How significant is the threat from radical Islam? The answer to that question depends on the numbers and percentages. All of us would agree that most Muslims in the U.S. are peace-loving. They are here because they want to enjoy the same benefits of a free society that the rest of us enjoy.
So what is the percentage of those who mean us harm? Columnist Douglas MacKinnon has some chilling statistics. While he recognizes that most Muslims in the U.S. are peace-loving, he begins to break down the percentages. For example, he says that if we “accept that there are six million Muslim-Americans in our country, and 99 percent of them are law abiding citizens who are loyal to our nation, then that means that there may be one percent who might put a twisted version of Islamic extremism before the wellbeing of their fellow Americans.”
When I have talked about Islam and asked people to estimate how many Muslims in the U.S. would fit the definition of radical, the estimates are usually in that ballpark. But even a low percentage like that leads to some startling conclusions. It turns out that one percent of six million is sixty thousand individuals!
Imagine if you are the Secretary of Homeland Security and have to pay attention to sixty thousand individuals. That is an overwhelming number when you begin to consider what many people could do in this country.
So some people suggest that even one percent is too high a percentage. So they suggest that the percentage is perhaps one-tenth of one percent. As Douglas MacKinnon puts it, let’s “say that 99.9 percent of all Muslim-Americans would never turn on their own government.” That would still leave a questionable one-tenth of one percent – or six thousand potential terrorist sympathizers.
Let’s once again acknowledge that most Muslims in this country mean us no harm. But it is the remaining percentage that concerns government officials. So we need to pray for those in authority that they will be wise and use discernment when it comes to dealing with radicals among us.
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
When it comes to what threatens us:
- Our own abortion clinics kill more of our babies than any Muslim.
- Our own left wing militias (Street Gangs) Shoot more of us than than any terrorist group.
- Our own drug dealers poison more of us than any nations chemical weapons
- Our own sexual imorality infects more of us than anybody's biological weapons.
Of the things in this world that threaten us, Muslims are not even on my radar scope.
As Nero set out to exterminate the early Church, can you name any verse where Paul talks about "The Roman Threat?" Click here to reply to this post
Re: The Muslim Threat
Posted On: 11/01/07 08:47:36 AM
Age 51, OH
What faulty logic!
Let's assume that most Americans are non - violent, but one percent wants to kill abortion doctors. That means that 270,000 Americans (many of whom are assumed Christian) want to commit illegal murder.
Let's assume that percentage is too high, and really only one-tenth of a percent want to kill abortion doctors. Then there are still 27,000 people that law-enforcement officers must constantly monitor.
See the absurdity in those thoughts and numbers? They are identicle to those in this article.
I agree with Mr. Anderson that no one knows the numbers or percetages. To arbitrarily make one up based on... "people estimating how many Muslims in the U.S. would fit the definition of radical" is terribly irresponsible.
Who are these people? How are they qualified to know? Did you ask people who assuredly held your opinion becasue they are drawn to the same groups/ gatherings/events that you attend? How many Muslims did you ask?
I am not a Muslim, I am a Christian and I realize Muslims are lost without Christ. However articles like this discredit the author and the website.
I have been a long-time reader of these articles, but left several months ago because of the legalism and divisiveness promoted on these pages.
I came back today on a whim to see if there has been any change. There has not.
The first 2 articles I see are one slinging mud at "Focus on the Family" (who without question has stood the test of time ministering and supporting millions of Christian families - including most of your readers) and this poorly concieved article.
This time, sadly, I'm gone for good.
Sadly, because you guys could do so much better. Yet, you hide behind the disclaimer - "Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site"
Yet the fact that an article is on this site is tacit approval. I'm guessing you've withheld every article written by a Muslim or atheist (or Democrat for that matter) on this site.
So much for the "healthy and friendly debate" you claim to desire in your disclaimer.
Again, You guys could do so much better! My time, suppport, and energy, will be spent in places that are doing just that. Good-bye.
And please don't put me on you "email alert system" as required punishment for expressing this opinion. Click here to reply to this post
Re: The Muslim Threat
Posted On: 11/01/07 08:15:38 AM
Age 61, MO
Why do you seek to single out Muslims as a threat to the U.S.? This site has an article entitled "What if 20 million illegals were to leave the U.S.?" Islam is the least of the U.S. problems. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
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