SIMON- You make some really good points. To me the bottom line is that MANY religions ( Muslims included ) use their religious believes as a convenient " whipping stick " to control, burden, and at times kill people in the population in order to promote their twisted agenda's. I think the Muslim's do it in a physically violent way and I think even , mainstream religions do it in an oppressive psychological way , even religions that aren't considered mainstream use religious views to dominate, control members to make sure the particular religion's agendas are accomplished and achieved. Religious fundamentalists especially.
It's one of the many things that has gone off the rails in our society not only in the U.S.A. but everywhere that " freedom of religion " comes to include overstepping boundaries that should be basic to each human being alive. And the huge problem with that is that with a big segment of the population-religion has become a " sacred cow " of sorts ( including Muslims ) in which people put us down or criticize anybody speaking out against any religions oppressive ways. Sadly , many people in society tend to give religions a " pass "on requiring them to be ethical, moral, or just. So mainstream society gets what they allow. Religious leaders who are corrupt, political leaders who are corrupt, and this acceptance of evil within these organizations leads to an apathy to do anything about it in a serious manner - causes people to accept as " normal " religions using violence, psychological abuse or any other method to promote their twisted agendas. Unfortunately much of western society is a society of too much complacency - in my opinion. Just a couple of thoughts, my two cents on a Saturday morning