If you believe that jihad means only "struggle" to most Muslims, then you are sadly ignorant of the Koran and the Hadiths, and the entire history of Islam.

In any case this post is political and, IMHO, should either be locked by a moderator or moved to one of the Stardock forums where political debate is welcomed.

Jihad is a perfectly acceptable name for the technology just as Crusade is perfectly acceptable name for the expansion.

Keeping this on the topic of GalCiv 3, what makes you think that the Krynn are a "malevolent, aggressive civilization"?  Surely they are just misunderstood.

Snowflake alert

You have taken some time to make your case and I totally respect that. However, I'm not entirely convinced that it is one that supports changing any in game flavor text. Rather, I would ask you whether or not it is reasonable that the writer involved is representing ideas through various para-historical and political lens in order to realise a sci fi race, and I doubt that the writer intended it as an indictment of Muslims. The Krynn are (if my lore readings are correct) envisioned to be highly theocratic society, that has merged with a criminal element. It seems that writers have made past references to Christian beliefs for the Krynn as well. That too has been brought up in forums.

I also don't doubt that you have an insight on Islam that I don't have (I have a Catholic background), yet it is fairly evident that there are contested ideas around the teachings and usage of theological terms/ideas. This is hardly surprising given that Islam is a widely practised faith, that crosses many, many cultural and political contexts. It is much the same with Christianity as well. Islam is practised by almost 2 billion people in some form or another -- seriously impressive number!

Where I come from, we have an amazing Muslim community that crosses many ethnic lines, and is actively engaged with the broader community. I most certainly don't buy into the hysteria even as a person who strongly believes in secular government and public services. I know as an observer and student of international relations, issues of violence in places like Afghanistan and Iraq are a result of a much more complicated set of factors than 'Muslims = bad'. I think most reasonably minded people here will understand this as well.

The point I'm getting at is, I believe that a writer/artist  should generally have licence to explore an idea or some fantasy realisation using the language on hand. We can certainly talk about whether it is done well or poorly -- absolutely a valid discussion. In this case, I think the link to Islam honestly seems pretty tenuous and I hadn't even thought of the connection until this post was brought up. The Kryn seemed to have been inspired by other things as well. It's a tricky topic, I understand.

Anyhow, I wanted to give you a decent reply out of respect. I also hope that you stick around and continue to enjoy the game, even if we disagree I'm disappointed with the ad hominem attacks here. I think this community is better than that. 

Edited for spelling and clarity*

By the way, I use spies and never got the option to blow enemy buildings or kill an enemy citizens from promotions? Do you have to have a malevolent alignment? Cause I usually go pragmatic and the only thing I have as a promotion is to steal a tech through infiltration option.

"Blaming religion for something bad is the equivalent of blaming the car, instead of blaming the person who made the choice.  Yes, that's a bit simplistic, but it's a far better starting point than assuming that the bad choices of a few must mean that the entire idea is evil."

Fair... but its also fair to point out that there is regulation of cars, because cars can be quite dangerous, as there is (some) regulation of firearms, standards (some) for being allowed to care for children, and regulations, laws, and accords to control nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. It is not unreasonable to question whether religion as an idea unto itself has a dangerous quality to it... in practice and in the hands of people (any people, good or bad). 

I for one consider religion to be something human beings handle rather poorly. Much as we are with firearms. So whilst I don't "blame" religion, I also don't think any combination of religion should get a "pass" and that regulating them is a possible solution worth investigating. For example in a secular society, any religion that openly calls upon its participants to revolt against secularism is a threat, societies are duty-bound to address threats... through a variety of means ranging from very peaceful to very forceful. Its the same idea/issue as whether a democracy tolerates political parties who are anti-democratic...

And befoooorrrreeee anyone thinks I'm talking about Islam right now...  Check that. Because as I see it and live it in the United States, its the various christian varieties that are the most anti-secular in a practical manner.

OHHHH and I personally modded GC3 to remove the whole "good vs evil"... so to be clear I'm a Survivalist Ideologue and as such any and all constraints on the ability of the state to progress technologically and expand the population's chances to survive is anathema... freedom, religion, etc. are mere baubles to be doled out to my citizens to keep them happy until our "Morale-Control-Chips" get installed in their heads.

Its unfortunate that we need to feel heat and agitation merely using words like "crusade" "jihad" or the like, as ultimately this game is meant to help us achieve some healthy escapism. So I won't say "get thicker skin", I will say... try to focus on the game's goal and their intent... to help you forget the realities for a little while.

The Paul atreides leader unlocks it.