Religion of Peace

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—G.K. Chesterton, illustrating what "peace" means in this context[1]

"The Religion of Peace" is a phrase often used to describe Islam. It is widely used as an ironic snarl term by people who believe that Islam is anything but peaceful; a good example of this is the website TheReligionOfPeace.com,[2] an anti-Islamic site featuring heavy coverage of violence committed in the name of Islam.

[edit] Origins

The phrase appears to have been coined by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad, who stated in 2002 that "Islam does not promote terrorism. Islam is a religion of peace."[3] A very similar statement was made by George W. Bush the previous year, however, when he argued that "Islam is peace. These terrorists don't represent peace."[4]

Despite the Bush connection, literal (as opposed to ironic) usage of the phrase appears to be generally attributed to the political left.

[edit] Other Religions of Peace

In deciding whether Islam is a religion of peace or not, it is instructive to compare the history of Muhammad and his imperial juggernaut with that of the traditional peace churches whose members renounce war entirely, such as the Amish and other Mennonite sects, as well as the Quakers.

[edit] Footnotes

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