If some religious people believe they have a monopoly on truth, then are conversation and common ground possible? If so, what would be the difficulties and benefits of such a conversation?

It has never made sense to me why people on the internet feel a near constant desire to berate one another with such hatred and "passion".

No common ground can be reached so long as everyone involved in the conversation feels the need to defend their faith (or lack thereof) rather than accept the difference of opinion (yours truely included).

Common ground can only come about when two people of different belief systems accept the irrationality of their faith (or lack thereof) and understand that logic plays no role in faith.

Truth like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. No One, has a monopoly on truth. As proof, try this little experiment; next time you are at a family gathering, start telling a story about something that you and other members of your family did several years ago. I guarantee you that every person involved in the memory will have a different version of the story, and be absolutely sure that their version is the gospel truth. and you know what? They are probably right.

It has never made sense to me why people on the internet feel a near constant desire to berate one another with such hatred and "passion".

No common ground can be reached so long as everyone involved in the conversation feels the need to defend their faith (or lack thereof) rather than accept the difference of opinion (yours truely included).

Common ground can only come about when two people of different belief systems accept the irrationality of their faith (or lack thereof) and understand that logic plays no role in faith.

Truth like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. No One, has a monopoly on truth. As proof, try this little experiment; next time you are at a family gathering, start telling a story about something that you and other members of your family did several years ago. I guarantee you that every person involved in the memory will have a different version of the story, and be absolutely sure that their version is the gospel truth. and you know what? They are probably right.

Simplewords,
Victoria,
All other Muslims, brothers and sisters!

Eid Mubarik & Happy New Year to all of you.

Simplewords its nice to read your posts.

Sorry for the delayed greetings.
I was away and very happily busy getting engaged!

Your bit emotional & aggressive,
Brother!

Maybe science can become the common ground...

www.foreverfamilyfoundation.org/sanfranciscocc.htm

sbozti jlvoeyhs qohyicj cjiwkb opwnqj psre xhqi

The common ground is in accepting each other as individuals, because we are more than the sum of our faith. The common ground is in the things we might share like integrity, honesty, kindness to name a few.

Deciding on the things for the common good and addressing them and not our faith differences is how to begin to build bridges between cultures and faith.

The common ground is in accepting each other as individuals, because we are more than the sum of our faith. The common ground is in the things we might share like integrity, honesty, kindness to name a few.

Deciding on the things for the common good and addressing them and not our faith differences is how to begin to build bridges between cultures and faith.

DEBATE

There are two parts to the debate, since we need to also discuss how we get along with each other from different religious groups as well as other living entities on the planet, including the planet and ecology, because it is a living entity itself and religious philosophy dictates how we use its resources.

The first is about the religion and the tolerance to other cultures, civilizations and the people of different nations. The second is about ensuring that we preserve the earth, its fauna and flora, and its ecology on which our dependence hangs as well. The goal of life is first to survive in the long term, then to be contended and happy most of the times, and then to pamper ourselves with luxuries, sometimes and not always. The last often gets created in our minds by the pushers of the manufactures of the luxury at the expense of other living entities and resource of the planet, including the earth and ecology, which our future generations also have right to live off. For now we are living like pests and selfish fools.

The later need to be discussed first as it is of paramount importance and also dictates how we live together in peace.

SAVING EARTH, ITS FLORA AND FAUNA, ECOLOGY AND LIFE ON PLANET

I personally think that the human experiment of extreme capitalism has failed to make people of all nations and civilizations naturally healthy, blissfully content and harmoniously co-existing.

Extreme capitalism relies on the growth of profits as the only pre-dominant factor, and becomes the only variable in life to be maximized and be concerned about. So many other parameters meaningful to the life here get sacrificed and ignored in the name of chasing the assets shown by the modern financial instruments. Those who know the history of money would know that "interest" and "inflation" were the man made creations because of greed of the few who became innovative in making "something" out of "nothing". So the modern society is forced to dump a working computer and all-in-one-printer-fax-copier-scanner, because Microsoft has upgraded their Operating System with a newer version of Windows and running on old hardware would be more time consuming and expensive to support. Sticking to old hardware would be unproductive as the old version Internet Explorer does not work with the newer version of operating system and the software running on the servers on the Web. Standards and backwards compatibility are talked about, but when reality hits you, one is forced to keep up with the products pushed down to you. Instead of it being a demand based economy, the extreme capitalistic economy is supply based. Suppliers, if they had their way, they would pan pure oxygen bottles that is linked with a mask and make it a fashion statement, endorsed by Sports and Movie Stars, who do not really adopt the new products but take bribe to satisfy their greed, and mislead the naive people who worship them blindly, because the pop culture of extreme capitalism promotes this as the cool thing to do. Example, my daughter had all kinds of Barbie Dolls, and when I was growing up, I cared for any one doll (those days boy infants were allowed to play with dolls in their innocence).

Extreme Capitalism relies on exploiting natural resources and human labor. It looks like the human capital is the only thing that can be sacrificed, as life is cheap here, and it can be diluted for its quality of life. How many of you have to suffer if you can not earn because you are ill, or have to look after a very ill child or parent and make two ends meet, at expense of your health and lack of sleep? But natural resources of Earth are not finite. What was thought as the infinite is now looking limited. Thanks to mega-machines invented by the worst beast, of greed and self-centered-ness, that God made, where a man looks like a nut (he actually has become a nut with no pun intended) before a giant wheel of these machines, which knock off and scoop mountains of trees and forests, along with their inhabitants and subtle but meaningful ecology. These machines plunder the earth for crude, ores and minerals, and other resources. But they forget that they are not limited. The natives of America, Europe, Africa and Asia understood this better 2500 years back, before Rome showed the world the material awards of colonization and conversion. The suit was followed by Great Britain and other European nations in the name of progress to the lands of natives.

I have a vision when the earth is pot-hole marked along with the litters of giant digs with everything gone except for the huge waste created by the mankind, and man desperately trying to figure out how to recycle them, which nature did over millions of years. Handful of resources left are badly fought over by the powerful man between themselves, in process killing the remaining and the week (US is already doing this in Iraq for the sake of oil and Russia has already laid claim to the land below North Pole for its rich oil and mineral reserves). We are living off as if there is no tomorrow! We like to eat other animals and give cruel treatment to them to satisfy our appetite, and the same habbit will turn men into cannibals, when all other natural resources and living beings are gone! So perhaps for starters, men should not cremate or burry their dead, but use the mortal remains to satisfy their hunger! (I mean here to wakeup the man's divine conscience and NOT have it follow the suit literally).

RELIGION & PHILOSPHY THAT GOVERNS OUR LIFE

a. All religion have issues because it is in the nature of the human being to deviate from its divine nature and become demonic - unless restrained with good teachings and practices.

b. Any organized religion with power, money, and organization hierarchy, would lead to corruption and scandals of sex, money embezzlement, and even murder. Though they can not be avoided, the degrees of them should be reduced so that less of them happen.

c. Wish there is a meter that classifies various religious factions by some criteria and meters the problems faced different religious groups.
But hating ALL people of OTHER religions and calling their SAINTS/GODS bad is not a solution. This is nothing but bigotry. And hiding behind anonymous postings is not a brave act. It will show a metric which will show merits and demerits of different religious truths, and not anecdotal.

d. Colonization, Conversion and Slavery are things that are in our History. The terrorism today is the new name for the things mentioned. So is Ethnic Cleaning that was seen in Bosnia, and now being seen in Africa. The issue of backward classes should also be raised to the same levels but wondered why the rest of the world is not noticing their poor plight. This does not mean that all people from US, UK, Rome, Greece, Persia, India, China and Africa are bad. And all Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and others are bad. Human tendency is to generalize a community based on deeds of a few from any community. That is why understanding history and statistics are very important.

e. Organized Religion has proven to be bad, and any classification has proven to be bad. Only an individual communication with the Divine and being Spiritual and following good teachings is important. We should take a syncretic approach, and the best teachings of Christ, Gnostics, Muslims, Sufis, Jews, Buddhists, Jains, Tao-ism, Shinto-ism, Vaishnavies Bhakti, Shaivite Yoga and Tantra (which is more than what meets a western eye), and Vedanta, my favourite and most scientific, should be followed by all of us.

f. That means the education should also focus on comparative religious studies and one should follow whatever teachings that suits a person.

g. Only truth is that we are part and parcel of the same Creator, including the Flora and Fauna of this world. Please note that this means we should stop killing animals and being cruel to them.

h. It also means we stop chopping trees and killing forests and the animals that dwell there. There is no excuse and justification for us to kill the creations of the Creator in the name of survival. Man can produce enough food with today's technology and cheaper. Please stop putting cows and bulls in small and restricted pens to make their meat tender. We do not need to put chicken in the small places for the reasons and recycle their droppings in automatic conveyors, mix it with more food, and re-convey the mix back to them! Unnatural ways of living would only create endemics like Bird Flu and Aids! Cruel mind-set of man towards Animals, soon turns into cruel mind-set towards fellow man. Plese look at the most peaceful religious people and their dietry habbits, for your own conviction.

Small Beginning:

1.Lets us for a good beginning, follow the teachings of Christ: "Do not look Me in outside the world, but inside yourself."

2. And lets be flexible like this: "Worship in any form or kind of any God, is worship of Me."

3. Lets take a step, and make friends from another community and give out your love and understanding.

4. Lets stop forcing our religion onto others. This is especially true for Islam and Christianity. History of 1800 years of Christianity and 1200 years of Islam speaks for itself, and India is a best example for atrocities done in the name of Islam by Islam Invaders. According to William Durant, "Nowhere in the history, in any place or in any time, have any one suffered at the hands of any invading army, as have Hindus for so long." The violence of 9/11, Palestine, Iraq and Kashmir would pale before itself. Same thing can be talked about the forceful conversion by Christian Founders in Middle East and Europe, and Christian Colonists in North and South Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, where natives have nearly perished and if they have survived, their nations' civilization, people and economy in ruins, to be recovered if they are lucky, but that is rare, unless you happen to be China and India (but you still carry the challenges imposed from the past foreign subjugation).

AMEN, AMIN, AUM.

This must be the most significant question to ask whether or not there could be common ground? We must remember the typical natural behaviors of humans before Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, etc. We also must remember the individual and societal transformation that occurred when every one of the great religions were established.
Before any known religion was established on Earth, based upon paleontology fossil evidence and other discoveries suggests that early humans acted mainly upon instinct and emotional impulses. Some of the most questionable behaviors of people in our times resemble the same behaviors of our distant ancestors when religion wasn't present including, vengeance, anger, fear, and desire. Early humans actively engaged into four principal activities in life; fighting, feeding, fleeing and mating.
Once the great religions and other philosophical viewpoints of the sacred emerged, the most paradoxical event in Earth's natural history has commenced. For the first time ever, a living species has transformed their basic behavioral patterns and introduced a new way of life, which includes but is not limited to restraint, extended love beyond the immediate family, charity, loyalty, devotion, pluralism, atonement, etc.
What's even more fascinating is that despite at least 2,000,000 living species on Earth today and at least 100,000,000,000 different life forms that emerged and gone extinct throughout Earth's history since the Precambrian Times that ranged between 4.5 billion to 600 million years ago; we're the only living inhabitants of Earth who've transformed our principal behavior, which ultimately introduced symbols, writing, mathematics, art, and a formal legal system.
What we must understand is that science showed how unique we really are. We're an unprecedented living exception of Earth's long history.
Although we've as a species has accomplished the impossible, we've also developed various traits of behavior over the course of a very long time and they're still with us today. Unfortunately, we don't have to search long to detect such emotional, reactionary, vengeful, and instinctive behaviors showed often in the media.
Our best solution in finding common ground is that almost every human being agrees to call this planet Earth. I'm confident, that we all agree that all 6,000,000,000+ people on Earth are members of the same species. If anyone disagrees, then we have a serious social problem. Once we've reach that goal then we must understand the ruthless aspect of our nature is as real as our enormous potential, diverse virtues and extensive accomplishments that continue on to triumph throughout this day and hopefully far and far beyond.
For every mistake or misjudgment we make we'll sometimes say that we're just human. It is a principal explanation but we shouldn't use it as a common excuse. We should also discover that diversity is the next great gift we'll receive as we learn from other cultures and viewpoints; we'll have an opportunity to expand our minds by learning the full extent of the human variation.
Although we often perceive ourselves in troubling times, maybe we should think about the immanent opportunities that wait for anyone brave enough to search beyond their limited perceptions.

This must be the most significant question to ask whether or not there could be common ground? We must remember the typical natural behaviors of humans before Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, etc. We also must remember the individual and societal transformation that occurred when every one of the great religions were established.
Before any known religion was established on Earth, based upon paleontology fossil evidence and other discoveries suggests that early humans acted mainly upon instinct and emotional impulses. Some of the most questionable behaviors of people in our times resemble the same behaviors of our distant ancestors when religion wasn't present including, vengeance, anger, fear, and desire. Early humans actively engaged into four principal activities in life; fighting, feeding, fleeing and mating.
Once the great religions and other philosophical viewpoints of the sacred emerged, the most paradoxical event in Earth's natural history has commenced. For the first time ever, a living species has transformed their basic behavioral patterns and introduced a new way of life, which includes but is not limited to restraint, extended love beyond the immediate family, charity, loyalty, devotion, pluralism, atonement, etc.
What's even more fascinating is that despite at least 2,000,000 living species on Earth today and at least 100,000,000,000 different life forms that emerged and gone extinct throughout Earth's history since the Precambrian Times that ranged between 4.5 billion to 600 million years ago; we're the only living inhabitants of Earth who've transformed our principal behavior, which ultimately introduced symbols, writing, mathematics, art, and a formal legal system.
What we must understand is that science showed how unique we really are. We're an unprecedented living exception of Earth's long history.
Although we've as a species has accomplished the impossible, we've also developed various traits of behavior over the course of a very long time and they're still with us today. Unfortunately, we don't have to search long to detect such emotional, reactionary, vengeful, and instinctive behaviors showed often in the media.
Our best solution in finding common ground is that almost every human being agrees to call this planet Earth. I'm confident, that we all agree that all 6,000,000,000+ people on Earth are members of the same species. If anyone disagrees, then we have a serious social problem. Once we've reach that goal then we must understand the ruthless aspect of our nature is as real as our enormous potential, diverse virtues and extensive accomplishments that continue on to triumph throughout this day and hopefully far and far beyond.
For every mistake or misjudgment we make we'll sometimes say that we're just human. It is a principal explanation but we shouldn't use it as a common excuse. We should also discover that diversity is the next great gift we'll receive as we learn from other cultures and viewpoints; we'll have an opportunity to expand our minds by learning the full extent of the human variation.
Although we often perceive ourselves in troubling times, maybe we should think about the immanent opportunities that wait for anyone brave enough to search beyond their limited perceptions.

