Here is a statement on a current thread about Islam that solidified for me a question I've had for some time:
Islam is not just a religion, it is the "Nation of Islam" it is a theocratic system that blends Faith, Morality, the State and the law of the land into one. If a member of this "nation" doesn't want to be pidgeon holed, they had better start policing their "state" and take out their own trash. Otherwise, don't demonize people when you are viewed in a negative light. Simply stating "we don't support their actions" is not enough. If you are a member of the "nation" these people (Al Quaeda, ISIS, etc.) are doing this in your name. Not to mention the states that verbally do not support these militants, yet still harbor and shelter them because they are either afraid or they secretly approve of their agenda.
The discussion was related to Bill Maher's recent debate with Ben Affleck that I'm sure most here are familiar with.
It's clear to most of the educated world that "radical Islam" in the guise of Al Qaeda and ISIL are as much the extreme of the religion as the Westboro Baptist Church is here (and, certainly, they are a less extreme example that some that could be mentioned in the fold of Christian faith).
To me, however, the continuing issue is Islamic state's inability to rise above the noise in condemnation of the radical fringe. Sure, many have spoken out but their voices are few, their reach is not international, and entire nations have yet to make clear that beheadings and violence to women and others in the name of their religion is unacceptable in modern society.
You can say what you will about Christianity but there is no confusion in the New Testament about killing those who do not follow the Christ (the rapture notwithstanding).
Unless there is a cultural shift in Islam to clearly and unquestionably condemn those who subvert the religion with real action and words we hear loudly from those truly in charge (and not some Ambassador showing up on CNN), it's hard to conclude that the governments and sometimes the people of countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, and many others are 100% against the actions of these extremist groups.