1 Is all this nun shooting and church attacking activity considered a proper proportionate response?

2 Muslims have got to get a sense of humour about their beliefs. They basically kill people who disagree with them. That's messed up, and I don't need the pope to tell me that. They remind me of those goth kids in high school who'd act all depressed all the time (like they have any more right than the rest of us) and would become seriously offended if you in any way made light of their "alternative" (but strictly uniformed) lifestyle. More importantly, why do they care if non-muslims think Mohammed was a fruit? We're not practicers of that faith, so unless they're trying to convert us all, why do they care? I'm an atheist and everything I wrote applies to christians as well - but I at least respect the fact that christians know they're a joke and don't fight it.

3 Will-I think it has something to do with "shame cultures" vs "guilt cultures." For a member of of a shame culture, external perception is everything, and being disrespected--by anyone--is a horrible thing. I doubt if very many Christians would agree with the last part of your comment.

4 Thanks Sarah, but it is you who rule!