Speaker discusses radical Islam
Breann Schossow
Issue date: 11/13/08 Section: News
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But, as Spencer asked, what does that have to do with terrorism?
Spencer delivered his presentation "Islam and Terrorism" Tuesday evening in the nearly-filled Tamarack Room in Davies Center.
About 175 people attended the event, junior and Conservative Union president Katie Geary said.
Spencer is the founder and director of JihadWatch.org, and a researcher of Islamic theology, law and history, according to a Conservative Union press release.
Geary had heard Spencer speak before and said the group decided to bring him to campus because of his knowledge on the topic.
"We wanted to provide an opportunity for students to learn about radical Islam and its dangers in the U.S.," Geary said.
Spencer opened the presentation by discussing terrorist groups, focusing on those who commit terrorist acts and justify them with Islamic teachings. An example of this is the acts committed on Sept. 11, 2001.
However, Spencer said there is no necessary connection between terrorism and Islam.
"Being Muslim doesn't make you a terrorist," he said. "Being a terrorist doesn't make you a Muslim."
Spencer defined terrorism as a strike against innocent civilians in order to demoralize and take away the will to fight. He added that terrorism is as old as warfare itself.
Spencer said there is a movement within the Islamic world and among Muslims to pursue an agenda that includes terrorism as a tactic. However, he added that this movement does not represent or speak for all Muslims.
He went on to discuss the larger agenda of this movement and movements like it, pointing out that members of these groups want to restore Islamic law to the Islamic world and impose it upon other countries.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Kim
posted 11/13/08 @ 7:55 AM CST
"While he hadn't planned to attend the presentation, Hubbell said he changed his mind due to his friend's opinion about it. Hubbell said his roommate thought it would be a complete misrepresentation of the Islamic faith. (Continued…)
Kim
posted 11/13/08 @ 8:18 AM CST
"While he hadn't planned to attend the presentation, Hubbell said he changed his mind due to his friend's opinion about it. Hubbell said his roommate thought it would be a complete misrepresentation of the Islamic faith. (Continued…)
Robert
posted 11/13/08 @ 9:57 AM CST
Ms Schossow:
You have composed an excellent article. You captured the most salient points of Mr. Spencer's talk. You presented well and fairly audience reactions to it. (Continued…)
sean
posted 11/14/08 @ 5:42 PM CST
Bravo Robert Spencer! Thanks for telling the truth about Islam.
Evil Islam, evil Mohamet the false prophet, and evil Hate Manual, Koran.
That's my opinion, and MANY others. (Continued…)
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