This must be the most significant question to ask whether or not there could be common ground? We must remember the typical natural behaviors of humans before Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, etc. We also must remember the individual and societal transformation that occurred when every one of the great religions were established.
Before any known religion was established on Earth, based upon paleontology fossil evidence and other discoveries suggests that early humans acted mainly upon instinct and emotional impulses. Some of the most questionable behaviors of people in our times resemble the same behaviors of our distant ancestors when religion wasn't present including, vengeance, anger, fear, and desire. Early humans actively engaged into four principal activities in life; fighting, feeding, fleeing and mating.
Once the great religions and other philosophical viewpoints of the sacred emerged, the most paradoxical event in Earth's natural history has commenced. For the first time ever, a living species has transformed their basic behavioral patterns and introduced a new way of life, which includes but is not limited to restraint, extended love beyond the immediate family, charity, loyalty, devotion, pluralism, atonement, etc.
What's even more fascinating is that despite at least 2,000,000 living species on Earth today and at least 100,000,000,000 different life forms that emerged and gone extinct throughout Earth's history since the Precambrian Times that ranged between 4.5 billion to 600 million years ago; we're the only living inhabitants of Earth who've transformed our principal behavior, which ultimately introduced symbols, writing, mathematics, art, and a formal legal system.
What we must understand is that science showed how unique we really are. We're an unprecedented living exception of Earth's long history.
Although we've as a species has accomplished the impossible, we've also developed various traits of behavior over the course of a very long time and they're still with us today. Unfortunately, we don't have to search long to detect such emotional, reactionary, vengeful, and instinctive behaviors showed often in the media.
Our best solution in finding common ground is that almost every human being agrees to call this planet Earth. I'm confident, that we all agree that all 6,000,000,000+ people on Earth are members of the same species. If anyone disagrees, then we have a serious social problem. Once we've reach that goal then we must understand the ruthless aspect of our nature is as real as our enormous potential, diverse virtues and extensive accomplishments that continue on to triumph throughout this day and hopefully far and far beyond.
For every mistake or misjudgment we make we'll sometimes say that we're just human. It is a principal explanation but we shouldn't use it as a common excuse. We should also discover that diversity is the next great gift we'll receive as we learn from other cultures and viewpoints; we'll have an opportunity to expand our minds by learning the full extent of the human variation.
Although we often perceive ourselves in troubling times, maybe we should think about the immanent opportunities that await for anyone brave enough to search beyond their limited perceptions.

This must be the most significant question to ask whether or not there could be common ground? We must remember the typical natural behaviors of humans before Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, etc. We also must remember the individual and societal transformation that occurred when every one of the great religions were established.
Before any known religion was established on Earth, based upon paleontology fossil evidence and other discoveries suggests that early humans acted mainly upon instinct and emotional impulses. Some of the most questionable behaviors of people in our times resemble the same behaviors of our distant ancestors when religion wasn't present including, vengeance, anger, fear, and desire. Early humans actively engaged into four principal activities in life; fighting, feeding, fleeing and mating.
Once the great religions and other philosophical viewpoints of the sacred emerged, the most paradoxical event in Earth's natural history has commenced. For the first time ever, a living species has transformed their basic behavioral patterns and introduced a new way of life, which includes but is not limited to restraint, extended love beyond the immediate family, charity, loyalty, devotion, pluralism, atonement, etc.
What's even more fascinating is that despite at least 2,000,000 living species on Earth today and at least 100,000,000,000 different life forms that emerged and gone extinct throughout Earth's history since the Precambrian Times that ranged between 4.5 billion to 600 million years ago; we're the only living inhabitants of Earth who've transformed our principal behavior, which ultimately introduced symbols, writing, mathematics, art, and a formal legal system.
What we must understand is that science showed how unique we really are. We're an unprecedented living exception of Earth's long history.
Although we've as a species has accomplished the impossible, we've also developed various traits of behavior over the course of a very long time and they're still with us today. Unfortunately, we don't have to search long to detect such emotional, reactionary, vengeful, and instinctive behaviors showed often in the media.
Our best solution in finding common ground is that almost every human being agrees to call this planet Earth. I'm confident, that we all agree that all 6,000,000,000+ people on Earth are members of the same species. If anyone disagrees, then we have a serious social problem. Once we've reach that goal then we must understand the ruthless aspect of our nature is as real as our enormous potential, diverse virtues and extensive accomplishments that continue on to triumph throughout this day and hopefully far and far beyond.
For every mistake or misjudgment we make we'll sometimes say that we're just human. It is a principal explanation but we shouldn't use it as a common excuse. We should also discover that diversity is the next great gift we'll receive as we learn from other cultures and viewpoints; we'll have an opportunity to expand our minds by learning the full extent of the human variation.
Although we often perceive ourselves in troubling times, maybe we should think about the immanent opportunities that wait for anyone brave enough to search beyond their limited perceptions.

This must be the most significant question to ask whether or not there could be common ground? We must remember the typical natural behaviors of humans before Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, etc. We also must remember the individual and societal transformation that occurred when every one of the great religions were established.
Before any known religion was established on Earth, based upon paleontology fossil evidence and other discoveries suggests that early humans acted mainly upon instinct and emotional impulses. Some of the most questionable behaviors of people in our times resemble the same behaviors of our distant ancestors when religion wasn't present including, vengeance, anger, fear, and desire. Early humans actively engaged into four principal activities in life; fighting, feeding, fleeing and mating.
Once the great religions and other philosophical viewpoints of the sacred emerged, the most paradoxical event in Earth's natural history has commenced. For the first time ever, a living species has transformed their basic behavioral patterns and introduced a new way of life, which includes but is not limited to restraint, extended love beyond the immediate family, charity, loyalty, devotion, pluralism, atonement, etc.
What's even more fascinating is that despite at least 2,000,000 living species on Earth today and at least 100,000,000,000 different life forms that emerged and gone extinct throughout Earth's history since the Precambrian Times that ranged between 4.5 billion to 600 million years ago; we're the only living inhabitants of Earth who've transformed our principal behavior, which ultimately introduced symbols, writing, mathematics, art, and a formal legal system.
What we must understand is that science showed how unique we really are. We're an unprecedented living exception of Earth's long history.
Although we've as a species has accomplished the impossible, we've also developed various traits of behavior over the course of a very long time and they're still with us today. Unfortunately, we don't have to search long to detect such emotional, reactionary, vengeful, and instinctive behaviors showed often in the media.
Our best solution in finding common ground is that almost every human being agrees to call this planet Earth. I'm confident, that we all agree that all 6,000,000,000+ people on Earth are members of the same species. If anyone disagrees, then we have a serious social problem. Once we've reach that goal then we must understand the ruthless aspect of our nature is as real as our enormous potential, diverse virtues and extensive accomplishments that continue on to triumph throughout this day and hopefully far and far beyond.
For every mistake or misjudgment we make we'll sometimes say that we're just human. It is a principal explanation but we shouldn't use it as a common excuse. We should also discover that diversity is the next great gift we'll receive as we learn from other cultures and viewpoints; we'll have an opportunity to expand our minds by learning the full extent of the human variation.
Although we often perceive ourselves in troubling times, maybe we should think about the immanent opportunities that wait for anyone brave enough to search beyond their limited perceptions.

Aug 1, 08:53
Finally, The Smoking Gun

One of the most fascinating exhibits presented by the prosecution in the Holy Land Foundation case (provided by researchers for the NEFA Foundation) is a memorandum on the Muslim Brotherhood’s multifaceted plan to convert the United States to an Islamic nation. It is the smoking gun of the Ikhwan’s long-standing efforts to destroy the Western world as we know it.

The most interesting exhibit is a Muslim Brotherhood memorandum by Mohamed Akram, dated May 22, 1991, where he outlines the Ikhwan vision of the future. He leaves no ambiguity as to the nature of the Ikhwan calling. (The exhibits will be posted and written about more completely in the NEFA website in coming days).

Under the heading “Understanding the role of the Muslim Brother in North America,” he writes:

“The process of settlement is a ‘Civilization-Jihadist Process’ with all the word means. The Ikhwan must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and ‘sabotaging’ its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated ad God’s religion is made victorious over all other religions.”

But wait, there is more:

“Without this level of understanding, we are not up to this challenge and have not prepared ourselves for Jihad yet. It is a Muslim’s destiny to perform Jihad and work wherever he is and wherever he lands until the final hour comes, and there is no escape from that destiny except for those who chose to slack.”

Akram then spells out in some detail the role of the Brotherhood in moving the project forward: “As for the role of the Ikhwan, it is the initiative, pioneering, leadership, raising the banner and pushing people in that direction (the Jihadist process). They are then able to employ, direct, and unify Muslims’ efforts and powers for this process. In order to do that, we must possess a master of the art of ‘coalitions,’ the art of ‘absorption’ and the principles of ‘cooperation.’”

The document then gives rationale for setting up Ikhwan organizations across the country: “We must say that we are in a country which understands no language other than the language of the organizations, and one which does not respect or give weight to any group without effective, functional and strong organizations.”

The document also deals with the criticism among the Brothers that the focus on the United States will drain support for the establishment of the global caliphate. The response is two-fold:
1) “The success of the Movement in America in establishing an observant Islamic base with power and effectiveness will be the the best support and aid to the global Movement project.”
2) The global (Ikhwan) movement has not “succeeded yet in distributing roles to is branches, stating that what is needed from them as one of the participants or contributors to the project to establish the global Islamic state. The day this happens, the children of the American Ikhwani branch will have a far-reaching impact and positions that make the ancestors proud.”

The document ends with a list of Ikhwan groups trying to coordinate, including all the usual (ISNA, ICNA, IIIT etc.)

What is so interesting about the document is the breadth of ambition, the conviction of ultimate success and the care with which the campaign we see today was being thought about 16 years ago. So is the the clarity of the ultimate objective of ending our years as a functioning democracy, built on the rule of secular law, minority rights and freedom of religion, press etc.

The infiltration of the government by members and sympathizers, the coordinated role of the organizations in pursuing specific objectives, the recruitment of the best and the brightest into the movement, and other objectives are far advanced, perhaps further than the author could have imagined in so short a time.

The rationale, for those like Lieken et al who want play footsie with these groups bent on our destruction, is truly mindboggling. I don’t think the Brothers who have been on the cusp of the new PR campaign, from Ramadan to Akef, have bothered to spell this out like the Brothers do for themselves.

But here we have it, in their own words, written by their own hands. There is much more to say, and I will revisit the topic as more information comes in.

Will anyone pay attention?

posted by Douglas Farah

Someone has to quietly and calmly present the evidance you have shown, without name calling where ever Ikhwan forces choose to speak in the US.

Ikhwan spokesman then have 3 choices:

-deny and call you names

-change the subject abruptly

-question your integrity

But either way this information is

I have to point out there that the question that these posts is supposed to answer is, "Is there any common ground?" Unfortunately, it seems that too many people here are pointing out dissimilar ground instead of common ground. We are also accusing each other.

In order to find common ground, we must look for beliefs that are the SAME. I can point out a few.

1) Rejection of idolatry and multiple gods.
2) Necessary requirement of missionary work and conversion. (Isn't Christian missionary work like a jihad against error?)
3) Care for the poor
4) Belief in prophets
5) Respect for Abraham the ancient patriarch

Please study each other's beliefs with respect and interest with the intent to understand rather than condemn.

For those who post merely to cast Islam as evil, irrational and false, please let me point out that at various times in history, Islam was a progressive force that assisted the rise of culture in the West. One of Judaism's greatest sages is Maimonides. In Maimonides famous work, "Guide for the Perplexed," the harmony of past ages was noted in the forward of this book. (The paperback edition with bright red cover - do not have it in front of me now to provide better detail, but you can find it on Amazon and THIS is the kind of reading we all need to do for consciousness raising to occur) Anyway, in the forward, a letter that Maimonides wrote is spoken of and he refers to Muslim philosopher Ibn Rush'd (Averroes) who advocated rationalism, as "My Master Abd Allah Ibn Rush'd." Maimonides works were written after the death of Ibn Rush'd, so he used 'My Master' not in the context of a living mentor, but as an expression of respect for a philosophical body of writing that inspired his own. I believe that Thomas Aquinas was then similarly inspired by Maimonides. If you value the contributions of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and the Neoplatonists like Plotinus, Porphory and Iamblichus, it is good to realize that this body of work had become lost to Western culture and it was revived by Jewish and Arab scribes who translated the texts into Arabic and Hebrew, which were then translated to Latin and Greek leading to the 'Renaissance.'

OK - I hear you! You are asking, "What have Muslims done for us lately?" In truth, not much!
Islam is now in a period of intellectual stagnancy as Europe was during 'The Dark Ages."

But the haters of Islam need to face some facts. As obviously Islam will not be wiped from the face of the earth, as you wish, what would you next hope to see happen to current day Islamic culture? Hopefully you would answer that you would like to see a great consciousness raising in the Muslim world. The FACT that verses exist in the Qur'an which advocate a society establish around given human rights mandates, that have NOT been abrogated as often thought, gives Muslim a legitimate base for this REFOCUSING on the humanitarian model of Islam.

