‘Those would be the so-called moderates,’ Roth said. ‘But what does that really mean, “moderate Muslim”? It’s just a term we made up after 9/11 so as to appear culturally sensitive or some such bullshit. If you think about it, it can only mean “a Muslim who doesn’t really adhere to the full message of their central religious doctrine, the Qur’an. One who just cherry-picks the verses they want to adhere to, and turns a blind eye to the many, many verses telling them to go to war, fight and die in the way of Allah.” In other words, a Muslim who doesn’t really take the teachings of their prophet, or the holy book that purportedly comes straight from the mouth of Allah, all that seriously. Could you even call that person a true believer in Islam?’

‘If that’s what they call themselves,’ Ben said. ‘You have to respect it.’

‘Tell that to their brethren who actually do follow the book to the letter,’ Roth said. ‘They would, and do, consider such moderates as vile sinners who deserve death under Islamic law, and will end up in hellfire along with the rest of us unbelievers. “If the Muslims fail in this duty, they will most surely be apprehended by the punishment of Allah.” Don’t take my word for it. I didn’t make this shit up, you know. Their own doctrine states quite clearly that you cannot be a moderate Muslim and a true believer. It’s all or nothing.’

‘You can be a moderate Christian,’ Ben said, ‘despite what the Bible teaches. The Qur’an isn’t the only book that calls for unbelievers to be killed in the name of God. Leviticus, 24:16, “Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord is to be put to death.” That goes for gay people, too, incidentally. Meanwhile, Deuteronomy chapter 20 commands the faithful to massacre non-Christians and plunder their property, including their women. And speaking of women, Timothy 2:11 teaches that they should submit to the authority of men, just like it says in the Qur’an. But here’s the thing, Tyler. Just because those verses are there, it doesn’t mean we have to take them literally.’

Roth smiled. ‘You know your Bible. Theology, wasn’t it?’

‘Long time ago,’ Ben says. ‘A false career start.’

‘Are you a Christian?’

‘A lapsed one.’