Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006 | 12:31 p.m.
As the Islamic world erupts in fury over European newspaper depictions of the prophet Muhammad, Americans and Europeans are a bit disingenuous to suggest that the Muslim reaction is simply a result of the Islamic world's failure to embrace liberal Western values such as freedom of the press.
Indeed, one must consider how Christians would react if mainstream newspapers began publishing cartoons blatantly insulting or ridiculing Jesus or the Virgin Mary - no doubt the outcry would be thunderous.
Hostile reaction to social or political commentary that boldly challenges traditional religious views is predictable and certainly not unique to the Muslim world. Although many Westerners don't like to admit it, Islam and Judeo-Christian religions are remarkably similar - both are founded on the notion that ancient men received special messages ("prophecy" or "revelation") from God. It's sad and ironic that some interpretations of these "divine" messages have left a trail of bloodshed through the pages of history.
Mel Lipman
Las Vegas
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