As a hater of Islam, if you cannot wipe Islam from the face of the earth - is not what the Muslim moderates are attempting to accomplish the next best thing for ALL OF HUMANITY?

Truly, the emotional hate posts here only express psychological immaturity. If you oppose violence, then help us find a viable solution based upon ISLAM'S OWN DICTATES rather then asking Muslims to forfeit their culture and become Western clones.

You can choose to help society reach a more humanitarian age or just boo and hiss from the sidelines. Can we not engage together in a vision that will uplift all concerned? Any reality is preceded by a vision. We may not be where you wish us to be but we are trying with everything we have to bring about a refocusing on the innate humanitarian aspects of Islam.

Humanitarian Qur'anic verses (ayah)?
Please see, once again, the excerpt from
Dr. Mansoor Alam's article below:

So what should be done now? Should we simply close our eyes to the Qur’an and allow these latter-day rulers and Imams to regurgitate the same old sectarian-based Shariah that was developed under dictatorial rule and which tramples on the most basic values of the Qur’an dealing with universal human rights, that among these are: sacrosanct right of the sanctity of human life (5:32); inalienable right of the freedom of choice (2:256, 18:29); right of tolerance for other faiths (22:40) and absolutely no compulsion in faith (2:256); right to conduct state affairs by mutual consultation (3:159, 42:38); universal right of human dignity (17:70); sacrosanct right of equal justice for all (4:58, 4:135, 5:42, 16:90) including enemies (5:8) and no bending of justice for anyone (if the Prophet was not above the law (6:15) then how can anyone else be?); right to hold positions based solely on merit (46:19); right of personal responsibility and accountability (53:38); right of ownership of the fruits of one’s labor and no free ride for anyone (53:39). Are these Qur’an-guaranteed human rights (to all men and women) to be found in our current practice of Islam anywhere not to say of the holiest place in Islam, the birth place of our Prophet (PBUH)?

Who else could be more responsible then for damaging the sacred heart of Islam in the name of Islam, in the name of the Qur’an, in the name of the Prophet (PBUH) than the twin forces of Muslim dictatorship and Muslim priesthood?

The situation has degenerated to such an extent that if one were to mention that above human rights are some of the most sacred in Islam; that our Prophet (PBUH) lived and implemented these rights in society; that an Islamic society is supposed to be constituted on the basis of these core rights at its heart; then surely it will raise many eyebrows and may even invite sarcasm from certain quarters with comments such as: “Have these human rights anything to do with Muslims and Islam?” These reactions are not out of place considering how Muslim countries have been mistreating and even killing their own people in the name of Islam.

The world is judging Islam by our practice of Islam, by observing the so-called practicing Muslims. No wonder we seem to be fulfilling the prophecy of the Qur’an by showing to the world by our own actions that Islam is a failure, that Islam is false (107:1-7)! Our failure to live up to true Islam is being seen as failure of Islam. We may think we are good practicing Muslims and that we will ultimately have the mercy and the blessings of Allah. All this is fine but what about the Qur’an and its emphasis on universal human rights? Is the Qur’an only for reciting to achieve mercy and forgiveness, mostly for the dead? Or, should its human rights also need to be implemented in human society?

As a matter fact these values are under siege in every Muslim country. Can we expect to get anywhere when Muslim societies trample on these rights while putting extraordinary emphasis on rituals? What would be more important to Islam in the eyes of Allah: performing its rituals or implementing its basic human rights?

The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said that Muslim Ummah is like a body. When any part of the body is in pain the whole body feels it. That body seems to be in critical condition today. The only way to revive it is to go back to the basic Qur’anic values guaranteeing universal human rights and make them the foundation of Muslim society the way our Prophet (PBUH) did more than 1400 years ago when the rest of the world was living in barbarism and chaos as noted by many historians (e.g., J.H. Denison, Emotion as the Basis of Civilization). This is the real miracle of the Qur’an. This is the true Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) to practice (7:157).

There is common ground. It exists in recognizing human rights.

Your assessment of Islam seems unfairly harsh. Many goodhearted and dedicated Muslims are trying to re-emphasis the compassionate Meccan injunctions of the Qur'an. They have not been abrogated by the Medina verses as often thought. In fact, placed in historical context, the Medina verses are from times of war, conflict and betrayal of earlier peace agreements. It is very misleading to take them out of their historical context.

The following is an excerpt of an article by
Dr. Mansoor Alam of Toledo Ohio. He is a university professor at Toledo University and fully dedicates himself to clarifying the importance of Human Rights within Islam. Islam as it was meant to be, not Islam as it currently is practiced. I ask in all fairness that everyone here read this excerpt from one of his articles to fully understand the great positive possibilities of the Qur'an. This man has a vision - a vision that we would all do well to attend to. Do not all of us wish to see Muslims in the West and throughout the world as great contributors to humanity rather than a people against humanity. The Vision of Dr. Mansoor Alam which is completely valid Qur'anically can accomplish this. Please note his Qur'anic references should you have any doubt. You can see for yourself that there in fact IS a
HUMANITARIAN ISLAM.

(excerpt from article by Mansoor Alam Ph.D.)

So what should be done now? Should we simply close our eyes to the Qur’an and allow these latter-day rulers and Imams to regurgitate the same old sectarian-based Shariah that was developed under dictatorial rule and which tramples on the most basic values of the Qur’an dealing with universal human rights, that among these are: sacrosanct right of the sanctity of human life (5:32); inalienable right of the freedom of choice (2:256, 18:29); right of tolerance for other faiths (22:40) and absolutely no compulsion in faith (2:256); right to conduct state affairs by mutual consultation (3:159, 42:38); universal right of human dignity (17:70); sacrosanct right of equal justice for all (4:58, 4:135, 5:42, 16:90) including enemies (5:8) and no bending of justice for anyone (if the Prophet was not above the law (6:15) then how can anyone else be?); right to hold positions based solely on merit (46:19); right of personal responsibility and accountability (53:38); right of ownership of the fruits of one’s labor and no free ride for anyone (53:39). Are these Qur’an-guaranteed human rights (to all men and women) to be found in our current practice of Islam anywhere not to say of the holiest place in Islam, the birth place of our Prophet (PBUH)?

Who else could be more responsible then for damaging the sacred heart of Islam in the name of Islam, in the name of the Qur’an, in the name of the Prophet (PBUH) than the twin forces of Muslim dictatorship and Muslim priesthood?

The situation has degenerated to such an extent that if one were to mention that above human rights are some of the most sacred in Islam; that our Prophet (PBUH) lived and implemented these rights in society; that an Islamic society is supposed to be constituted on the basis of these core rights at its heart; then surely it will raise many eyebrows and may even invite sarcasm from certain quarters with comments such as: “Have these human rights anything to do with Muslims and Islam?” These reactions are not out of place considering how Muslim countries have been mistreating and even killing their own people in the name of Islam.

The world is judging Islam by our practice of Islam, by observing the so-called practicing Muslims. No wonder we seem to be fulfilling the prophecy of the Qur’an by showing to the world by our own actions that Islam is a failure, that Islam is false (107:1-7)! Our failure to live up to true Islam is being seen as failure of Islam. We may think we are good practicing Muslims and that we will ultimately have the mercy and the blessings of Allah. All this is fine but what about the Qur’an and its emphasis on universal human rights? Is the Qur’an only for reciting to achieve mercy and forgiveness, mostly for the dead? Or, should its human rights also need to be implemented in human society?

As a matter fact these values are under siege in every Muslim country. Can we expect to get anywhere when Muslim societies trample on these rights while putting extraordinary emphasis on rituals? What would be more important to Islam in the eyes of Allah: performing its rituals or implementing its basic human rights?

The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said that Muslim Ummah is like a body. When any part of the body is in pain the whole body feels it. That body seems to be in critical condition today. The only way to revive it is to go back to the basic Qur’anic values guaranteeing universal human rights and make them the foundation of Muslim society the way our Prophet (PBUH) did more than 1400 years ago when the rest of the world was living in barbarism and chaos as noted by many historians (e.g., J.H. Denison, Emotion as the Basis of Civilization). This is the real miracle of the Qur’an. This is the true Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) to practice (7:157).

qhts vjebzkufc lejofb vojbsqkrm kqbugmi hboyjngi lrqzabgye

Islam always thinks it is right and KILLS those who disagree.....

"""
Pakistan: Christians told 'convert to Islam' or face 'dire consequences'.

Christians in Charsadda, a town in North-West Frontier Province in Pakistan, have been warned that if they do not convert to Islam by 17 May, they will face “dire consequences and bomb explosions”.

The threats were made in a letter circulated last week to the town’s Christian population, according to the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA).

The threat comes as Pakistan’s National Assembly overwhelmingly rejected proposed amendments to the blasphemy laws.

Under the existing blasphemy laws, anyone convicted of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammad faces life imprisonment or the death penalty, according to section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code.

In a statement, APMA said: “Christians and other religious minorities are being roped into false cases under the blasphemy law. They are being murdered by zealots … This law is proving to be a sword hanging on the heads of non-Muslims and secular-minded people. The blasphemy law needs to be amended, if not altogether repealed, because of its great misuse. The law has created an atmosphere of bigotry and intolerance … a sense of insecurity and harassment.”

Commenting on the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province, APMA said: “The Christians of Pakistan are already facing victimisation and discrimination. Many innocent Christians are incarcerated and killed. Attacks on churches, Christian schools and other institutions have been experienced by the Christians of Pakistan in the past few years, and now the rise of vigilante groups and threats have aggravated the situation.”

Stuart Windsor, Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s National Director, said: “We are deeply concerned about the rise of extremism in Pakistan, and the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province.

"We urge the Pakistani authorities to do everything possible to create an atmosphere of religious tolerance and freedom and to protect religious minorities who are facing threats and ultimatums. We urge the Government of Pakistan to recognise the gross misuse of the blasphemy laws and the urgent need for their reform, or repeal.”"""

Islam is THE enemy of all right-minded people.

Islam always thinks it is right and KILLS those who disagree.....

"""
Pakistan: Christians told 'convert to Islam' or face 'dire consequences'.

Christians in Charsadda, a town in North-West Frontier Province in Pakistan, have been warned that if they do not convert to Islam by 17 May, they will face “dire consequences and bomb explosions”.

The threats were made in a letter circulated last week to the town’s Christian population, according to the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA).

The threat comes as Pakistan’s National Assembly overwhelmingly rejected proposed amendments to the blasphemy laws.

Under the existing blasphemy laws, anyone convicted of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammad faces life imprisonment or the death penalty, according to section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code.

In a statement, APMA said: “Christians and other religious minorities are being roped into false cases under the blasphemy law. They are being murdered by zealots … This law is proving to be a sword hanging on the heads of non-Muslims and secular-minded people. The blasphemy law needs to be amended, if not altogether repealed, because of its great misuse. The law has created an atmosphere of bigotry and intolerance … a sense of insecurity and harassment.”

Commenting on the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province, APMA said: “The Christians of Pakistan are already facing victimisation and discrimination. Many innocent Christians are incarcerated and killed. Attacks on churches, Christian schools and other institutions have been experienced by the Christians of Pakistan in the past few years, and now the rise of vigilante groups and threats have aggravated the situation.”

Stuart Windsor, Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s National Director, said: “We are deeply concerned about the rise of extremism in Pakistan, and the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province.

"We urge the Pakistani authorities to do everything possible to create an atmosphere of religious tolerance and freedom and to protect religious minorities who are facing threats and ultimatums. We urge the Government of Pakistan to recognise the gross misuse of the blasphemy laws and the urgent need for their reform, or repeal.”"""

Islam is THE enemy of all right-minded people.

Islam always thinks it is right and KILLS those who disagree.....

"""
Pakistan: Christians told 'convert to Islam' or face 'dire consequences'.

Christians in Charsadda, a town in North-West Frontier Province in Pakistan, have been warned that if they do not convert to Islam by 17 May, they will face “dire consequences and bomb explosions”.

The threats were made in a letter circulated last week to the town’s Christian population, according to the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA).

The threat comes as Pakistan’s National Assembly overwhelmingly rejected proposed amendments to the blasphemy laws.

Under the existing blasphemy laws, anyone convicted of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammad faces life imprisonment or the death penalty, according to section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code.

In a statement, APMA said: “Christians and other religious minorities are being roped into false cases under the blasphemy law. They are being murdered by zealots … This law is proving to be a sword hanging on the heads of non-Muslims and secular-minded people. The blasphemy law needs to be amended, if not altogether repealed, because of its great misuse. The law has created an atmosphere of bigotry and intolerance … a sense of insecurity and harassment.”

Commenting on the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province, APMA said: “The Christians of Pakistan are already facing victimisation and discrimination. Many innocent Christians are incarcerated and killed. Attacks on churches, Christian schools and other institutions have been experienced by the Christians of Pakistan in the past few years, and now the rise of vigilante groups and threats have aggravated the situation.”

Stuart Windsor, Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s National Director, said: “We are deeply concerned about the rise of extremism in Pakistan, and the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province.

"We urge the Pakistani authorities to do everything possible to create an atmosphere of religious tolerance and freedom and to protect religious minorities who are facing threats and ultimatums. We urge the Government of Pakistan to recognise the gross misuse of the blasphemy laws and the urgent need for their reform, or repeal.”"""

Islam is THE enemy of all right-minded people.

