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After years of trying to educate non-Muslims about the dangers of the Islamic ideology, I have identified ten signs in people that makes them apologists of Islam. Some people have been fed half-truths by Muslims and others (including Muslim apologists) deliberately lie about what they know is a violent and intolerant religion. The best way to illustrate these points is to use A History of God, a 1993 best-seller book by British apologist Karen Armstrong, for documented examples. Ms. Armstrong is a former nun who can see nothing wrong with Islam, possibly because she shares with Muhammad a condition of temporal lobe epilepsy. She actually stretches credulity to defend the ideology. I am not singling out Ms. Armstrong – she’s just a convenient example. Most of the same apologetic statements below are made by a whole stable of authors, including John Esposito, Juan Cole, Reza Aslan.

The basic premise of this school of thought is that the good of the acts of those morally responsible is what the Lawgiver (syn. Allah or His messenger) has indicated is good by permitting it or asking it be done. And the bad is what the Lawgiver has indicated is bad by asking it not be done. The good is not what reason considers good, nor the bad what reason considers bad. The measure of good and bad, according to this school of thought, is the Sacred Law, not reason.” (Reliance of the Traveler, al-Misri, para. a1.4)

Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;

All mimsy were the borogoves,

And the mome raths outgrabe.

However, the Quran claims to be clear: “This Book, whose verses are perfected and made plain, is a revelation from Him who is wise and all-knowing.” (Surah 11:1) “And We have sent down on thee the Book making clear everything, and as a guidance and a mercy, and as good tidings to those who surrender.” (Surah 16:89 Arberry)

Being aware of these apologists’ half-truths and lies will help you get to the real issues – Is there any place for Islam in the 21st Century? What societal benefits have accrued from the teachings of Islam? Why do 70 percent of the conflicts in the world today involve Muslims?