By Lewis Loflin
From a Deist perspective, Islam often appears more as a political ideology than a pure religion. Its framework, heavily borrowed from Judaism—think dietary laws, monotheism, and prophetic traditions—seems layered with a system of governance and social control. As I’ve argued in my work, like Islam Versus Deism, reason and nature reveal a Creator, not texts written long after their supposed events.
The historical Muhammad may be as much myth as fact. Like Christianity’s Jesus or Judaism’s Moses, his story emerges centuries later—7th-century Arabia’s oral tales codified in the 9th century. Scholars like Robert Spencer in Did Muhammad Exist? question this timeline, suggesting Islam’s origins might reflect political consolidation more than divine revelation.
Today’s violence—Islamic fundamentalism—often ties to groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, whose 20th-century fusion with Nazi ideology amplified its militancy, as noted in Twenty-Year Plan Islam Targets America. This doesn’t mean every Muslim supports terror; most don’t. Yet, the community’s frequent silence on extremism raises questions. Are moderates too quiet, or is dissent stifled by fear or apathy?
Contrast this with historical clashes, like the Crusades (When Christianity Pushed Back), where both sides wielded faith as a weapon. Islam’s conquests, detailed in The Historical Reality, shaped empires, but modern extremism feels uniquely ideological, blending old zeal with new politics.
Islamists sometimes align with Western Leftism, sharing a goal to upend traditional culture. This odd partnership—anti-religious progressives and rigid theocrats—targets liberalism’s own roots. Yet, one Muslim voice, quoted below, challenges this stagnation from within:
How many scientists, astronauts, biologists do we find from our Muslim background? General senses and statistics tell us about 95% of scientists and astronauts are from White and Christian backgrounds, with 4.9% from others. Aren’t these innovators shrinking the world with their wits? I think I’m right. Where are Muslims among these creators? Are we still proud of contributing so little?
The modern tools—computers, internet, software, phones, TVs, planes, cars, medicines—we rely on daily: can we survive without them today? Can anyone show strong evidence Muslims invented any of these? Are we part of discovery or progress? I don’t think so. Are we proud of this lag?
This critique echoes my Deist emphasis on reason and progress. Islam’s medieval achievements—algebra, optics—faded as dogma overtook inquiry. Compare this to the Enlightenment, driven by those "White and Christian" innovators, building on reason, not revelation.
This isn’t about vilifying Muslims—many live peacefully, contributing to society. But the ideology’s political bent, historical murkiness, and modern inertia demand scrutiny. Why does a faith claiming 1.8 billion adherents lag in innovation? Is it culture, theology, or both? The silence on extremism and reliance on others’ advancements suggest a deeper issue. As a Deist, I see truth in nature’s order, not sacred texts—Islam’s claims must face that test too.
Reason, not pride, should guide us. The evidence speaks for itself.
Acknowledgment: Thanks to Grok, an AI by xAI, for formatting assistance. The views and edits are mine. —Lewis Loflin
Section updated, added 4/05/2025