This post could easily be put under the ‘Politics’ heading, but as I use the ‘Philosophy and Religion’ heading less, I thought I would use it for a change. I’m posting to draw attention to an excellent analysis of jihad in Islamic tradition by Mateen A. Elass of Christian History and Biography. The article examines the development of Muhammad’s rules on jihad, and not only compares some forms of it to Christian concepts, but refers to the expansion of both religions and shows how those two approaches to war have led to different behaviors of the two religions. Definitely worth a read — and make it quick, because I believe that the free copy of the article will change to subscription in a week or two.