The Bavli [Babylonian Talmud] has formed the definitive statement of Judaism from the time of its closure to the present day. The excellence of its composition, the mastery and authority of those who everywhere studied it and advocated its law, the sharpness of its exegesis and discussion, the harmonious and proportional presentation of all details, these virtues of taste and intellect may well have secured for the document is paramount position … The Bavli served from its closure as an encyclopedia of knowledge and as a summa of the theology and law of Judaism.
— Rabbi Dr. Jacob Neusner

B
ible scholars are aware that Jesus Christ denounced the Pharisees. He said they nullified all the Commandments of God by their Tradition, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:13; Matt. 15:6-9, etc.). His invective, in truth, cannot be equalled. All of Matthew 23 is like a whiplash. He likened Pharisaism to a whited sepulchre, indeed beautiful outwardly, but "inside full of dead men's bones and of all uncleanness." Christ climaxed one condemnation after another with the expletive, "Hypocrites!" He called the Pharisees children of them that killed the Prophets. He foretold they would go on killing, crucifying and persecuting until the guilt for all the righteous blood shed from Abel on down would be upon them. "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" Christ asked.
Christ is as utterly devastating of Pharisaism in the record of John 8. Although He admitted that His hearers were descendants of Abraham, He said they were, spiritually, of the devil. Christ told them:

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because the truth is not in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it (John 8:44).
The Missing Link

"If some religious people believe they have a monopoly on truth, then are conversation and common ground possible?"

Sure. The conversation would go something like this:
"Our invisible supernatural being is better than yours, and all the dogma we have is better than the dogma that your religion has, and we'll continue to berate and kill each other to prove it."

Madness.

Can we find Common Ground? Yes, we can. We can accept each human being as a brother or sister of the human family and a creation of God. To love them dispite the outcome might be our common cause. If one feels he or she has greater truth, we should hear them and consider, not ridicule.

Truth, like spilled diamonds, might be valued all the more if gathered into one jar through the return of the scattered gems. Some may have more, some less but we all hold truth, even if there is some dirt mingled in the mix that should be cleaned out. I may have some of both in my hands.

Tom

we are 1

something is trying to divide us soo that we kill ourselves

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Simplewords:

Regarding Pat Robertson:

How about Ibn Baaz, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia from 1993 until his death in 1999, issuing a fatwa (pronouncement regarding sharia law) declaring: "The earth is flat. Whoever claims it is round is an atheist deserving of punishment."

People of faith are not immune from doing stupid things.

Hi people!
Sorry, this is my test the internet ; moderate: please remove this topic. Sorry for your time.
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Fresh from CNN:

"Pat Robertson: God told me of 'mass killing' in 2007"

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/01/02/robertson.predictions.ap/index.html

Robertson is saying:

"The Lord didn't say nuclear. But I do believe it will be something like that."

Then he goes on:
"I have a relatively good track record," he said. "Sometimes I miss."

Whose track record is this, his or God's? How can God miss predictions and He is the One who charted everyone's and everything's destiny? Don't you have ears to hear with? Don't you have eyes to see with? Don't you have brains to think with? Surely, it is not the eyes that go blind, it is the hearts!

That is exactly what I am talking about! If this nonsense happens today in the age of information, imagine what went on after Jesus departed this earth! This is the "new born" christians in action. The holy ghost talks to them freely! This is the same holy ghost that led to the dream of Simon who claimed that he saw a vision in which God told him to preach to the gentiles. This is the same Simon whose own experience led to the writing of the book of acts, which was later taken as part of the word of God!!!!!

How dare anyone sees this sign of God of a born again Simon in the body of Robertson, and yet claims that the bible is ok and the history of christianity has lineage with Jesus!??! The ink indeed has dried and the pens are lifted!

The Holy Quran, verses 5:116-120 reads:

"
116. And behold! God will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God'?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wo uldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden.

117. "Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say, to wit, 'worship God, my Lord and your Lord'; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things.

118. "If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servant: If Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise."

119. God will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal Home: God well-pleased with them, and they with God: That is the great salvation, (the fulfilment o f all desires).

120. To God doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He Who hath power over all things.
"

Here you have it! An honoured prophet of God keeping his message straight while walking the earth. After he leaves earth, he and his mother were treated like Gods, which is considered blasphemous even with Jesus' standards. There he is questioned by God and at the end still asking God for forgiveness for his people. Whose job is it to bring this truth forward? Who should come forward and defend that holy prophet of God?

Yes, the Quran!

Simplewords wrote:

"Islam talks very highly of him and his mother. Why should any muslim find it awkward to defend that prophet of God in the context of Islamic views?"

I am not a Christian, and do not profess to have any claims on the "absolute truth". However from my reading of Christ's life, I think he does not need the blessings of Quran to stand tall. He was tall already even before Quran mentioned him.

Defending one's religious views is like defending the color of one's chosen attire. What's good for you is yours, what's good for me I'll defend. In the end, there is a high probability that the two shall agree to disagree.

Apparently there would be no conflict, so long as one does not try to impose its will on the other. Unfortunately, Islam disagrees with this notion as it claims to be the sole custodian of the absolute truth, and as a result Islam has bloody borders.

Common ground? Judging from this thread, obviously none and then some :)

Enjoyed the rants and the vents though.

Common ground? Judging from this thread, obviously none and then some :)

Enjoyed the rants and the vents though.

Conviction and honesty really go hand in hand. Conviction also means the ability to prove your point, without lies or arrogance. One of the things that I like about Jesus is that he taught nothing in secret. He stood with courage in front of his enemies and pointed out the liers and hypocrytes among them. Islam talks very highly of him and his mother. Why should any muslim find it awkward to defend that prophet of God in the context of Islamic views? Muslims really have nothing to hide. Muslims have very special love for prophet Mohamed (PBUH) for all he has done through 23 years prophethood. At a time when muslims starve for knowledge about all prophets of God, our christian brothers continue to live in a dream world that led them astray for 100s of years.

The only thing I do different here is that I make sure I don't bring in lies or to dream up something that looks good in a post.

I am amazed. For all who respond with a ferocious hatred toward those with a "monopoly on truth", you are responding with an awful lot of conviction that your responses contain some absolute truth that everyone needs to hear! Seems by your responses that you allow yourself a monopoly on truth, and are comfortable making sure everyone knows it. I think some honesty is required as we all need to look at our responses carefully for what they are...our personal attempts to make truth claims. Since we all do this, can we really be so angry with others who are no less convinced of their beliefs than we are?

Regarding the respect of humans and their personal freedom and responsibilities, Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) said:

"Consult your heart even when people insist on giving you a multitude of opinions"

He also said:

"If a believer is to chose between competing opinions in a matter, let him/her choses the easiest to apply, as long as it doesn't contradicts with God's laws".

That's what prophets are for. May the peace and the blessings of the almighty God be on all His prophets, Ibraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohamed. May God reward ALL the prophets for the work and sacrifice they done for all humanity. May God guides those who strayed from the straight path. Amen!

Simplewords wrote:

"That's because Islam have no religious hierarchy like churches and no priesthood either. Commands come from God, not humans."

There is. Either you don't know or are combing for claps. Islam governs every aspect of a Muslim's life - how s/he is to use the hands and for what purpose, how to mate, whom to marry, what to eat, how much long the beard has to be, how to dress and whom to kill. This, to me, pretty much sets the box. Because you are inside Islam and have faith (or blinders), you are just clueless.

well for a newbie you handle yourself with aplomb-
it can get a little brutal sometimes- scroll back and see what preceded your timely entrance here-
a salaamu alaikum

VICTORIA:

I know what you mean but I am not sure either which chapter these ayas are in. I can do a quick serach and see what I can come up with.

Believe it or not, but I am really new to this board discussions stuff. I am amazed at the amount of misinformation being shared here. I think I will train myself a bit on one or two boards and then see if I will have the stomach to read some of the stuff on the athiest board discussions. Peace.

simplewords-do you happen to know the ayat about not blindly following the ways of your father or something like that?
ive tried to find it but havnet been able to

also i wish youd check out the athiest question there are some really reasonable people there and im not always up to it philisophically but youre very well spoken and i think you be appreciated peace

"Well, why do Muslims prefer to stay inside the box that the mullahs and mosque has put them in?"

Hmmm! Never thought about that! Oh yes, I know why. That's because Islam have no religious hierarchy like churches and no priesthood either. Commands come from God, not humans. There is no box to begin with. How many other religions give you the freedom to read others scriptures? No box here either. Humans these days go a certain church denomination and ask for custom built box, with personally-tuned teachings, and a chance to pick the "word of God" that suits their life style!

How can anyone be so heart-blind to not see what's going on here???

Simplewords wrote:

"I don't need to judge you or you judge me anymore."

Thanks. Your response was anticipated. However we (self-conefessed kafirs) shall continue to oppose and pose challenge to the existing Islamic theory of paradise, earth and life, simply because in the West these theories/hypothesis have no place.

And you wrote to someone:

"So you prefer to stay inside the box that the church put you in."

Well, why do Muslims prefer to stay inside the box that the mullahs and mosque has put them in ?

Someone wrote:

"Islam has nothing to offer me. Muhammad came along 600 years after Jesus and contradicts the Word of God. He showed himself to be a false prophet."

So you prefer to stay inside the box that the church put you in. I think you are a good candidate for evanglism. Triple brainwashed and able to repeat the same sentence over and over again in your posts makes you an excellent candidate for such a position! By the way, which church denomination do you belong to so I understand which "version of the word of God" you believe in? Just curious!

Deb Chatterjee wrote:

"I'll choose to remain a condemned kafir for that would allow me to constantly question the validity of the message of the Quran and other religions and traditions."

That's one "hell" of a choice! Have it your way! I don't need to judge you or you judge me anymore. I carried the message to you (nothing else I could do) and you made a choice. This is the end of our discussions. Thanks!

Simplewords:

I have watched a few Ahmed Deedat videos earlier on youtube. They're full of crap, purely from an intellectual point of view. To me they appeared as articulate yet emotional blabbering that actively suggests the viewer to first have faith to comprehend the message of the Quran. You may find it difficult to understand, but placing faith as supreme is not what rationalists do. The Christian evangelicals are also harping on faith. They are saying that my faith is better than yours, so come and join my faith. Rationalists don't claim to know the answers to all the questions, unlike the devoutly religious (aka fundamentalists). However the rationalists are the ones who can provide tractable methods of solving worldly problems. Unlike fundamentalists, rationalists don't attempt to solve worldly (mundane/tangible) problems by resorting to unworldly (i.e. faith) bamboozlement. I wish someone told Ahmed Deedat that when he was making those videos for raising money for Jihad in Bosnia/Kashmir/Palestine.

More to the point, a fundamentalist is one who believes that our present lives must be changed to conform to the revelations that happened in some dark antiquity, and that the earlier revelation has answers to all the life's questions. From spirituality, to using one's limbs and hands for ablution, to sex etc., each and everything is governed by some Divine law. That mankind need not reinvent/adapt these to suit the times. This concept is ingrained particularly in the Quran (as I have read in Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation). This very thought is most intellectually abhorrent. If God exists, then God must have given me the intellect to do freethinking. Why should I be placing faith in an old antiquated scripture that has lost its intrinsic value over time ? Islam seems to profess that time has been frozen in the Quran, and mankind need to just follow the strictures that may have been valid 1400 years ago in (Saudi) Arabia.

Well, to cut the long story short: your new-age Islamic guru Ahmed Deedat may be exalted and let him enjoy the 72 virgins in heaven. I'll choose to remain a condemned kafir for that would allow me to constantly question the validity of the message of the Quran and other religions and traditions. (Of course, some Muslims I know are so enchanted, that they have told me that they believed Ahmed Deedat was an incarnation of Prophet Muhammad. Taubah ! Taubah !)

P.S.: If we are to discuss the search for a common ground, as on this WP blogsite, then these Ahmed Deedat videos (actually Saudi Arabian propaganda), must be rejected for all discussions. The reason is that the discussion for the search for a common ground can begin if the premise that all religions and traditions are recognized as mutually equal. This implies equilibrium. Islam, in particular, rejects this notion of equality, and rejects any form of debate hat questions its validity. Passion can quickly transform into anger and only the mentally retarted would ignore the six degrees of separation between the two traits.

Enjoy your Eid !

Simplewords,

Islam has nothing to offer me. Muhammad came along 600 years after Jesus and contradicts the Word of God. He showed himself to be a false prophet.

Muslim Propaganda and Veritas vos Liberabit:

Why do you say to the truth when it came you, this is false and sorcery? Haven't you spent enough time in darkness already? Islam's message is clear. To believe or not is a choice you need to make. You don't have to make others look bad as a justification of your own faith. You need to be sharp in religious issues because your salvation depend on it. Don't lock your mind before listening to evryone around you, even the athiests. It will help you think "outside the box" that the church put you in. You are prisoners of your own insecurity. Don't you want to be free of your doubts? Don't you want to know what others believe they know? Don't you want to give it "a once and for all" genuine discussion and understanding of what Islam actually is? Better yet, don't you want to know what christianity and Jesus actually are?

You owe it to yourself, so that you go to sleep with clear heart and mind. Don't you want to know why muslims are so open for dialogue and debates with others? I always say, read the Quran, if you find it acceptable, then ok, otherwise more power to you and more assurance to you to keep yourself where you are. What are yougoing to lose? If you have no time and want to go directly to the hot issues, then have a look at the link I provided in my previous post. Sit back, relax, and get amazed by these debates.

Islam has no attonement. It is an antichrist religion because it rejects Jesus as the Son of God. The apostle John said this is the spirit of the antichrist. Therefore, Muhammad is an antichrist and a false prophet.

Muslims living in Western democracies try to defend their religion by quoting Sura 2:256 which says, “There is no compulsion in religion.”

In evaluating this very lonely verse in the Koran, you need to keep in mind first that it was written before Muhammad was rejected by Jews, Christians and his fellow Arabs — before he fled to Medina and started responding in hatred to all his detractors. But even more important is the fact that Islamic teachers themselves argue that this verse was later abrogated, either by the words or actions of Muhammad.13

1. Some argue that the verse was abrogated by Muhammad’s later orders for his troops to fight until unbelievers were compelled to surrender to Islam.
2. Others argue it was abrogated by Sura 9:73 which says, “O Prophet, struggle with the unbelievers and hypocrites, and be harsh with them.”
3. A third group argues that the words of the verse do not mean what they seem to say. They argue the words mean that religion cannot be used to force someone to do some­thing evil, but compelling people to accept the truth of Allah is a religious duty.
4. A fourth group of Islamic clerics accepts the words to mean what they say, but they argue that they were part of Allah’s strategy to advance Islam. While Muslims were weak, Allah spoke through Muhammad and told them to tolerate infidels. But when the Muslims became strong, Allah commanded them to cease being tolerant and attack and subdue the infidels.

