Islam Is In Need of Its Own Reformation

ne day while perusing the New Testament, Thomas Jefferson decided to take a razor to its pages and strip away the passages that promoted wickedness, bigotry, or superstition. This effort to cull the distilled essence of “the life and morals of Jesus of Nazareth” left the Good Book considerably diminished in length but immeasurably enhanced in quality. Ever since, it has been known as the Jefferson Bible. A few brave souls have suggested that the Quran might profit from similar treatment. In the light of its innumerable verses enjoining violence, the pseudonymous apostate Ibn Warraq once asserted, “There are moderate Muslims, but no moderate Islam.” This sentiment contains more than a kernel of truth, but unfortunately some of its strongest advocates appear to view history as static, holding that Islam is forever condemned to be a fanatical faith.