After we mentioned in class the accusations towards Islam of forced conversions, and the fact that Christianity was in fact more prone to forced conversions, I came across another thought. The allegation that Islam is inherently violent seems a bit absurd when one considers that, according to the Old Testament, the Hebrews in ancient times would routinely sweep into a new region and wipe out entire populations.

Judaism has clearly changed drastically since its early days; even if Islam had been violent in its beginnings, it seems odd that so many people refuse to see that such is not the case today. Perhaps the very fact that Islam was never inherently violent is what drives its detractors to denounce it so staunchly, in order to avoid noticing the truth.