The bottom line is that regardless of the explanation, the result is the same — the verse has been abrogated, and infidels must embrace Islam or face death.

Muslims sometimes counter by pointing to the intolerance and violence that have characterized both Jews and Christians at certain times in their histories. They point to the slaughter of the Canaanites when the Jews took the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. And, of course, they point to the Christian Crusades in the Middle Ages. Using these examples, they accuse Jews and Christians of being hypocritical in attacking the in­tolerance and violence of Islam today.

With regard to the Jews, this argument ignores the fact that God used them as an instrument of His judgment against the tribes living in Canaan — just as He later used the Assyrians and Chal­deans to judge the Jews (Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:24-25; Deuteronomy 9:5). He never told the Jews to conquer the world for Him, and He provided them with precise instructions as to how they were to treat aliens who might wish to live among them. They were to be treated with dignity and were to be pro­vided with justice (Leviticus 19:17, 33 and Deuteronomy 27:19). Even more, the Jews were commanded to love their neighbors as they loved themselves (Leviticus 19:18).

Regarding the Christian Crusades, they were an aberration in Christian history based upon perverted Catholic doctrine and not upon any biblical injunction. In contrast, the intolerance and violence that have characterized Islam throughout its history are firmly rooted in the Koran.

What a contrast all the ghastly commands of Muhammad are to the loving words of Jesus who told Christians:

“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

“Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39).

“Do not judge, lest you be judged” (Matthew 7:1).

“However you want people to treat you, so treat them” (Mat­thew 7:12).

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

“This is my commandment that you love one another” (John 15:12, 17).

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

And what a contrast it is between the admonition of Muhammad to conquer for Allah with the sword and Jesus’ exhortation to go forth in peace and appeal to people’s hearts through the preaching of the Gospel, relying on the persuasive power of God’s Holy Spirit.

that Allah HAfiz threw me off deb- i hope you dont mind if i say it back?
maybe i know it wasnt directed at me -
Allah Hafiz deb- happy new year and eid mubarak to you

thanks simplewords i love this guy its bookmarked!

DEB wrote:

"There cannot be an intellectual debate with Muslims on Islam. This has been exemplified by your statements that Muslims are sensitive about Islam, and get angry very quickly against any critique. Read your post; anger at criticisms seem to be bursting forth."

You seem to confuse anger with passion. I love to talk to people and I put an effort to answer their concerns. I told you the truth about the average muslim which are the majority and I also told you about the very few that are extreme in their views. Somehow you considered me extreme and you focus your anger on that segment and try to paint them as the real representatives of Islam. They are not!

You also wrote:

"Lastly, while Islam maybe the fastest growing religion in USA, I think such is partly because of ignorance on the part of Americans. Reverend Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and others are probably not trying hard enough to reconvert the ones who have converted to Islam. What they are not doing is to challenge the message of Islam - that is claimed by Muslim scholars as unqiue and superior to other religions/religious traditions."

I have two words for you: Ahmed Deedat! Go see what he did to these evanglists when they assumed your very weak views about Islam and tried to debate with him. They fled the stage and more conversions to Islam ensued. I would love to see these evanglists change their tactics from facing Athiests like yourself into facing muslim scholars. Evanglists AVOID facing muslims and PREFER to have the superficial debate with Athiests. Haven't you realized that already!?

You continued:
"In my view, if they engage in an open debate and take off where Pope Benedict stopped, it would open the hearts and minds of Americans who have converted. You would most probably see a reversal of the conversion trend: from Islam to Christianity."

I think you should spend sometime watching these videos:
http://www.aswatalislam.net/DisplayFilesP.aspx?TitleID=50016&TitleName=Ahmed_Deedat

You will love it because some athiests and agnostics appear from time to time in these debates.

Cool it down DEB! Happy new year and happy Eid!

EID MUBARAK VICTORIA

I am not sure what DEB had in mind when he wrote these words. May Allah guides him to the best!

RIGHT NOW THE LARGEST GATHERING OF HUMAN BEINGS ON THE PLANET ARE UNITED IN PURPOSE AT THE HAJJ PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
CERTAINLY THETY HAVE A COMMON GROUND

EID MUBARAK SIMPLEWORDS

for what its worth i didnt find any anger in your posts- just surprise at the reaction

i reverted to islam 8 years ago and had the ears andminds of many respectable christians to bounce off of- and i have no intention of going back to christianity-
i choose to go forward in islam...
peace

Simplewords:

I have read your post, and though I have nothing personal against you or any other Muslim of whatever shades of belief s/he might possess, I find your arguments not only ridiculous, but at times your views clearly demonstrate the fanatical nature of Islam. Below is my brief.

You have been rebuking those (particularly me and the conspiratorial media) who have maligned Islam-which to you is unfair. Well, while that notion is debateable, you don't dictate others what to believe or reject. Well, this is a western society where freedom of opinion is considered paramount. So, your rebuking others of "insulting Islam" (or to the same effect) is symptomatic of the fragility that Islam holds onto.

I have read works of Maudoodi (JIHAD IN ISLAM) and Sayyid Qutb (MILESTONES). You seem to state that suchb persons are on the fringes (radicals) of the Islamic beliefs. While your tendency to obfuscate is quite a stretch, you don't seem to realize that the two have clearly originated views which are upheld by a vast majority of Muslims all over the world. The Islamic trait is clear by now: blame all else (except oneself) for the woes and sorrows. Then, get radical. As long as there is a sugar daddy like the West (or USA), and the goodies come flowing, everything is fine. Any deviation is a call for violence mixed with anti-US passions.

Lastly, while Islam maybe the fastest growing religion in USA, I think such is partly because of ignorance on the part of Americans. Reverend Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and others are probably not trying hard enough to reconvert the ones who have converted to Islam. What they are not doing is to challenge the message of Islam - that is claimed by Muslim scholars as unqiue and superior to other religions/religious traditions.

In my view, if they engage in an open debate and take off where Pope Benedict stopped, it would open the hearts and minds of Americans who have converted. You would most probably see a reversal of the conversion trend: from Islam to Christianity.

I am a complete non-believer in ALL organized religions. In fact, I agree with the maxim that (organized) religion is the opium of the masses. (BTW, this does not make me a member of the Communist Party, as some unthinking bloggers might opine.) However, I have been exposed to Islam and its main message. I have consciously rejected Islam, and would certainly proselytize against conversion into Islam. You know why ? It's because there is nothing that Islam preaches which is superior from other religions. I would much prefer to remain and die as a condemned kafir than as a emancipated Muslim.

There cannot be an intellectual debate with Muslims on Islam. This has been exemplified by your statements that Muslims are sensitive about Islam, and get angry very quickly against any critique. Read your post; anger at criticisms seem to be bursting forth.

Happy New Year and Allah's Glad Tidings to you and your family.

Allah Hafiz !

YES, COMMON GROUND!
THE GROUND AT THE CROSS IS LEVEL!
COME BELIEVING!

GERRY 8:12 is referring to the battle of badr- simplewrods covered it well-

what is the alternative Gerry?
i posted a bunch of questions on the atheism in vogue post that no one has even attempted to answer-

i wont repost here its too long- its on page 1 at the bottom perhaps you could take a gander

ps since you werent in the battel of badr your fingertips are safe for now

also

you havent really had islam presented to you to reject or accept so you are certainly not kafir

Deb Chatterjee wrote:

"Thank you for admitting. That IS precisely my point. Other religions(at least sacred teachings) do not advocate violence on acerbic critiques."

You have done exactly what I expected. You took my words, and under a pretext of lies and deception, you added a twist to my words, then came up with your own conclusions!!! Why do you have to behave in such manner? I said it times and times again, don't try to paint a bad image to Islam just to feel good about your beliefs.

Under the banner of Islam, Jews and Christians lived for hundereds of years and exprienced their religious freedom. Look in the middle east today and you will find this example still holds today. Had muslims been what you think, no other religion would've been allowed in that land. To take the view of a few and apply it to the entire religion is like walking backward.

Islam does not need to go to war with anyone. Unfortunately, muslims find themselves under constant attacks, especially in the media. I want to know what freedom of speech means if it is led by ignorant people who act based on falsehood and lies? You said you read the works of Maulana Maudoodi and Sayyid Qutb. Do you have any background on the status of these two people and who were their enemies? I have a little surprise for you! Sayyis Qutb wrote most of his work in Jail in Egypt. He was with muslim brotherhood in Egypt. The government tortured him and humiliated him, and in the end they hanged him! His enemies were the "muslim government of Egypt"! The man took it to the extreme because that is the only thing he experienced in his life.

Time and time again, my statement holds true. An extreme action results in an extreme reaction. A group of very few people hold that extreme belief that Islam is actually at war. It doesn't matter to them who is on the attack, muslim or non-muslim. They are all equal in their eyes. They did not hijack Islam, it is their political and economical frusteration that hijacked their mental faculties. Look around the world and try to put my statement to test.

As far as the geographical boundaries of Islam, you are right, there is no boundary. Look at the western world, the fastest growing religion is Islam. That's because Islam manages to conquer the minds with its balanced and straightforward teachings. No twists, no turns, and no versions. Just straight talk!

I am sorry that you had to jump to the tune of the unjust media and evanglist collaborators. It is upto you where you get your information, but a bad info leads to the wrong conclusion. In a religious matter, a wrong conclusion leads to hell fire, that is if you believe there is one.

Simplewords wrote:

"Islam has conditioned muslims to be ready (mentally) for continuous attacks and verbal abuse from others."

Thank you for admitting. That IS precisely my point. Other religions(at least sacred teachings) do not advocate violence on acerbic critiques. It is based on this observation, I have asserted that Islam is incompatible with secular, liberal culture (like we know in USA). BTW, I have no qualms about Prophet Muhammad implementing this law. As you have written, and I agree, that he had faced the most indignified insults from his opponents at that time. So, 1400 years ago - an almost illiterate man mdid what best he could. But that does not mean the same strictures would be valid today.

And again you have mused (philosophically):

"Shouldn't they focus first on the main message? If they have a problem with that, then there is no point to move any further. "

Islam's message is in no way superior to other religious doctrines and traditions. The only difference I see is that God (Allah) commands the faithful to take up arms in propagating the faith/main message, viz., there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his Messenger. So what ? Traditions on the life of Prophet Muhammad shows that early Islam spread by violence. The liberal use of violence forms an intrinsic part of Islam.

Also, I disagree with you on the use of violence as sanctioned in Islam. I have read the works of Maulana Maudoodi and Sayyid Qutb. (You can dismiss these two widely respected Islamic scholars as fanatics/radicals, but then we cannot agree on the basic premises in a debate.) Both authors state that while Islam is certainly NOT advocating violence for personal gains or ends, it is the obligation of Islam to eliminate 'kufr' (unbelief) whereever it is present. (This can happen by active persuasion or by use of force.) The assumption here is that Allah owns all and everything in this universe. Hence how the human beings conduct their daily lives is also in the interest of Allah. According to the two scholars I have cited, implementing Allah's laws (as revealed in the Quran) is a part of the obligation of Muslims. To that end, if to implement Allah's message use of violence becomes necessary, then so be it ! Again, the two scholars (Maudoodi and Qutb), suggest that there is no 'offensive' or 'defensive' Jihad. (I am not implying the philosophical spin on the meaning of Jihad. I am following what these scholars imply by Jihad against unbelief (kufr): physical warfare in the cause of Allah and propagation of Islam).

Thus, Islam does not recognize any geographical boundaries in the spreading of the message - which is surely unacceptable and would be confronted/challenged by other secular/atheist or non-Islamic systems. (The reciprocal action: spreading un-Islamic doctrines, for example via proselytizing, in Islamic countries is strictly prohibited by citing Islamic traditions from the time of Prophet Muhammad.) So, while you are correct in asserting that Islam does not advocate unprovoked mindless violence, it sure must be provoked to witeness all the un-Islamic events happening around the world. This is a clear recipe for Islam to engage in voilence to further the cause of Islam. And, you have already explained such cause: the plethora of un-Islamic (kufr) around Islam is viewed as a mockery to the existence of Islam. Psychologically, thus Islam is always in a state of war: darl-al-harb vs. dar-al-Islam.

AMIN AND YEEHAW SIMPLEWORDS

DEB wrote:

"Why should I, or anyone, not have the rights in a liberal, secular society (like USA) to criticize Islam (or any other religious tradition for that matter) without the fear of being viciously attacked by the (devout)followers of that faith ? (Recall the vicious slaughter of Theo van Gogh in the recent times in Denmark)."

Islam has conditioned muslims to be ready (mentally) for continuous attacks and verbal abuse from others. Prophet Mohamed himself was a target for physical and verbal attacks, especially in his 13 years in Mecca before migrating to Medina. Islam also gave muslims the tool to reason with others in the best of manners (I can provide you quotes from the Quran to that effect). The problem is that most people who criticize Islam use the wrong pretext and miss the entire point in their argument. I actually wonder why people attack Islam on issues like women's vail and hajj rituals. Shouldn't they focus first on the main message? If they have a problem with that, then there is no point to move any further. Islam has been judged already in their mind. It is a threat to their own beliefs and therefore must be attacked by tarnishing its image regardless of the tricks and lies that achieve thier goal.

Execuse me for saying this, but you seem very biased here. Islam does not endorse the killing of others for being opposed to muslims. But in any religion, there is a "range" of people. There is the passive, the center, and the extreme. Islam fully controls the center, which represent the vast majority of muslims. The passives are just that, waiting for something to happen but never have influence. Then, the extreme. These people are controlled by wild events that trigger their wild and extreme ideas. The Van Gogh incident is a clear example that triggered a far extreme case to take the center stage. This is not just muslim and non-muslim stage event, no! It is also a mulsim against a muslim issue. The center and the extreme are struggling against each others.

