quick update on previous post...

A previous post attempted to refute some slanders against Islam now making their way thru the politically conservative crowd via email.

I should have addressed more directly the Five Pillars of Islam:

Can a good Muslim be a good American?
scripturally – no... Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.

Just exactly what are the Five Pillars?
For Sunnis (including our best buds over in Saudi Arabia):

1. Confession of faith: "There is only one God. His name is Allah. Mohammed is his Prophet."

2. Pray daily.

3. Give to charity (note: a lot like "tithing" in Xian tradition!)

4. Ritual fasting (note: a lot like "Lent" and other feast days in Xian tradition!)

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca.

Other than the 'pilgrimage to Mecca', these differ not at all in kind from standard Xian cultic practices... and I'll note that a LOT of Xians make 'pilgrimage' to Jerusalem to 'walk in Jesus's footsteps'... the Israeli economy would collapse without Xian tourists.

Confess your faith, pray daily, give to charity, observe special days for worship (e.g., "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.")

Okay - pilgrimage is not required of Xians, but, as noted above, LOTS of Xians nevertheless undertake pilgrimage to the Holy Land and feel 'blessed' in so doing.

... still, the author of this anti-Islam screed believes a devout Muslim's adherence to these five rather benign cultic practices makes that believer simply incapable of being at the same time a Good American!
Someone: give me a clue!