The Rise of Radical Islam & Western Societies .

 The West Doesn't Understand Extreme Islamism 

"John speaks with Islam scholars Dr. Mark Durie and Dr. Richard Shumack to explore the complex relationship between Islam and Western culture, drawing a contrast between Muhammad’s leadership, shaped by military endeavors, and Jesus’s Gospel of peace. They discuss how Islam’s foundational texts—the Quran and Hadiths—emphasise submission and sacred struggle, which stands in tension with Western values like freedom and the rule of law. A lack of theological literacy in the West obscures the roots of current challenges, including Hamas’ extremism and rising anti-Semitism.  "The dialogue examines broader differences, contrasting Islam’s historical pursuit of authority with the West’s vitality, rooted in principles of love and rational inquiry. Dr. Durie and Dr. Shumack observe that Islam's narratives of victimhood and a rejection of modernity hinders progress, while Christianity’s call to "love your enemies" fosters resilience and growth. "Dr Mark Durie is a pastor and academic. He writes and speaks on a wide range of topics which include the connection between faith and culture, freedom of religion, the persecution of religious minorities, and the origin and history of Islam. A graduate of the Australian National University and the Australian College of Theology, he has held visiting appointments at the University of Leiden, MIT, UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, and Stanford and also held a variety of positions during the 1980’s and 1990’s at Melbourne University. He was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 1992 for his work in linguistics. He is the author of Double Minded and The Third Choice.
"Dr Richard Shumack is a philosopher of religion specialising in Muslim and Christian belief. He teaches regularly on ministry in Muslim contexts in Australian colleges, universities, churches and schools. He is the author of Jesus Through Muslim Eyes and Witnessing to Western Muslims." . . .

The Blogs: The Rise of Radical Islam & Western Societies . . . "But for all the daunting obstacles ahead, there is also reason for hope. The vast majority of people in Western societies, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, reject the poison of radicalism and hatred. They believe in the promise of liberty, democracy, and human rights, and are willing to work hard to build a future of greater opportunity and understanding for all. By reaffirming these universal values, by standing united against bigotry and extremism in all their forms, and by investing in the hard work of integration and community-building, Western societies can emerge stronger, more cohesive, and better equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The stakes could not be higher, nor the urgency greater, for the fight against radical Islamism, anti-Semitism, and the forces of division is nothing less than a battle for the soul of Western civilization itself."