Common Ground,

Martin Luther, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Protestants, COGIC, Jehovah's Witness's and all the other doctrine's of men have found common ground which will be decided at the valley of Meggido.

Jesus is very concise about those He loves. He loves those who keep His Word.

Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Astrology and all the modern christian theology have found common ground. None of it has to do with the Word of God.

Historically, if you search all these faiths have something in common, they worshipped animals, spirits (which they gave names and changed into gods),symbols they created and changed to gods, then wrapped the name of Jesus around them. So, they do have common ground, false doctrine or philosophy.

Their religion is just as sound as their science. They will continue to uncover, hypothesize, conjecture and speculate. Never reaching anything conclusive or eternal.

Why, because we were made in the image of Jesus and the Father, we are not the exact image of God. Therefore, our thoughts and ideals can only be the images of what is ultimately real.

Hence, common ground, is another culminating relative behavior. Expect nothing greater until the Lord Jesus Christ establishes order on the earth. And whether man will accept it or not, he (man) will continue to conflict, discriminate, be biased, and kill in efforts to set himself as God, or create God in his image. Which can never be.

Seek the true and living God. He will sup with you and give you real peace. But, this other doctrine that is being peddled, will not give you the peace you seek.

Repent the Kingdom of God is at hand. Which simply means have a change of mind. And the mind map is written in the prohecy and the testimony.

Simpleword:

That the God of the Quran (Allah) has bounties, and the knowledge of this statement does not qualify that Islam is superior to Abrahamic or other pre-Islamic religious traditions.

But you wrote:

"Have you noticed the complete non-exposure to Islamic veiws in their columns on this forum? Have you noticed the make-them-look-bad image battle they have on Islam? This is not a concidence. Do you know that all that's happening now was fortold in the Quran?"

So what ? Regarding Islam, which is definitely a theocracy, the finding of a common ground with secularism (or atheism) is next to impossible. Why should one have to respect other religious traditions (and especially as Islam demands so of others) to get along peacefully ? I mean what obligation I have to know Quran, Bible, Torah to get along peacefully ?

Why is it apparently impossible to ignore your belief-systems and still work in a mutually equitable environment ? Why should I, or anyone, not have the rights in a liberal, secular society (like USA) to criticize Islam (or any other religious tradition for that matter) without the fear of being viciously attacked by the (devout)followers of that faith ? (Recall the vicious slaughter of Theo van Gogh in the recent times in Denmark).

GERRY:

Islam taught us that God's bounties are available to EVERYONE. As much as you do, regardless of your beliefs, you get what you work for in this life. Since you believe that you are already rewarded by people who worked with you, then don't expect anymore in the other life. If you want to know where people like me come from, then read the Quran (I assume you already read the bible. If not, read it too).

As for the question of God existance, people differ on how much of an answer they need to be convinced that God exists. Early in human history, physical evidence such as miracles by prophets was the norm. Yet, a lot of people doubted because of worldy power and wealth that they might have to relinquish (such as the pharoe and the priests) or extreeme arrogance preventing them from seeing the truth. Then, the final message of Islam came along to completely document human history and their interactions with divine messages. On top of that, God's wise and pure revealations were condensed and concentrated in one mighty book, the Quran. The Quran skipped the physical miracles and focussed only on the ever lasting word from God. The Quran is the living miracle, in which guidance has taken shape to all humans. It is the ONLY book that distinguish between right and wrong from prophet Adam till prophet Mohamed. It explains, in details, Athiesm/Jewdaism/Christianity and others, where they stand and how they played with their followers. The Quran's amazing challenges to people is quite fascinating. It invites you to think, work hard, innovate. question what you do, and help you get free of your doubts.

Did you ever ask yourself why evanglists always stay away from the Quran and create a superficial clash with Athiests? They want to divert thier followers attention to a different battle where they won't lose much sleep over. Have you noticed the complete non-exposure to Islamic veiws in their columns on this forum? Have you noticed the make-them-look-bad image battle they have on Islam? This is not a concidence. Do you know that all that's happening now was fortold in the Quran?

I am quite satisfied being a muslim and I am not even a very religious person. I reached where I am through reading, reasoning, and God's help. I urge you to read and see for yourself.

Well, Victoria Simplewords, I am afraid I have to go to hell, without my fingertips, since you exposed me to your "truth" and I have rejected it. Btw, my career is behind me, and it was pretty successful, including a lot of prominent students who have had a terrific advantage from my art and my teaching.

Funny how indoctrinated people can rationalize and attribute a positive edge even to such a gruesome perspective as this so graphically described torture. Will you give me a glass of water then at least?

Peace,
Gerry

Deb Chatterjee wrote:

" find this "win-win situation" really ridiculous."

From a theological point of view, it is much much easier for a christian to argue with an athiest thatn with a muslim, for instance. A win-win situation is when a christian hardly argues the matter or even quotes the bible to prove an out of question point such as the non-existance of God. I mean how many christians leave their faith because someone convinced them that God do not exist?

GERRY wrote:
"As for the Quran, I found the following threatening verses not very assuring for me:
8,12 I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.
57.19... (as for) those who disbelieve and reject Our communications, these are the inmates of the hell."

The first verse you quoted is what we refer to these days as "preemptive strike or shock and awe". It is a perfect example on how early muslims, way outnumbered (sometimes 10:1) and way under equipped, were able to hold on in their battle ground and win. This verse is intended to counter any material advantage an enemy has before a battle. It is also used as a deterrant to those who might think of attacking muslims. In short, you took the verse out of conext.

The second verse you quoted didn't seem right to me. So I looked and found out that you quoted only the second portion of the verse. Here is the entire verse:

"And those who believe in Allah and His apostles- they are the Sincere (lovers of Truth), and the witnesses (who testify), in the eyes of their Lord: They shall have their Reward and their Light. But those who reject Allah and deny Our Signs,- they are the Companions of Hell-Fire."

The verse is now very balanced. Again, you took it out of context, this time I believe unintentionally. I don't know what translation you used, but the one I quoted fits the Arabic translation a lot more accurately. I use Yusuf Ali translation (http://www.sacred-texts.com/isl/quran/index.htm) because I can see both the Arabic and English texts.

The key words here are "reject Allah and deny Our Signs". God doesn't punish humans for no reason. Denying God's signs means that you must've been exposed to these signs in your life. God is telling you that there are consequences for denying Him and His signs. What you are saying is that you are not comfortable with that assertion because it is a threat to you and to your career as a musician!!! I say that you are a bit afraid to actually get attached to this wonderful religion. Please reconsider.

Words are like leaves, and,

when they most abound,

much fruit of sense beneath

is rarely found

ALEXANDER POPE, ESSAY ON CRITICISM

Applies to the incredible amount of worthless verbiage on this useless forum.

SCIENCE IS THE ONLY WAY. WORK HARD AND IMPROVE SOCIETY, if you got the brains, and if you do not, be GRATEFUL to the GENIUSES that allow you to live like modern human beings and not wear skins, die at childbirth or at 40 for men, and beat each ther over the head with clubs.

BUT I have no illusion that anybody here will appreciate ANBY of the above.

Most likely, a few will respond with the usual irrelevant quotes from their alleged holy books.

Do not bother.

Simplewords wrote:

"Another side door approach is to create a superficial philesophical battle with athiests and idol worshippers, since it will always be a win-win situation. "

Precisely this is the reason why Christianity (as we know it, and as distinct from Teachings of Jesus Christ or as in the Gnostic Gospels), is on the decline. There can be no argument with faith. You may believe in Jesus, Muhammad, Moses, Krishna, Buddha and want to follow your traditions; I may believe in worshipping a tree and a multi-colored elephant god (Ganesha in the Hindu pantheon). If we agree to disagree and abide by the live and let live policy, there is a good chance of peaceful co-existence. But, this moral superiority of the monotheist faiths is the root cause of all the problems. These faiths are often irrational and cannot be proved. Why should then one must accept one faith over another if all religions have the same (meaning equally divine) message ?

I find this "win-win situation" really ridiculous.
(You unto your way, and me unto mine.)

Jesus is the messaiah (christ) and he was "sent" to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Every nation gets a prophet with miracles that fit their needs. The Jews needed strong physical miracles. No prophet after Moses can fit the bill like Jesus. Jesus gave them all the miracles that they needed, yet most of them refused him. Some followers of Jesus became an opposing faction to most of the Jews. God took Jesus and ascended him to heaven. At the that point, there was no bible, no divinity for Jesus, and no trinity. Only two Jewish factions, Jesus-pro faction believing that he is the Messiah and a second refusing him. Between that point in history and 100 years after Jesus, the Pro-Jesus Jewish faction transferred itself into a new religion, moving away by choice from their Jewish heritage. For that to happen, scriptures were written to fit the new direction of the religion. That included mixing true experiences in Jesus' life and an added dimension to the bible to make it look like a different religion than Judaism. Instead of portraying Jesus as a prophet and instead of using the Jewish metaphores to translate Jesus' words into their proper meanings, a decision was made to take metaphorical statements and transfrom them into literal words. The idea was to give Jesus a divine status to attract the gentiles (non-Jews). The concept was not new to the Romans and others, and was therefore accepted as is.

Years after years past and the term Son of God, even with some doubts lingering, was continuously used to "hint" at the divinity of Jesus. Who wouldn't accept to throw the burdens of his/her sins on someone else? Today, there is a revival in the christian world against accepting non-factual statements and translations as facts. If christians admit that Son of God means little or nothing as far as Jesus' divinity is concerned, the christian faith collapses. Instead of searching for the truth, evanglists have taken the sidedoor approach. Make everyone else (non-christians) look bad, and no christian will question his/her faith. Another side door approach is to create a superficial philesophical battle with athiests and idol worshippers, since it will always be a win-win situation. Nowadays, christianty lives off of its image that churches painted in the minds of its followers. Morally, evagelists are beaten up to their core. They can't debate or make the slightest sense when approached with simple basic argument. Some of their common sickness is taking things out of context and their uncontrolled attacks if faced with little argument. I am not surprised to see these poor souls on this board who rant the same old stuff, without thinking much about it or how it ended up as a word of God! Perhaps the most important conclusion related to this discussion is that Jesus, regardless what he was called in the bible and according to the Jewish metaphores, is a prophet of God, no more no less.

If christians agree with the historical facts about Jesus and let go of their own creation of Jesus, they will become an arm length away from Muslims. The Quran presents the most comprehensive and truthful account of Jesus Christ and his mother Mary. It tells, in imaculate details, Jesus' account through his life's critical moments. It also talks about events that were never mentioned in the bible (like him talking while being only a few weeks old). Believing in Mohamed as the final seal of prophets closes the gap completely. That's the best common ground I can see for the future.

Jesus is the messaiah (christ) and he was "sent" to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Every nation gets a prophet with miracles that fit their needs. The Jews needed strong physical miracles. No prophet after Moses can fit the bill like Jesus. Jesus gave them all the miracles that they needed, yet most of them refused him. Some followers of Jesus became an opposing faction to most of the Jews. God took Jesus and ascended him to heaven. At the that point, there was no bible, no divinity for Jesus, and no trinity. Only two Jewish factions, Jesus-pro faction believing that he is the Messiah and a second refusing him. Between that point in history and 100 years after Jesus, the Pro-Jesus Jewish faction transferred itself into a new religion, moving away by choice from their Jewish heritage. For that to happen, scriptures were written to fit the new direction of the religion. That included mixing true experiences in Jesus' life and an added dimension to the bible to make it look like a different religion than Judaism. Instead of portraying Jesus as a prophet and instead of using the Jewish metaphores to translate Jesus' words into their proper meanings, a decision was made to take metaphorical statements and transfrom them into literal words. The idea was to give Jesus a divine status to attract the gentiles (non-Jews). The concept was not new to the Romans and others, and was therefore accepted as is.

Years after years past and the term Son of God, even with some doubts lingering, was continuously used to "hint" at the divinity of Jesus. Who wouldn't accept to throw the burdens of his/her sins on someone else? Today, there is a revival in the christian world against accepting non-factual statements and translations as facts. If christians admit that Son of God means little or nothing as far as Jesus' divinity is concerned, the christian faith collapses. Instead of searching for the truth, evanglists have taken the sidedoor approach. Make everyone else (non-christians) look bad, and no christian will question his/her faith. Another side door approach is to create a superficial philesophical battle with athiests and idol worshippers, since it will always be a win-win situation. Nowadays, christianty lives off of its image that churches painted in the minds of its followers. Morally, evagelists are beaten up to their core. They can't debate or make the slightest sense when approached with simple basic argument. Some of their common sickness is taking things out of context and their uncontrolled attacks if faced with little argument. I am not surprised to see these poor souls on this board who rant the same old stuff, without thinking much about it or how it ended up as a word of God! Perhaps the most important conclusion related to this discussion is that Jesus, regardless what he was called in the bible and according to the Jewish metaphores, is a prophet of God, no more no less.

If christians agree with the historical facts about Jesus and let go of their own creation of Jesus, they will become an arm length away from Muslims. The Quran presents the most comprehensive and truthful account of Jesus Christ and his mother Mary. It tells, in imaculate details, Jesus' account through his life's critical moments. It also talks about events that were never mentioned in the bible (like him talking while being only a few weeks old). Believing in Mohamed as the final seal of prophets closes the gap completely. That's the best common ground I can see for the future.

Jennifer Hampton wrote:

"There is no religion exempt from the faults of men, however, if we look at the teachings that each of the World's Great Prophets have brought to us, it's clear that they are from God to enlighten us on our true purpose."

I have some quips, and I am not at all religious. I have penchant for spirituality, but not for any organized religion.

