Considering the recent events in Paris, I wasn't too excited to read this chapter. I understand that ISIS does not represent all Muslims, but I found this chapter to be a classic case of "too soon". That being said, I did learn a few things. I did not know that Islam originally started with many deities and gradually witted down to one all powerful god (Allah). I also did not know that Muslim means "one who submits". I'm unsure if that is just a rough translation or if it's precise, because if it is precise wouldn't that mean that the word Muslim can be used in context outside of religion?
I found it humorous that the Quran's message calls out all of the other religions for deviating from what Muhammad perceive's as the correct path. The points that it makes about the other religions are valid from an analytical standpoint, but in doing so it just sounds like the typical "my religion is right and yours is wrong" statement. The problem I face with having any faith is that in the past and present we mostly hear about the negative parts of religion. Killing in the name of an invisible god would sound like schizophrenia to a psychologist. This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able to?
Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?
Then he is malevolent?
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?
-Epicurus
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