[Geek44]

And this is why I'm not religious...despite having strong 'spiritual' beliefs. I've never understood the need for a 'middle-man' (priest/Imam/whatever) in order to have a meaningful relationship with 'God' however one interprets that term. A strong moral framework is not dependent on strong religious convictions as has been claimed by some less intelligent folks I've discussed this with over the years.
A lot of Muslims in my town in the northern suburbs and I lived among them for twelve years. Turks, Iraqis, Lebanese mostly. Great neighbours and nice folks to deal with buying bread, milk and the odd kebab. barrett.t is right about a lot of what he says above...but that's not the 'religion' per se doing the immoral stuff. It's power crazed criminals USING the faith and laws that are several hundred years old (and outmoded as 'barbaric' today) to consolidate and keep their power. I don't believe we non-Muslims are burning witches (women with power) anymore but I could be wrong. It's a mistake to allow the actions of creeps who are Muslims to collour your view. Go meet some ordinary folks (who probably also abhor the violence) before deciding.
Take our friend Roddoss as an example. Always polite and always ready with a 'salutation'. I'll bet he'd give you the shirt off his back. Suffering teaches us compassion unless we succumb to the 'dark' alternative...hatred. There's ALWAYS a choice between light and dark.
Peace.