The Jihad against Muslims.

Cathy Young should inform herself better about the views of the people she criticizes ("The Jihad Against Muslims," June). Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch has stated clearly that he is in favor of reform from within Islam's ranks, and he acknowledges that there are moderate Muslims. But he disputes the idea that Islam itself is either doctrinally or historically moderate. Consequently, reform will require the repudiation of certain well-established tenets of Islamic theory and practice. In support of this view, he cites multiple references from all major branches of Islamic doctrine, scholarship, and jurisprudence.

In Spencer's own words, "The difference is actually this: if a Lutheran preacher in 1520 said, 'the Church teaches transubstantiation, and that is wrong" he would have been a reformer (leaving aside the question of the legitimacy of the reform, which has nothing to do with my point). If he had said, 'the Church has never taught transubstantiation,' he would not have been a reformer. He would have been a deceiver."

People like the Saudis, bin Laden, the Taliban, and the Iranians are not cobbling together an ahistorical and perverse version of their faith to justify their objectives. Their actions are firmly supported by Islamic theory and practice. Such need not be Islam's future, but as Spencer notes, denying these elements makes reform impossible.

Statements in both testaments of the Bible have, of course, been misused, and Christians in particular have acted badly throughout the centuries. The Bible makes reference to conquest and genocide and intolerance. But you have to work very hard to find a New Testament reference that specifically commands Christians to kill non-Christians. And you can't find any statement alleged to have been made by Christ that does so.

Anthony Mirvish

Toronto, ON