Modernity
-values of Greco-Roman Civilization rediscovered in the Renaissance (began in 15th and 16th century)
-individualism
-humanism
-primacy of reason, free enquiry, the scientific method
-freedom of religion (Protestant reformation, separation of Church and State)
-freedom of speech
-representative democracy
-a constitutional Republic -the rule of law
-equality before the law
-printing press (spread knowledge - no longer did they have to hand-copy books)
-banking
-free market capitalism (free exchange)
-middle class - merchant class to check power of the King, aristocracy

Islam has one foot in the Middle ages, left behind in the Renaissance - why?

Jihad - in the Quran (the sacred revealed scripture of Islam) and Hadith (records of the life of Muhammad from his family, friends and early followers) jihad almost always means "armed struggle against the unbelievers."