To not understand why someone from the UK with a British education would want to join an extremist organisation

[Wowthishurtsalot]

I don't understand it. Moreso if they are 2nd and older generation British who could have conversations with their elders as to why they emigrated to the UK and the hope they had when they came here.

What is the attraction?

Attacks by Muslims are more widely reported than those by others religions, that does not mean that the "roots and ideaology" of terrorism is Islam.

For example, this link States that I over 90% of terrorist attacks on US soil were not by Muslims
www.washingtonsblog.com/2013/05/muslims-only-carried-out-2-5-percent-of-terrorist-attacks-on-u-s-soil-between-1970-and-2012.html

It also important to point out that it is not really about religion, but geography. Al Quaida, ISIS etc have all sprung up in countries where the religion happens to be predominantly Muslim. The instability of the host country, and it's recent history is far more pertinent than the religion.

Islams principle teaching is of peace and tolerance

Also the problem isn't religion but more the interpretation of it by power hungry individuals IMO

Islams principle teaching is of peace and tolerance

It's not working very well then, is it?

Also the problem isn't religion but more the interpretation of it by power hungry individuals IMO

And female circumcisers, and forced marriage supporters etc

It's pissing off many in the Islamic community

That's bullocks. You can't define a religion by a few extremists. As you rightly pointed out it would be wrong to say "Jews kill children", defining a whole religion by the actions of a few. It is equally wrong to say Islam preaches intolerance and hatred because a some extremists happen to be Muslim.

i received a very distressing email via my church from missionaries in Northern Iraq. Isis are systematically routing out christian families and beheading the dc in front of their parents if they don't convert to Islam. the dc stand firm and won't convert so are martyred. This is very frightening.

I don't see why anyone would lie about this.

As in extremism is pissing off moderates

As in extremism is pissing off moderates

So why aren't the 'moderates' marching in the street against extremism within their communities?

They are.

Perhaps you don't have much contact with the Muslim community

But anyway. This isn't about Islam it's about general radicalisation

Like this you mean?

www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/4586-muslims-in-norway-marched-against-isis-and-extremism

Or this?

www.timesofisrael.com/german-muslims-rally-against-extremism/

Or perhaps this,?
www.dawn.com/news/661434/uk-muslims-hold-rally-against-extremism

This isn't about Islam it's about general radicalisation

Why didn't you make that absolutely clear in your original post? You KNEW what people would think.

In that case: it has happened for generations within all communities. It will continue to happen for generations within all communities. There will always be people who kick against the traces.

I will ask in the Methodist Church tomorrow if anyone has been 'methodist radicalised' lately. I wonder what their answer will be?

Janine have you studied Islam ?

I did because I was born into a Muslim family. Became an ex-muslim when I finally read the Quran in English in it's entirety along with all the other associated texts.

I too became brainwashed at the outset and became extremely devout. Somehow however, I retained a modicum of impartiality and critical thinking, while still praying, fasting etc. Eventually I turned away from the religion because many texts repulsed me as they preached hatred, violence, misogony, division and inequality.

Those same texts however have led and are leading others down the violent path of Jihad, which is a central tenet of Islam.

The cries of Islamophobia and hate speech are facile.

The 'most popular' news items on that last link are awful.

Those same texts however have led and are leading others down the violent path of Jihad, which is a central tenet of Islam.

islamicsupremecouncil.org/understanding-islam/legal-rulings/5-jihad-a-misunderstood-concept-from-islam.html?start=9

Or perhaps this,?
www.dawn.com/news/661434/uk-muslims-hold-rally-against-extremism

That was back in 2011 and he warned what would happen is Isis gained powers. But no-one much in the community listened did they, or they would have guarded against it.

many texts repulsed me as they preached hatred, violence, misogony, division and inequality

Well the Quran doesn't have the monopoly on that.
The Old Testament is brimming with all of it.
Take a drive through the US bible belt and listen to the unbridled hatred vomited over the airways by Christian radio.

And how do you suggest it can be guarded against?

As others have said this has been going on for millennia, various groups, various religions, at various times.

yes but they are not killing anyone in the way Isis are. I agree the Old Testament is harsh in places.

The Old Testament is harsh from pretty much start to end.

And how do you suggest it can be guarded against?

If one foresighted Muslim leader was warning against Isis, how come Imams, ordinary Muslims, and schools are/were not able to see what was happening to their young people. Or did they all turn a blind eye?

I'm not Muslim, Mistress but I have studied Islamist terrorism, yes. I know that whether jihad should be externally-directed and violent or not is highly contested within the religion.

Well, it has been going on for millennia but that isn't really a valid argument because once people have an education it is less forgivable.

Undecuated boy soldiers in Congo are sad and commit awful crimes but you blame their society. Young muslim men with education behind them and a future in front of them, if they wish, are a bit harder to forgive.

And that Old Testament "harshness" has been harnessed by extremist preachers in the US resulting in the deaths of pro-choice doctors and gay activists.

Anyone who considers Islam a uniquely corrupting and corruptible religion in comparison to others is deluded.