Is Islam peaceful?

My apologies for the typo.  The question is:

Could someone explain to me the proper interpretation of Q 5.51? 

VicS wrote: Why don't you allow this thread to continue?  It is closed.  It is a great way to allow some dialog on the subject, and to learn to understand each other.  We need better understanding in this world and acceptance of each other instead of just blaming, getting fed up and closing the thread. This is just a suggestion in the interest of better understanding and peace.  PLEASE. Since Muslims created the disaster during 9/11/01 in New York, what would have been a better response than going into Afghanistan?  I am open on this and would appreciate Muslim opinions.

Jammy. peace be with you.

And I appreciate the point you are making.  However, most non-Muslims do not know anywhere near what I know about Islam and I don't know much.  The problem with that is that most, not all the terrorist attacks that happen, are done in the name of Allah, and there is no way for Muslims to get away from this scourge on humanity, and see Islam in a peaceful way, unless some Islamic leaders stand up and say that:

 "unfortunately all Muslims are not peaceful, about 1-10% (whatever the percentage is), most of whom are practicing Wahabbi-Qutbic sect of Sunnis and some Shia sects like etc., etc (give specific answers, name the guilty).  Then there are those who appear moderate, but financially support these criminals, and therefore they are the same.

But 80-98% of Muslims practice a peaceful Islam, want to live in peace and harmony with Muslims as well as non-Muslims, and have a good peaceful life here on earth, not just in Paradise.

And we, the peaceful Muslims and our countries are planning to do XYZ to have these violent terrorists arrested and tried in a court of law, and if guilty imprisoned."

Unfortunately the Imams I spoke to insist (in the US) that Islam is peaceful, and Muslims are all peaceful.  That position loses credibility very fast and harms all Muslims, which is very unfair.

Unless the peaceful and moderate Muslims keep hammering a message like that worldwide and do something about the terrorists who give Islam a bad name, non-Muslims will think that all Islamic people are terrorists, and they all condone these acts.

That is the problem from a non-Muslim perspective unfortunately.  And you cannot blame the people, because newspapers unfortunately sell better, when they have bad news to deliver. 

For non-Muslims, you cannot separate Muslims from Islam.  And these Muslim or Islamic terrorists (referring to the smaller violent segment), created a bad name for Islam everywhere.  I, as a non-Muslim who had many Muslim friends over 40 years, created a Web site to explain that all Muslims are not like the news indicates.  But moderate Islam must do a lot more about these violent ones, or the people will believe that all Muslims are this way.

Many of us agree with you, but we must see more action.  Why?  Because there are too many people in this world who say nice things, but when you watch their actions, the actions are different from their sayings.  Always watch what someone does.  Listen to the actions.  That tells the truth.

I need some help with the proper interpretation of some Qur'an verses.  About 14, and would like to start with 5.51, hopefully with other Qur'anic verses that reverse it/change it.

Salaam Jammy.  Thanks very much for your post.

VicS