In the category, only Islam is different because if you read the Quran literally, free from the biases of politically correct and well-mannered interpretations - which present-day Muslim scholars engage and advocate, you shall find a very recognizable darkview. This is: if you are a non-Muslim, and have heard the message of Islam but by the exercise of your free-will reject it consciously, then you are branded as kafir - which means unbeliever. Quran, in almost all its surahs, makes it clear that such kafirs are to be killed - [Quran(047:004)] or brought within the realm of dhimmitude [Quran(009:029)]. (There are other passages, and I am refraining from compiling an exhaustive list.)

There is nothing so intolerant in the messages of the other prophets (except Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]) you have quoted. Certainly, can you please tell me how Bahais are treated in Iran by the fundamentalist Islamic theocracy there ? But still one might dismiss/ignore the organized Bahai persecution in that (Iran) country as an aberration. Then how about the Coptic Christians in Egypt ? How about the treatment of the Palestinian Christians in Lebanon ? Why Saudi Arabia does not allow any other religion to flourish in Saudi Arabia ? (These can all be traced back to the Islamic traditions.)

My whole point is that when we agree with the basic notion of equality of Islam and other religions and their messages, we are totally oblivious of the facts on the ground. Now, people before us have tried to separate the "good" and "bad" Muslims. People have tried to synthesize Islam and other faiths. All haved failed. This is what the whole issue is all about: Islam is totally incompatible with other religions and cultures/traditions. Look anywhere in the present world, you shall find in all probability the troubles begining with Islam. Sam Harris, a very compelling author of THE END OF FAITH: RELIGION, TERROR AND FUTURE OF REASON, has argued in his book with independently verifiable bibliography, that all religions are bad because they rely on the existence of faith, which is quite apart from reason. However except Islam (chapter 4 in Harris's book) all other religions and their traditions can peacefully co-exist in equal terms.

It is with reason that we can seek a common ground. However how can you reason with an unreasonable ideology (Islam and Communism) ? That is where we must define our starting positions. Our search for a common goal or a common ground between various religious or secular traditions should begin by analyzing the threat that secularism/atheism faces from Islam. If our western-style, liberal, secular democratic system faces the threat of physical annihilation (from Islam), then shouldn't the priority be how can we maintain the existence of this liberal democracy ? Isn't that a legitimate question to ask ?

There is no religion exempt from the faults of men, however, if we look at the teachings that each of the World's Great Prophets have brought to us, it's clear that they are from God to enlighten us on our true purpose. The teachings of Buddha, Moses, Krishna, Jesus, Muhammed, and the Bab, and Baha'u'llah are there to guide humanity in its development, not that one Prophet is better than another, but they each had a message for civilization at each time in history. A first grade teacher may be teaching first grade material to a student, but that does not mean that teacher knows less than the 5th grade teacher...there job is to educate at the appropriate level for the child's development. This is also true for humanity...we have come a long way in our development and the conciousness of mankind is recognizing that we are all one. An idea that was brought to the world in 1844 with the Prophet Baha'u'llah. This may sound like, "just what the world needs---another religion and Prophet", however, it really is the same religion that people have been fighting about for centuries...Isn't it possible that all of these religions are from the same God and because of culture and other differences of people there has just been misunderstandings? For example, "Allah" is just another word for "God", but somehow "Allah" is understood by most as a different God that Muslims worship. So, is it possible that all of these religions came from the same God?

Victoria, thank you for your reply! Since I certainly do not share the view of this dangerous simpleton professor Stevens (how does one become professor at Brooklyn College?) on the other thread, I know a lot of believers of any faith who are very nice people. Still, they are nice quite independently from the fact that they believe this and that and the other thing.

As for the Quran, I found the following threatening verses not very assuring for me:
8,12 I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.
57.19... (as for) those who disbelieve and reject Our communications, these are the inmates of the hell.

All this is to be expected for me, poor atheist, who badly needs his fingertips, because I am a musician!

Still: Peace, and try to make the right selections of the Quran for your students (the bible certainly is no better as to threats with hell and horror for the disbelievers!).

I repeat: I am an atheist (forget the semantics as to atheists vs. agnostics) for my mental health, my love for people around me and my human dignity!

Gerry

Gerry- i have been trying to paste the response of the 38 muslim sholars to the popes speech onto this site but im not very computer literate-

it is on ISLAMICA and i think you would find it interesting

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had Asma bint Marwan (a woman) hacked to death by his follower. This lady had done the cardinal mistake of openly insulting (satirical) Prophet's teachings in the marketplace. I am copying verbatim from Wikipedia (a quick source for verification). The source of this information seems to be from Ibn Ishaq's earliest biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) whose title is:

Ishaq's biography (originally in Arabic) is titled SIRAH RASUL ALLAH (Life of the Apostle of God). (English translations are readily available in USA.)

From Wikipedia this is what is found:

"When the apostle heard what she had said he said, "Who will rid me of Marwan's daughter?" Umayr bin Adiy al-Khatmi who was with him heard him, and that very night he went to her house and killed her. In the morning he came to the apostle and told him what he had done and he [Muhammad] said, "You have helped God and His apostle, O Umayr!" When he asked if he would have to bear any evil consequences the apostle said, "Two goats won't butt their heads about her", so Umayr went back to his people."

N.B.: Wikipedia states that the above story has been questioned by some scholars. However, the very reasons for questioning, have not been elaborated.

If true, the above story suggests the innate intolerance with which Islam spread from its earliest times. Islam is opposed to any form of criticism - this is its characteristic - much like Communism. It is thus futile to find a common ground between Islam and western-style, liberal secular societies.

GERRY, i thought you were insinuating that people of faith were easliy categorized and all shared some mindset- my mistake.

now as for whatever intelligence challenged person told you that Mohammed(pbuh) would kill you- if its a muslim saying this-(and i really really doubt that, but its possible - there are misinformed people everywhere) unless you went into his house, and assaulted his family- Mohammed(pbuh) would not kill you. if it wasnt a muslim- well- usually when i have any question- i ask regular people a coup;e of times- compare their answers and sources- then take that information to at least 2 very knowledgeable people. and sometimes i never stop asking the same question.
for instance- when i encounter any scholar of islam- to test the depth of their knowledge i ask them about the ayat(verse) that has been so widely misinterperted that some that it says that if your wife disobeys you you should beat her.

this is such a wildly innaccurate and brutal misinterpertation that there will probably be some nut with a bad english translation arguing about it since ive brought it up.

what it actually says is- if your wife is disobeying ALLAH-(not the husband) like indulging in some strictly forbidden activity like drinking alcohol on a regular basis- then first you should chastise her with words- tell her its wrong- then you should refuse to share her bed for 3 days-then if she persists in her disregard of the will of ALLAH- remove yourself from your home for a time- until she stops the activity.

thats really quite different than beating isnt it?
but men with very bad intentions and control issues have abused this ayat many times to mean that if your wife disobeys YOU (the husband) you must beat her.
an abhorrent and repulsive brutal interpertation dont you agree?

i also do not like when people state things in absolutes as "truth" because it shows no respect for the person you are speaking to.i call it the GOD LOVES ME MORE THAN HE LOVES YOU SYNDROME and it is arrogant and it can apply to atheists too as the IM SMARTER THAN YOU-

PAM is right- it is human nature to fight- and while other religous ways ignore this basic fact as if it will go away, this is unrealistic.

as a body of work the Qur'an addresses this issue and has guidelines for the best behavior in these situations beause they are inevitable aspects of human interaction.

as a tool for enlightenment i find the Qur'an to be superlative. this is MY truth- as you are welcome to your own.
i teach an interfaith class and one of the first things i tell people is that you will never bring any value to your own views by tearing down the views of another. even if you leave someone completely denuded of validity- it does not in any way give credence to your own opinion. the only way to impart credibility is by relating something of value that reveals itself for what it is...

i sure have talked alot again and i didnt mean to.
it sounds like alot of people express ideas without having any idea why they believe what they do- or maybe they have personal anger or hatred towards something and you are clearly intelligent enough to distinguish between these types.

there are many many philosophies and religions that did not satisfy me- but islam does satisfy my logical self and my intuitive self- it is precisely the harmony between them it really is holistic and the only way to come to any conclusion of its validity is to read the Qur'an yourself and come to your own conclusion.
there is even an ayat that actually states this
DO NOT BLINDLY FOLLOW THE WAY OF YOUR PARENTS BUT INSTEAD READ THIS BOOK AD USE YOUR OWN REAONING AND INTELLIGENCE TO DECIDE.

i know of no other religion that encourages people to use their intelligence and reason to determine the validity of it.
personally- i find that i have to read something 3 ties before i can venture an opinion on it-

of course dont split your brain into 2 mutually exclusive parts- what a bipolar religion that would engender- and of course dont believe anything anyone tells you- especially me!
thanks for your patience in bearing with this loong response and also your taking the time to clear up my misunderstanding
respectfully and with peace victoria -

I love all of this infighting. Restores my faith in human nature.

Victoria,

I did not imply that you were not thinking enough, as you seem to have misinterpreted my post the other day. My point was and still is, that I refuse to split my spiritual being into two contradicting, mutually exclusive parts, one of thinking, one of believing something somebody tells me without the slightest effort to give me any proof other than that he would kill me (Mohammed) or that I would suffer eternal tortures (Jesus, Mark 16,16) if I would not believe him. The medieval "credo quia absurdum" (I believe since it is absurd) may have been a welcome means to wield power over illiterate, fearful and bewildered novices, as a condition for joining a convent 800 years ago, but it certainly is not for anybody to whom the concept and the period of "enlightenment" has the slightest meaning. To me, this sort of split brain has something to do both with (my) mental health and (my) human dignity. (No "moral" implication towards religious people is intended here; that is a different discussion.)

As to common ground: You cannot reason (argue, dispute, discuss, compromise) with someone whose "arguments" are based on the openly admitted negation of this very reason!

If we could substitute the terribly destructive concept of "truth" by the very real and certainly provable psychological concept of "viewpoint", we could find a lot of common ground. These viewpoints could then assume an honest quality of different symbolical approaches to the unknown. But "truth" excludes "discussion" by definition: There is either submission ("conversion") or - walking away in order to escape being harrassed by the possessors of "truth", as is so often the case even in our "modern" western civilization!

Gerry

hee hee if you see the buddha on the road- you go ahead and kill him richard

No, that's not the moral of the story. Go back and meditate longer.

No, that's not the moral of the story. Go back and meditate longer.

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The moral of the story (Richard Wade) is that incompatibility is a part and parcel of life. So, if the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

Right Richard ? :-).

There once were two people who were engaged in a rock fight with only one rock availble. The fight went on its brusing, bloody way until finally the wiser of the two realized that each time they threw the rock, they were giving ammunition to the other.

Victoria:

Sorry, but you have not answered any of the questions I had posed.

This forum, is not for characterization of humans. You seem to place more faith on Emotional Quotient than Intelligent Quotient in a discussion/debate. (Just read your posts - you seem to be wearing your emotions on your sleeves.)

Manners, in your view, szeem to take the driver's seat than the contents. Why ? Also, feeling insulted is a personal taste. On this forum, to my knowledge, I have not insulted you.

If you cannot answer the challenging questions, honestly admit that. If you don't want to respond to them, that's your choice. That would not stop anyone from criticizing Islamic dogmas.

My advice is that don't hide behind nebulous and irrelevant statements. It's a cry-baby syndrome.

o the line about looking for a fight is debs self admission

the one thing i love is that you can pet 2 totally different cats at the exact same time and they both wholeheartedly believe that they are the complete center of your universe.

deb please leave me alone and quit insulting me
i do not respect the manner in which you address me and feel no compulsion to respond to bad manners
i get tired of being attacked as does anyone

i have plenty to say elsewhere on this site
your posts are so rife with unwarranted animosity towards me (whom youvwe no idea who i am) that all i can do is say you are preventing me from engaging others in what has been a nice experience.

i dont see any superiority in the way you present your opinion. if you must do it with insults and personal attacks you really dont ive much credence to your beliefs.

youve never answered any question ive asked of you and so i no longer feel that i should repay your disrespect with responsive attention.

if you were my child and i saw you treating the other kids so meanly you would be sucking on a bar of soap right now.

here are remarks youve made to me deb---
Anyway, I find Victoria lobbying for atheists (or unbelievers) as somewhat hypocritical.

Well, I would submit that I am - in your eyes - looking for a "fight".

Victoria, your obtuse name-calling of Huntington or Zakaria shows how fanatical you are, I think these academicians deserve much better than what the mullahs in your local mosque might have told you (about them). Islam takes on a blaming-others mentality - like you.

Victoria, you surely are displaying a childish attitude.

and that is just PAGE 18!!!

i get tired just pasting your personal insults!!!

it doesnt even include the other 17 PAGES!!!!

now come on- maybe you yourself are unconcscious of the pointless devoid of content picking youve been doing- but there it is on just this page-

as i indicated im only going to respond to good manners in the future
im only responding here to let others know that im posting a plenty elsewhere.

my husband would certainly want to know youre secret if you could manage to stop me from communicating hee hee
peace all

Victoria wrote:

"...i have opinions because i read their writings and see them i interviews..."

and again

"...theyve both done alot of damage to islam..."

These refer to the islamphobes such as Samuel Huntington and 'yes guys' like Fareed Zakaria.

Victoria, you surely are displaying a childish attitude. You seem to get tired in defending your faith (Islam). If you tire so easily and quickly, maybe you need to rethink about defending Islam - which is tiring you and causing you grief from kafirs like me.

Regarding Huntington and Zakaria, most well-respected academicians and one of them (Zakaria) being a practicing Muslim, if you have surely read their works, per your claim, can you explain why do they deserve the condemnation that you are heaping on them ?

We may start with Huntington, first.

The first commandment of God is:

Hear, O Israel the Lord our God is one God and thou shalt have no other Gods besides me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them. For the Lord thy God is a jealous God.

The Jesus of this bible says if at all possible be at peace with all men.

