I also recognize that much of the debate today centers on Islamic fascism. I believe, as many do, that extremists have hijacked the faith. Most peace-loving Muslims do not share Osama bin Laden’s views. The Jihadist movement has been estimated to be between 10 and 15 percent of the Muslim faith.

But having said this, why are modern Muslims so silent on the question of terrorism? Why is there not a more concerted effort to take back the Muslim faith from those who use it for ideological gain—in my opinion the advancement of fascism? Why is there not a cry out against the senseless taking of life?

I can only wonder how any responsible Muslim leaders would sanction the use of violence except under circumstances justified by the classical just war doctrine—to which Muslim scholars and thinkers contributed significantly. Otherwise the violence is, as Pope Benedict says, contrary to the nature of God and to eminent reason. So where are the responsible voices?

In regard to religious freedom, in many parts of the world today it is impossible for a Muslim to convert to Christianity without severe punishment, sanctions, and possibly death. Obviously there are things in the Qur’an that are difficult to interpret, as there are in the Bible. Saint Augustine believed that Christians were given the gift of reason by which to bring understanding in areas of Scripture that require interpretation. Are there not responsible Islamic voices that can work towards religious freedom, which I believe to be a God-given right?

And as far as women’s rights, I can offer no explanation as to why women are discriminated against in Islam, or for that matter why slavery is still justified. Is it because Muhammad had slaves? If we are created in the image of God, which certainly Abraham, the father of both faiths, believed, then how is it possible that we do not treat all human beings with the same respect? I, of course, cannot answer these questions, but I hope the discussion will focus on them because they are critical to what some, myself included, believe is a clash of civilizations.