It is both amusing and troubling that several clerics and teachers in Muslim communities around the globe still use the word "infidel" (unbeliever) to describe folks that refuse to accept a medieval, stark worldview. At times this condescending term is used against moderate Muslims, or Muslims who voluntarily convert to another religion. However, In most cases it refers to people that don't subscribe to a Salafist, or Wahhabi version of Islam.

Where is the so called cooperation, justice, peace, and tolerance we hear about from Muslim PR organizations that constantly attemp to explain Islam? Unfortunately, some of the Islamist teachers hold sway over large numbers of naive followers who aren't allowed to think for themselves. These clerics think of God as a slave master, or prison warden, and they are the enforcers of divine mandates.

From the perspective of the radical extremists, what is an infidel? Apparently, it includes well over 80% of the world's population that adheres to the Buddhist, Christian, Confucian, Hindu, Jewish, Shinto, Sikh, Taoist, and other faiths. What about the millions of people that are agnostic, or don't believe in any faith system? According to the Islamists, these "infidels" shouldn't possess the right to freely seek the truth and other virtues.

There are many pitfalls for the fanatic preachers who bandy the term "infidel" around so loosely. First, it slams the brakes on any constructive dialogue with folks outside of the narrow setting of a tribe. It excludes new ideas and concrete activities that could move Islamic states forward, instead of backward. Next, it turns off most of humanity, because who wants to interact with fanatics that are only interested in their own angry, warped version of God and humankind?

Third, labeling all outsiders as "infidels" is counterproductive, because militant clerics are often blind to the despotic nature of their own societies. These coercive theocrats have picked the wrong enemy. Western nations are just convenient targets, while the real impediment to progress is the autocratic nature of most Muslim dominant states. When folks have little freedom, and women are subjugated, cultures remain stuck in neutral, or they regress.

Fourth, spending time chanting slogans and inciting the masses does little to improve a society, unless the goal is to initiate positive internal reforms of democracy and liberty. Aren't these clerics supposed to be teaching their flocks about moral virtues, and lead through an example of high ethical principles? Why haven't the billion "moderate" Muslims persuaded the Islamists to get their act together for the sake of their collective future?

Fifth, all human beings possess the inherent right to practice freedom of choice. Denying those basic rights in iron fisted regimes just breeds frustration, suffering, and terror. The easy way out is to perpetuate the blame game instead of looking in the mirror and solving the many deficits that remain in the world's dictatorships. What most Islamists and tyrants ignore is the fact that genuine religion and natural, universal liberty can coexist.

Sixth, compare authoritarian societies with developed countries. On the one hand, "infidel" cultures that have embraced democracy and individual rights, have made great strides toward peace, prosperity, and friendly relations with other nations. In contrast, states that reject democracy and freedom, have either stagnated, or have shifted into reverse in most quality of life indexes. So why keep spouting the company line when it's ineffective, and prevents development and stability?

Finally, it's amazing how the "infidels" of the world have succeeded without surrendering their intellectual, social, or spiritual values. Those of us who reside in the 80% plus of the world that is "infidel" should be very grateful that we live in countries that encourage critical thinking, and an honest exchange of ideas. We learn from experience, observation, and reflection, and generate opportunities in every field of endeavor.

If the arrogant Islamists continue to attach the label "infidel" to most of the people on planet earth, that is their choice, but it is so insecure, pathetic and self-defeating.