Yet Another Astute Comment

We've been having this debate and I could never find the right words. This guy had them:

"the radical, fascistic Islamist movement" is "a perversion of the religion in the name of a supremacist, violent ideology"

I get confused between originalism, textualism, and strict constructionism. But I assume at any rate that you are not one of those who believe "no unreasonable searches or seizures" actually means "there is a right to have an abortion." If so, how would you interpret "kill the infidels whereever you find them," other than, well, as an exhortation to kill the infidels whereever you find them? What is it, a metaphor for "try to get to the gym regularly"?

Am I being too literal-minded? Ok, then how do you choose to define the "true" Islam? Perhaps you want to look to the original intent of the guy that wrote the book. But wait, Mohammed killed people who refused to submit to Islam. So, it's not the text, it's not the actions and words of the founder, maybe it's the behavior of adherents throughout history? Because, you know, Islam spread because of its inherent beauty. As the Muslim army came over the mountains, the villagers always ran to greet them, strewing rose petals in their path, grateful to be exposed to the light that is Islam. Aaaahhh. Right.

I'm sorry, I just don't see how violent jihadists like Bin Laden are "perverting" this religion. To the contrary, they're acting in perfect accord with the dictates of the text, the behavior and intent of the founder, and all historic precedent. But wait, I don't expect you to answer this, because...you can't say that! People have to say it's a peaceful religion if they're talking about it publicly, like a little disclaimer, even though everyone knows this is false. Otherwise, one runs the risk getting stabbed like Theo Van Gogh. I think we all understand this is the case.

NB (to whom it may concern): the foregoing is purely for the sake of argumentation, because people like to argue. In fact, I have the highest respect for your peaceful religion, so please don't kill me.