126is only harming Muslims and aiding extremists, as
proponents on the far right are the only ones con-
sistently seen to be challenging anything.Harris That last point has been one of my greatest
concerns for over a de cade. As daunting as the pro-
ject of reforming Islam is, it cannot even begin if
the way forward is thought to be a choice between
wishful thinking on one hand and bigotry on the
other. I’m very grateful that you’ve taken the time
to explore a third path with me, Maajid— where the
conversation between a Muslim and a non- Muslim
can begin with a frank admission of the full scope
and actual dynamics of the prob lem of Muslim in-
tolerance. Beliefs matter. It’s amazing that the point
needs to even be made— but it does, again and
again. And the only hope of moving beyond the
current religious chaos, through pluralism and sec-
ularism, and fi nally to a convergence on liberal
values, is to modify the beliefs of millions of people
through honest conversation.
It’s a conversation that I’ve very much enjoyed
having with you, Maajid, and I hope it’s only the
fi rst of many. Needless to say, I wish you the best
of luck with all your endeavors.
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