One of the widest perceptions in the Western world, especially after the attacks of September 11, is that Islam's holy book, the Quran, promotes conflict, violence and bloodshed. Is this true, and how does violence in the Quran compare with violence in the Bible?

::::::::

Riz Khan of Al Jazeera holds a video discussion on the level of violence in both the Bible and Quran (Koran), with brief inclusion of the Torah, as well as a hard look at how misperceptions, as well as quotes taken out of context, are being manipulated to promote war propaganda on all sides. One can point to a violent passage in the Bible, Torah or Quran to then claim that that Holy Book, and thus religion, is a purveyor of violence.

Interviewed are a leading biblical scholar, Philip Jenkins, and Shaker Elsayed, the imam of Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Centre in the US and former secretary general of the Muslim American Society.

The original Al Jazeera post can be seen HERE

Submitter: Mac McKinney

Submitters Bio:
I am a student of history, religion, exoteric and esoteric, the Humanities in general and a tempered advocate for the ultimate manifestation of peace, justice and the unity of humankind through self-realization and mutual respect, although I am not a pacifist, nor do I believe in peace at any price, which is no peace at all but only delays inevitable conflict. There are times when the world must act. Planetary consciousness is evolving, but there are many retrograde forces that would drag us back down.

I have also written one book, a combination of poetry, photography and essays entitled "Post Katrina Blues", my reflections on the Gulf Coast and New Orleans two years after Katrina struck. Go to the store at http://sanfranciscobaypress.com/ to purchase. And I also have a blog called Plutonian Mac.