On his TV and radio programs this week, Glenn has brought up a list of seven questions about Islam CNN asked following the Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris earlier this year. In the wake of most recent Paris terrorist attack, these questions seemed even more applicable than ever.
But are they really the right questions?
Glenn shared his reaction, offering some thoughts, answers and a slew of new questions to consider when thinking about Islam and its radical adherents.
1. DOES ISLAM ENCOURAGE VIOLENCE?
CNN's Answer: Scholars say there is rarely a direct link between religious beliefs and violent behavior. Instead, terrorism is generally caused by a complex web of factors.
Glenn's Answer: Other religions really don’t have this problem. I don’t see millions of Buddhists blowing themselves up. There are 2.2 billion Christians, and I haven’t heard of any Christian terrorist attacks lately. So, let’s deal with reality. Over 100 million Muslims do want to murder non-Muslims. Something is wrong, and it’s destabilizing the world. So, forget the hurt feelings, let’s get to the bottom of things now.
2. WHY HAVE THERE BEEN SO MANY RECENT ATTACKS BY EXTREMIST MUSLIMS?
CNN's Answer: There's no single answer. Instead, experts say there are a range of reasons, from personal motives to global movements, from ancient doctrines to modern technology... Alienated or impoverished youths... Fantasies of revenge for perceived slights... Easy access to lethal weapons.
Glenn's Answer: Well, CNN, I’d just like to point out there is poverty all around the globe, but only one really super large group has a suicidal worldview. I don’t really see Native Americans blowing things up, and they’ve been pretty “slighted” over the years. Weapons, by the way, are inanimate objects and do not convert people into extremists. Maybe it’s just me.
3. HOW DO MANY MUSLIMS FEEL RIGHT NOW?
CNN's Answer: In a word: frustrated.
Glenn's Answer: I think, CNN, that’s the wrong question. Here are some better questions. For instance, how do the people of Paris feel today? How do the people in New York City feel? How do the people in Iraq and Syria feel? How do the families of the Coptic Christians who were beheaded feel? How about the families of the passengers on the Russian airliner that was just blown up a couple of weeks ago, how do they feel? Or the families of the victims of the bombings in Beirut that happened last week, how do they feel? Or the families of 147 that were killed a couple of weeks ago in Kenya, how do they feel? Or the families of the 67 in the Nairobi mall, that massacre, how do they feel? I’m wondering, because I’m pretty sure many Muslims are frustrated, but I'm wondering if CNN could ask how those (other) people feel.
4. DOES ISLAM REALLY BAN ALL IMAGES OF THE PROPHET MOHAMMED?
CNN's Answer: In some ways, the prophet's prohibition was a reaction against the other religions circulating through Islam's Arabian birthplace. Mohammed had seen some of those faiths make idols and gods of their prophets and messengers, and wanted to ensure Muslims' attention would focus on God alone. Many modern Muslims follow that advice, and several told CNN this week that they consider any images of Mohammed to be blasphemous.
Glenn's Answer: Again, CNN, wrong question. The question should be every time there’s a cartoon of Mohammad, seems like somebody gets murdered. What the hell are you guys doing to clean up your own house on that one? That’s a good question.
5. WHY IS MOHAMMED SO IMPORTANT TO MUSLIMS?
CNN's Answer: All religions revere their founding prophets, but for many Muslims, Mohammed is not just the messenger. He's an embodiment of the perfect believer and a symbol of the faith... But Islamic tradition also emphasizes that Mohammed was just a man, as fallible as the next guy.
Glenn's Answer: [Ignored]
6. DOES ISLAM NEED A REFORMATION?
CNN's Answer: The idea of an Islamic Reformation has been building for more than a decade, with some saying that it's already ongoing and others arguing that no two religions follow the same historical path. (Christianity began its Reformation, splitting Catholics and Protestants, in the 16th century.)
Glenn's Answer: Only 100 million people want to behead or enslave or rape or behead or crucify or just blow them up. I mean, of course it needs a Reformation. Yes, the simple answer is yes. And it has to start with the truth, and the truth is there’s a problem. It’s a big problem, and it is not about poverty. It’s not about global warming. It’s not about guns. It’s not about American foreign policy. It’s not about offensive cartoons. It is about Islam.
7. HOW CAN THE EXTREMISTS BE STOPPED?
CNN's Answer: Farah Pandith, a former special representative to Muslim communities for the U.S. State Department, called extremism a "generational problem." ... "How are ISIS and Al-Qaeda building their armies? They're building their armies with recruits," Pandith said. "We have to stop the recruitment."
Glenn's Answer: Exterminate them. (Glenn made this suggestion on Facebook.)
Glenn wrapped up his monologue with the following remarks:
People will call me an Islamophobe, a bigot, a racist, all kinds of names. Because I’ve said it, some may, some day, call me dead, but that’s okay. The truth will set you free. It will make you miserable at first, but eventually it sets you free. If I have to be the adult in the room that makes sure that everybody gets their medicine, spoonful of sugar, so be it. It may be painful, but in the long run we’re all better off. Christians, Jews, gays, women --- and yes, even Muslims, will be better off with the truth.
Watch a clip from the TV show below:
More from Glenn's radio program:
