Apostasy

[level_head]

There is precisely one religion on the planet now that broadly teaches, in every country where it holds sway, that leaving the religion is a crime. In many of the countries, this crime earns capital punishment (see the map below). But there are apostasy apologists …

One subtlety to keep in mind in any discussion of Islamic rulings, including and

Comments

[prester_scott]

For the benefit of anyone reading: here is a more thorough treatment of the subject of abrogation in Islam. The majority view seems to be to accept it at face value, but the more you dig into it the thornier it gets.

Regarding punishment for apostasy: note also that in some majority Muslim countries, even though apostasy is not a capital crime, the convert's own family members or associates will kill him or her, and the authorities will treat them lightly or look the other way. In fact, ex-Muslims are at risk from this quarter even in non-Muslim countries.

Finally, if Islamic theology interests you at all, you may want to read the following on the subject of the "Open Letter to ISIS," written by Islamic scholars on why ISIS is supposedly wrong. The last, by Robert Spencer, I find most persuasive.
http://goo.gl/4vlfAo
http://goo.gl/EGlexV
http://goo.gl/Q28UR5

[harvey_rrit]

I have for some time been toying with the notion that "Allah" is actually Ares.

[vik_thor]

you know, i sorta like this idea…

[harvey_rrit]

Haven't come up with a story for it yet. Too much on the stove already.

[level_head]

Some would consider this Allah more reason to go to war.

==============/ Keith DeHavelle