Giving Peace a Chance

In an unprecedented letter, Muslim leaders across the globe invite the world's Christians to the table.

By Emily Flynn Vencat | Newsweek Web Exclusive

Oct 11, 2007 | Updated: 1:07 p.m. ET Oct 11, 2007

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Discuss

Posted By: burbank @ 03/11/2008 3:00:22 AM

Comment: In the letter "A World Between Us And You", the cleric's say "As Muslims, we say to Christians we are not against them and that Islam is not against them-so long as they do not wage war against Muslims on account of their religion, or oppress them and drive them out of their homes". Which is precisely what Muslim's and their religion have been doing to Christians and Jews for over 1400 years and continues to this day. Modern day Lebanon is just one example. If Muslim's wish to engage in a positive dialogue with Christians, then they need to look at the basic tennets of their religion, which states that only Islam is the one true faith to the exclusion of all other's. And they will put to the sword those who do not conform to their ideology; or be allowed to live under Muslim rule as second class citizens. This denegration of other faiths as explained to believers by the Prophet himself warrants a critical examination of the Quran by Islamic scholars and only by this examination can Islam be reformed. And when that happens, Dar al Harab and Dar al Islam will finally be able to live in peace.
Posted By: lilevelynm @ 02/07/2008 3:25:12 PM

Comment: I don't understand why there complaints about this.. For starters it is a wonderful thing that the Muslim's have made an effort to extend the proverbial "olive branch" to the Christians. Just because you aren't waging a holy war on one another doesn't mean that you can't agree to treat one another with civility and have respect for each other's views. Besides, it's a good thing that they are making efforts to agree and spark feelings of unity if not brotherhood amongst other religions. Further still, it can be a useful tool in encouraging Christians and Muslims to learn more and appreciate each other's beliefs, rather than blast them. Just a thought......
Posted By: nawawimohamad @ 12/25/2007 9:00:09 PM

Comment: The only Christian that wages war on the Muslims at this moment is George W. Bush and with no rational reason, infact he LIED! Olmert is waging war against the Palestinians(includes both Muslims and Christians). So there is no point for the Muslim clerics, the Pope and other heads of religions to sit down to discuss what? They are not at war with each other. On second thought, Bush is also waging war on every nation and even the Vatican if the Vatican is against him. But unfortunately who ever wins the US presidential election, the same thing will happen. One can just imagine if an American were to be elected Pope!
Posted By: saudiy @ 12/24/2007 1:02:24 AM

Comment: hay .
dont kid your selves
islam is 73 defferent parts also jwish are 71 parts christyanety is 72 parts
they will never be nieghbors but since the earth is wide enoughf we dont have to be enemies
what we have in commen can be shared and what we dont can be restricted to its part
also we cant live in the same comunity like cities becouse our laws are defferent like marrege and so on
knowing that we can share what we have in commen and it is not little it is ritch.
we live under what we belive of theories and you live under what you belive of social theories that effect any of us future and needs
religions for me as i see them are foundementals and constants for society witch effects the structure of comunity.
what was proposed is less than what we have in commen
we can trade with each other, we can search and research ,we can offer ideas to each other we can also help each other .
but we never can be parts of on structure of law.
Posted By: jameskbachman @ 10/18/2007 4:30:24 PM

Comment: The Koran indicates that it is the duty of every Muslim to wage jihad. Whether that is an internal struggle with evil or a violent struggle against unbelievers will determine whether Christians and Muslims can live in peace.
- Posted By: saudiy @ 12/24/2007 11:15:16 PM
  
  Comment: jihad is exagtly like wareout or what is in inglish woriers
  but waring some body out not nessecerly with wepons but democraticly ware out with ideas of islam
  belive me i understand islam ( and this verse is for the unbelivers inside muslem terotery at the time of
  islam rise) any way jiad includes fighting but fighting dosen,t include jihad, other wise how islam says to us to wage jihad on our selves.
Posted By: skd500 @ 10/15/2007 9:21:33 PM

Comment: In days where I feel that the presence and purpose of a Higher power is being so oppressed and controlled, and thrown into tumultuous conflict, it is so enlightening to see that the hope of the world's religious leaders can come together in peace and unity restoring my faith in men and in the world around us.

If we look at all the tenets of these religions, they are all teaching us similar lessons, and it is the lessons of tolerance and brotherly love and understanding that are the foundations of all faith-driven people.

In a world consumed by hate and devastation in the news, it is refreshing to know that there are a few good men who are in the world willing to work for peace and justice and equality, rather than totalitarian domination.

I think what they are doing is remarkable, beautiful, and respectful, and the Higher power, whatever your belief, only gives you what you deserve to hear, have, and see......it is refreshing to see people uniting for the good of all men and women. Thank you for restoring my hope.....Thank you for allowing my opinion-skd500

How much further could we be now, if we could have been so inspired as a people long before this......I believe that there is a Plan from a higher power, and these men are the first steps in a long journey back from the chasm. It is through peace, understanding, equality, and brotherhood, that healing will come