Religion starts with the perception that something is wrong.

In the past some of the most influential Jewish, Christian and Muslim theologians, such as Maimonides, Aquinas and Ibn Sina, made it clear that it was very difficult to speak about God, because when we confront the ultimate, we are at the end of what words or thoughts can do.

Ever since the Crusades, when Christians from western Europe were fighting holy wars against Muslims in the near east, western people have often perceived Islam as a violent and intolerant faith - even though when this prejudice took root Islam had a better record of tolerance than Christianity.

...there is something wrong with any spirituality that does not inspire selfless concern for others

Compassion is not an option. It's the key to our survival.

I have a very sharp tongue, I'm very impatient, and it's a lifelong struggle.

Surely it's better to love others, however messy and imperfect the involvement, than to allow one's capacity for love to harden.