“Sense about sharia, The Economist, 14 Oct 2010″

“Sense about sharia, The Economist, 14 Oct 2010″

Contrary to some hysterical talk, nobody seriously suggests the use of Islamic penalties in any democracy. Nor is there any reason to fear Islamic finance: a campus discussion about zero-coupon bonds does not mean usurers will be flogged in Harvard Yard. Nor can anybody object if two citizens settle a commercial dispute on Islamic lines, or any other principles to which both freely adhere. In the English-speaking world there is a custom of arbitration, which has created a space in which religion-based arbitration services are accepted, offering Jews, Christians and Muslims a simple, cheap (and from their point of view, divinely blessed) way to settle disputes.

The best form/s of law

Nicked from elfs:

Would you argue that all Christians share in common the belief that Biblical Law is the best form of law, which should be spread to all the world? There are plenty of American Christians who believe exactly that. [see http://elfs.livejournal.com/1313034.html] Judaism is famously insular and not evangelizing, but the American Levirite and Torat HaMelech Orthodox movement argue that Talmudic law is the best form of law, and attempting to influence Jews to other forms of legal thinking is a declaration of war.