On the other hand, Bayle takes issue with Christian critics who insist that Muhammad was a fanatic who manufactured a moral system that across the board accommodated “to the corruption of men’s hearts.” Bayle counters by insisting that Islamic law intensifies and magnifies the demands of the Christian Gospels, deviating in only two areas: polygamy and revenge (allowing an eye for an eye). Moreover, Bayle argues that Islam historically has shown itself to be much more tolerant of other religions than Christianity has. He even suggests that had Western Christians instead of Ottoman Turks ruled in the East, both Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Islam would have disappeared, but, as it stands, Muslim rulers have fully tolerated Christianity.

QUESTION: Bayle's contrarian take on Islamic tolerance is striking for its era and invites further exploration of his source material and reception.

Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Intro…, loc. 162