avoided. The gay lifestyle, like the sin of premarital sex, is a personal choice that only the individual has to answer for to God in the end.

Are you even paying attention, Jonathan? This blog wasn't about sex or homosexuality.

Peter, when we are talking about extremism, sex is a major area where extremists wallow about.

Jonathan, I agree that what takes place in one's bedroom is private and should not be open to scrutiny by the neighbors or the government. But, when you are denied civil rights that others have because someone knows your sexual practices or choices is another matter. The extremists on both sides of this issue are out of line. A heterosexual teacher is out of line when they advocate their lifestyle in the public classroom, the same as the homosexual teacher. Discussing the reality of sexual orientation, etc. in a classroom, when it is done properly is not wrong. It is wrong when the one who appears to be in authority is making judgment of choice on religious grounds.

Extremism on what ever the issue is not productive.

An example of civil rights denial in the army is very evident with the don't ask don't tell policy.

When the heterosexuals come in after a night out the discussion is quite graphic with all the details and descriptions of the conquest. But if the homo even lets out a peep about his or her night out, it is a courtmartial offense and they are booted out of the military.

Society, in general, has no big issue with heterosexual promiscuity and accept the livein arrangements, the divorce and remarriage status of people. But, the gay or lesbian indiscretions and promiscuity is abhorent and intolerable.

This is usually backed by religious canon (both Christian and Muslim). I'm not too sure the homosexuals are in any more danger of God's wrath (if you call it that) than the heterosexuals, who don't live by the Biblical or Koran standards.

Again, to make this issue a part of the original post, the extremists on both sides of the sexual orientation and practice standards of society have put this issue on the front burner. Politicians are lining up their support from one side or the other. This kind of extremism is definitely obstructing society's ability to deal with economic issues, environmental issues, etc.

We now have a governor in KS that made the statement that sexual orientation was the most important and critical issue facing our nation. That locked in a large segment of his electorate who were so extreme on this issue that nothing else mattered on how he voted.

Mr. Tramel, r u paying attention? Read comment #4 from Mr. Lopez. He wanted my opinion on a homosexuality issue. If u don't like my answer on the topic, well, so b it.

Thanks Peter, Ken and Jonathan for your replies. My original post was about religious extremism, but Ken is right that a lot of extremism is focused on sexual issues, whether it be the subjugation of women or the issue of homosexuality.

Ken, I appreciate your thoughtful and moderate response. I have a feeling that you and I have some differences on this issue, but I respect your opinions. From the perspective of some people, I may be the radical or extremist for my advocacy of full gay rights. When I argue forcefully in my blogs I may be preaching to the choir. Ken may have the tougher task of being a moderate voice between two groups (Gays and Christians) that are often hostile towards each other.

I think moderate voices like Ken's are needed. I may not totally agree with him, but Ken is fair and tries to understand different views.

Thank you Jonathan for your reply. I'm glad that you don't condone the kind of law that is being considered in Uganda. My blog is not so much about homosexuality, but more about how both Islam and Christianity have their extremist elements. Since Christian leaders in Uganda are strongly lobbying for this bill to pass, I think other Christians must speak out against the bill. Both Uganda's anti-gay bill and Pakistan's blasphemy law are manifestations of religious extremism.

I agree with you Peter that I hope the media eventually focuses on what happens to minorities in Pakistan, Uganda and Egypt. You should blog about it for us here in Everyday Citizen.