Can Islam Change? Does Christian History Provide a Clue?

To readers of today, the harsh comments Voltaire and Paine made towards Christianity may seem anachronistic; a mere product of their time.God grant, and liberty permit, that the criticisms I and other make of Islam today will one day seem as incongruous as the condemnations many have made of the Christian faith.
It is to be hoped that Muslims, as Mill would say, have not told all that they have to tell.
Perhaps one day, all that has been said of the Islamic religion will seem a relic of a bygone age.
Until then, criticism must continue at white heat.
Perhaps Islam will go through the same process of growing up that all religions must one day undertake.
This is always painful, and there are many false steps and pitfalls along the way.
This is none of my business?
Well, as Harold MacMillan said, every person’s business is their own. But one must mind how one’s business affects the business of others also.
Us non-Muslims should consider showing critical support for progressive Muslims.

Image attribution:

Auguste Millière [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

workshop of Nicolas de Largillière [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons