In the weeks following the terrorist attacks against the United States, I have heard several times that fundamentalist Islam and fundamentalist Christianity both lead to terrorism. In a recent article appearing in the Kingston Whig Standard (The fundamentalist roots of Middle Eastern terrorism, Oct 13/01), a retired United Church of Canada minister, Gerald Walton Paul stated, "Fundamentalism in both faiths constitutes the religious component of terrorism." Also, on a recent radio program aired in Kingston, I heard the host say that these terrorist actions were to fundamentalist Islam what the KKK is to fundamentalist Christianity.

Fundamentalism is defined by Webster's as "...a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles." Though the KKK may attempt to mask its conduct with Christianity, it is the furthest thing from fundamentalist Christianity. I am a Christian whom many would call a "fundamentalist". In my strict adherence to the New Testament, I am given no license to wage a "holy war" upon other religions or various races. Time and again, the New Testament emphasizes the necessity of love and condemns hatred. I am commanded, "...as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men...if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink...do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:18, 20-21). Anyone who believes a fundamentalist approach to Christianity "...constitutes the religious component of terrorism" needs to lay aside his theology books and try rereading the Bible. Furthermore, I question how those who do not believe and adhere to the words of Christ as found in the New Testament can be called Christian.

In contrast, fundamentalist Islam is a breeding ground for terrorism and war. Here is just a sample of the commands given in the Koran:

• "...take not the Jews and the Christians for friends...He among you who taketh them for friends is one of them..." (5:51)

• "...strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites! Be harsh with them..." (9:73)

• "...fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him)." (9:123)

• "...obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them herewith with a great endeavour (jihad)." (25:52)

• "Go forth, light-armed and heavy-armed, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah!" (9:41)

• "...fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is all for Allah..." (8:39)

• "Warefare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you....Allah knoweth, ye know not." (2:216)

• "...Exhort the believers to fight...those who disbelieve, because theyare a folk without intelligence." (8:65)

• "...when ye meet in battle those who disbellieve, then it is smiting of the necks...if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (this it is ordained) that He may try some of you..." (47:4)

Indeed, I am happy that there are not more fundamentalist Muslims. Terrorism and war is the very essence of the Koran. Those who truly believe an adhere to what Muhammad taught will be violent towards non-Muslims. However, those who truly believe and adhere to what Jesus Christ taught will be peaceful toward all, even those who are violent.

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Jesus genealogy given in Matthew 1:6-16 and Luke 3:23-31 only agree on one name between David and Jesus, the name Joseph. How can this be? Also, since all Muslims and most Christians believe Jesus had/has no father, how can Jesus have a genealogy?