Cartoon Hypocrisy

Okay, so let me get this straight. Images of Mohammed are forbidden under Islam because the presence of images tends to lead to "idolatry" and because Mohammed was a human, not a God. "Idolatry" is the worship of inanimate objects. There seems to be a concern, then that the presence of images of Mohammed might lead to him being thought of as a devine being and someone to worship in the place of Allah.

The infidels have published images of Mohammed, and this is apparently a violation of Islamic tenets. For some reason, the publication of the Danish cartoons by other Muslims is apparently not offensive (see Egyptian newspaper at left). We are told that images of Mohammed are particularly offensive to Muslims because Mohammed holds a sacred place within Islam. Am I the only person who sees the inconsistency in this argument? In order for this level of outrage to be generated by these cartoons, Mohammed must necessarily hold what is equivalent to a devine role within Islamic theology, perhaps equivalent to Jesus within Christianity, and certainly far above Moses' role in Judaism. Except for Jesus Christ, the Bible doesn't paint a particularly flattering picture of its heroes. All were flawed. King David was a liar, an adulterer and a murderer. The apostles walked with Christ for years, but didn't have the courage to even admit they knew him. The Bible not only admits these unpleasant facts, they are highlighted and emphasized. Christians and Jews are exhorted to follow the positive, and learn from the negative. In contrast, Christians are taught to follow Christ's example in every way, as Christ alone lived a perfect life. Beyond Christ, no being who has walked on this earth is considered to be above any other, at least to Protestants. The Catholics revere saints, but their position doesn't even come close to the position of Christ.

It is my understanding that Muslims are taught to follow Mohammed's example in the same way that Christians are taught to follow Christ's. In a certain way, then, Mohammed is the Muslim's Christ. Mohammed's name is even a part of the core Islamic creed ("There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his messenger"). Mohammed is not worshipped as God, because that place is reserved for Allah, but he is worshipped as a special prophet, above any other man, and nearly, if not totally, devine. Given all this, I submit that the Muslims are too late. Whether they want to admit it or not, this cartoon controversy would seem to prove that Muslims are worshipping not only Mohammed the man, but also images of Mohammed.