Understanding Islam in the wake of Charlie attack

In the wake of the terror attack in Paris, orchestrated by the al-Qaida group in Yemen, experts in Central Oregon say many Americans have misconceptions about Islam.

“This is a difficult time, isn’t it? Because extremism and terrorism then gets identified with the entire religious tradition of Islam,” Richard Grove, director at the Sacred Art of Living in Bend and a professor of world religion, said Friday.

Currently, Islam is the fastest-growing religion and, with over a billion Muslims worldwide, it is the second-largest religion.

Many people now associate the religion with violence, but experts say it is far from that.

“Islam means peace. The word itself means that,” Groves said.

According to the Council for American-Islamic Relations, even the term “jihad” is often misunderstood. Muslim advocates say they word has many meanings, including “war,” but also “to strive” or “to struggle.”

“If you went into the Bible, you could also lift out of context a certain phrase of war,” Groves said.

Groves, an ordained minister, said Islam is closer to Christianity than many might think.

“Islam comes out of the same Abrahamic tradition as Christianity and Judaism,” Groves said.

Many European countries have seen a rise of anti-Islamic movements. Experts warn of generalization.

“When you do that you’re letting a band of murderers, who are going against the message (of the Quran) represent the whole,” said Jessica Hammerman, a history professor at Central Oregon Community College.

Hammerman said there are many Muslim leaders worldwide who have voiced opposition to the use of violence.

“A lot of Muslims are outraged about what happened in Paris,” Hammerman said.

Experts tell NewsChannel 21 it is all about trying to understand one another.

“And when we do that, it breaks down those barriers, and then our hearts are completely open to one another,” Groves said.