John L. Esposito

In the viewpoint that follows, John L. Esposito contends that there is no inherent clash between the values of Islam and those of Western civilization. In contrast to the popular wisdom that equates Islam with “fundamentalism,” he writes, only a small minority of Muslims advocate violence, oppression, and authoritarianism. Islam is not a dangerous ideology, he asserts, but simply a religion that is not so different from Christianity and Judaism. Esposito, professor of religion and international affairs and director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, is the author of The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality? and Islam: The Straight Path.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What parallels does Esposito draw between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism"

2. What is the fundamental question facing contemporary...