The problem with the Quran

There are indeed a large number of verses in the Quran that are harmless, and also quite a number that are very praiseworthy.

My favourite is: "There shall be no compulsion in religion"

However, we must not be fooled into thinking that the Quran is tolerant. It is necessary to understand the concept of "abrogation". This means that the earlier, tolerant verses are superceded, and cancelled out by the later, violent verses.

The Quran states:

"And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from whence they drove you out, and persecution is severer than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the recompense of the unbelievers." Quran 2.191

Have a look at my earlier postings for examples. Abrogation is described in "The Pope is a genius!".

A consideration of Mohammed's career helps to explain how this concept has come about. His career is outlined in "The Pope calls for an end to Islamic violence, and churches burn".

It is unfortunately the case that the verses of greatest relevance, that is the later non-abrogated verses, call for non-believers to be slaughtered. I truly wish that it was not so, but sadly it is.

Humanity needs peace not Islam.