World issues are different than compromising the Word of God. The Lord says render unto Caesar that is Caesar's and to God that is Gods'.

i really feel im doing you a disservice by replying.

ill let you find another focal point.
peace deb

deb i dont know any mullahs- i have opinions because i read their writings and see them i interviews- anyone can look at sites theyre on- i want obtuse- i never am- im always straightfroward.

theyve both done alot of damage to islam- and i have a right to defend myslef and beliefs f attacked. so please stop attacking me.

you never respond directly to what i say-
i take time and effort to respond to your accusations with respect-and ive never made one personal attack or observation in a negative way-

youve never expressed one thought on your own belief s- thats fine- but you are on a tireless crusade against islam and seem to target me and keep trying to bait me to anger- just give up- i have all the patience in the world and all the time- but i resent my time being stolen from me and im feeling like you will never want to have reasonable discourse- you just have issues that im not responsible for so ill just leave you to your own philosophy- well agree to disagree peace

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and Lazy Holidays to all.

Victoria, your obtuse name-calling of Huntington or Zakaria shows how fanatical you are, dsespite your claims to the contrary that you are a liberal person. I think these academicians deserve much better than what the mullahs in your local mosque might have told you (about them). Islam takes on a blaming-others mentality - like you. The genocide of Darfur is as much a responsibility of USA as that of Saudi Arabia. This last country can allow terrorists (inspired by their Wahabi fanaticism) to survive and spread this hateful barbaric ideology all around the world by funding madrassas, but won't lift a finger on the Darfur issue. Incidentally the Darfur genocide is interesting: Muslims fighting Muslims. One group doesn't want the Sharia laws, the other group (Jinjaweed militia) wants Sharia. Where's the Islamic fraternity now ? Headbangers mentality within the Muslim ummah ?

Surely, there is enough evidence that Islam is totally incompatible with the rest of the world.

Robin, I never implied/stated forcible conversion of Muslims to Christianity. USA is a free country where 1st Amendment is respected. (Aggressive proselytization doesn't mean use of force. I don't know where you got that.) I however appreciate your fears about US involvement in Iraq. My take would have been that USA get more involved in Afghanistan, which is steadily precipating into an Islamic badland.

Richard Wade, well stay warm and I appreciate your views with Soja John Thaikattil. Most believers don't get that to run a practical day to day mundane matters, you don't need faith but rationality (reason). That's what Sam Harris argues is eroding from public life.

Welcome, Soja John Thaikattil.
I look forward to visiting your amazing country for the first time early next year. Many of your arguments are skillful and show great courtesy, so I’ll only contend, most respectfully, to clarify a couple of issues you have raised, and to contend with a couple of errors, in my opinion, you have made.

On your point #1, that this topic is important to atheists: I would like to clarify that at least for myself, the two reasons that I, as an atheist am engaging in these complex and often vexing discussions are:
A. Every single day many, many atheists are treated as the most vile, loathsome vermin on earth, in our own families, at work, in school, in our communities, in local, state and national government, in court, in the media, and by complete strangers. This will stop. Not “this should stop,” or even “this must stop,” no, this will stop. We are putting a stop to it. It will take years, but we will stop it. No one will take away anyone’s freedom to believe, and no one will take away anyone’s freedom to not believe. What we will take away is the freedom so very many believers think they have, to do unto us exactly the opposite as they would have us do unto them.
And, reason B. The world is boiling over in religious conflict, threatening to unleash widespread destruction. We, as unbelievers don’t want to die in a clash between conflicting groups of believers.

So those are the background reasons why I and several others are talking here.

On your point #2, to your statement, “No hardened atheist is ever converted through arguments,” I would respond that no hardened theist is ever de-converted (for lack of a better term, sorry) through arguments either. Let’s both avoid the term, “hardened.” It sounds a little disrespectful. I hope that we never “cross swords” as you put it in any way other than by argument, however, so maybe argument is a good release. I thank you for your admonishment that faith in God should not be force fed. Sadly, it is done to thousands of millions of children every day.

On your point #3, I cannot tell you how good it feels to hear a man of faith acknowledge that atheists can be moral, compassionate, loving, and righteous people. That is so rare, so tears-to-my-eyes rare an experience for me. You say that by living that way, we are manifesting God in our own way. We would only counter that we are manifesting humanity in our own way.

On your point #4, It is as distasteful to me to hear an atheist make rude, disrespectful remarks about a religion as it is to hear that kind of abuse directed toward me. I oppose a person’s reprehensible behaviors, not the beliefs that may or may not have caused them. As you say we are all fallible. A big dose of humility all around would help immeasurably.

You go on to mention science and scientists. Unfortunately science and atheism are often confused in the minds of the lay faithful. Not all scientists are atheists, and not all atheists are scientists. I know many of both, and none of them “worship science as God,” neither literally nor figuratively. Science is a specific discipline of thinking that is very useful in understanding the world around us. It is so successful precisely because today’s science constantly supersedes yesterday’s science. You pointed out the superceding as if that is a weakness. That is it’s greatest strength. If science was not constantly correcting itself, we would still think that the earth is flat.

Your story about the professor and the student is a lot of fun, and I would only suggest a couple of corrections to some misconceptions that are evident:

First the title of the professor’s lecture, “The Problem Science has with God, the Almighty” is absurd, and illustrates a misconception. Science has no “problem” with God, science just has no use for God. Science deals with what can be demonstrated as being likely or unlikely by weight of empirical evidence. God, by the definition attributed by believers, is neither provable nor disprovable by science. Scientists sometimes have problems with religious people when they want to limit research or teach unprovable assertions masquerading as science in public schools.

The professor finishes his argument by saying, “According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist.”
No, no, no. Again, science cannot, and does not try to prove or disprove the existence of God. Science contradicts some religious explanations for the origin of the world and life, but the threat to the existence of God is only in the minds of some poorly informed religious people.

Finally, one more little detail. Near the end of the student’s rebuttal, he asks, “do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?”
When will this misconception ever go away? Evolution does not nor did it ever say that people evolved from monkeys, and it does not say that people are descended from the apes we see in the world today. It says that people and modern apes share a common ancestor. Going back much further, people, modern apes, butterflies and geraniums all have a common ancestor. (There is profound beauty in the idea that all living things are cousins, by the way.) This story about the professor and the student may have been written a long time ago, because there is now an enormous amount of convincing evidence of the validity of the general contention of evolution, and it gets bigger every year. The student’s argument that the professor has never observed evolution in process is absurd. We don’t have to have hung around for four and a half billion years to get the gist of the process. You don’t have to witness the entire journey of a train across Australia to understand its direction, average speed, and the mechanisms that propel it.

Why some people of faith think that if they abandon a bronze age myth about the creation of the earth they will have to also abandon belief in the existence of God is something I have never understood. A lot of believers have been able to do this, and they seem to be doing fine.

If you were to delete these misconceptions from the story, it would be stronger. Keep the part about the Professor’s brain, I love it. I doubt that it will ever convince a science-oriented person to convert to being a faith-oriented person, but it does add a nice humor to the mix, which we all need in these dialogues

And Merry Christmas, by the way.

Merry Christmas to all from beautiful Sydney, Down Under!

It seems to me that this Christmas season discussion question opened by John Meacham and Sally Quinn to get readers’ opinions on whether they believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God, has turned into a ‘science vs. religion’ debate for some. So I decided to add an additional two cents worth on Christmas day.

1. It is wonderful that some atheists are here participating in the discussion, if only to voice their protest. It proves that the topic is sufficiently important to them.

2. No hardened atheist is ever converted through arguments, so it is wise for a person who believes in God or religion not to cross swords unnecessarily with an atheist. An atheist who is sufficiently open and seeking with a genuine heart will find God in one way or another. The Bible says “You will find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Faith in God cannot be forced fed. The sort of unfruitful discussions the Jewish Pharisees of His day had with Jesus proves that not even Jesus could do anything against a man’s free will to reject His teachings. Jesus did not force His teachings on anyone, and He advised His disciples to shake the dust from under their feet and move on if the good news of salvation was not welcome.

3. An atheist, who really seeks truth, lives a life of morality, compassion and love is manifesting God in his/her own way. If an atheist challenges religious hypocrisy, those of us who profess any religion must examine our own lives and seek to live what we preach, not to appease the atheist, but to be true to ourselves and what we believe in. Let us seek to preach with our lives rather than with our words to an atheist, or to anyone else for that matter, for everybody hears what we do much louder than what we say.

4. But let no atheist judge Jesus Christ or Christianity on the basis of the mistakes Christians, as fallible human beings; have done over the centuries to bring disgrace to Him and His teachings. Let the atheist be also open to the immense good that has been done over the centuries, and is still being done in the name of Jesus Christ and Christianity. Every religion has had/has its share of fallible human beings. There are only fallible Christians trying to live out their beliefs in the best way they are capable of. Through the parable of the man who went out to sow, Jesus explained how each one absorbs teachings differently, even though the teachings are the same.

How does the finite mind of man understand the Infinite mind of God? Finitely at best. However the finite heart of man can love the Infinite heart of God infinitely, without ever understanding the Infinite mind of God, just as a child of a great scientist can love the father without knowing anything about his work or his mind.

Nothing that the human mind can ever conceive can ever adequately explain God, not even the most sophisticated and intellectual mental acrobatics. That is what the mystics in all religions have brought home to us. God must be experienced in the depths of our hearts and that God manifests Himself as love.

We will find Him when we search for Him with all our hearts. Contemplation and meditation techniques in various religions give a practical tool to assist with that personal experience of God.

It is enough to know that we are created by God in His own image and likeness. It is only when we try to create a God in our own image and likeness that we find it impossible to worship Him because He ceases to be the real God. Is it any wonder that when we try to fit God into our micro test tubes and get Him to do the bidding of our miniscule brains that we run into big trouble?

It must be emphasized that many world renowned scientists have been and are mystics. It is precisely their open minded search for truth through science that led them to the conclusion that there must be a creator behind the vast and intricate universe, and the human being who is fearfully and wonderfully made. Isn’t it sad then that a person who finds it difficult to believe in God, so often worships scientists and science as God, as the ultimate answer to all questions, although science is so limited in its scope to explain the complex universe and yesterday’s science is so easily superseded by today’s science.

Let us let God be God so that we may be the best we can be as human beings, reflecting the glory of God through our lives.

Ken Wilber is a living American genius who has written wonderful books on science and religion as a whole, including his unique perspective as a Tibetan Buddhist. Many religious teachers, including Dom Bede Griffiths have been inspired by his writing.

Soja John Thaikattil
Sydney, Australia
_______________________
Food for thought

As part of his lecture titled ‘The Problem Science has with God, the Almighty’, an atheist professor of philosophy asks one of his new students to stand up, and the following conversation ensues...

Professor: So you believe in God?

Student: Absolutely, sir.

Professor: Is God good?

Student: Sure.

Professor: Is God all-powerful?

Student: Yes.

Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal Him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm?

The student is silent.

Professor: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?

Student: Yes.

Professor: Is Satan good?

Student: No.

Professor: Where does Satan come from?

Student: From...God.

Professor: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student: Yes.

Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God made everything. Correct?

Student: Yes.

Professor: So who created evil?

The student does not answer.

Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?

Student: Yes, sir.

Professor: So, who created them?

The student has no answer.

Professor: Science says you have five senses that you can use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son, Have you ever seen God?

Student: No, sir.

Professor: Tell us then if you have ever heard your God.

Student: No, sir.

Professor: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?

Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.

Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?

Student: Yes.

Professor: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science
says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.

Professor: Precisely. You only have your faith. And that is the problem science has with God, the Almighty. You depend only on faith to prove his existence.

Student: Professor, now may I ask you a couple of questions?

Professor: Sure, go ahead.

Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?

Professor: Of course there is.

Student: And is there such a thing as cold?

Professor: Yes there is.

Student: No sir. There isn't. Sir, you have heat, even lots of heat, more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. A temperature 458 degrees below zero is referred to as no heat. Our measurement of temperature stops at that point. We do not measure cold. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure it. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

After a short pause, the student continues.

Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Professor: Sure there is. How could there be night without darkness?

Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of light. There is low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light… But if there is no light, you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?

Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?

Student: Sir, my point is that your philosophical premise is flawed.

Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?

Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue that there is life and then there is death. A good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought adequately. It makes use of electricity and magnetism, but it has never seen, much less fully understood either .To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.

The student continues after a brief pause.

Student: Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from
a monkey?

Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of
course, I do.

Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?

Professor: No. I don’t believe anyone has.

Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at
work and cannot even prove that this process is on-going, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you a scientist or a preacher?

The professor remains silent.

Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the
Professor's brain? Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain,
felt it, touched or smelt it?

After a pause, the student continues.

Student: No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

Professor: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.

Student: That is it sir, FAITH. The link between man & god is FAITH. I take it on faith sir, that it is God, the Almighty, who creates the universe and everything in it, keeps it moving and every living thing alive.
----------------------------------
Disclaimer: The above professor-student conversation provided by Mr. P Vinod Bhattathiripad is supposedly a true incident from the life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the incumbent president of India. The authenticity of the claim has not been verified.

PS: As a Christian, I believe that there is more to evil than just absence of good as implied in the above conversation.

Most notably deb- you switch between politics and religion when it suits you citing politically motivated actions as religious-
-samuel huntington is one of the most notably islamophobic muslim hating writers in the world

fareed zakaria is one of this administrations biggest puppet yes men-

point 1) i agree then- let us stretch our political "ambivalence" toward israel to include the newest democracy (with a democratically elected government)
palestine. that means well play catch up with aid-
to date 113 BILLION DOLLARS in aid to israel. that kind of ambivalence i can live with.

o i guess that also means well arm them with nuclear capability also.

i agree completely- lets support those following (even imperfectly) western stle liberal democracy-
(although i would be hard pressed to describe the likud as liberal)

and i agree that ignoring the rest of the world and becoming an isolationist nation has worked so well for us!

im all for no dependence on oil- as i dont have a car- dont want a car- and am an environmentalist that walks her talk-

what kind of suv do you drive deb?

3) everyone who applies for a visa to the us- already doesnt get one- as a matter of fact theres a bill before congress right now aimed at making only muslim petitioners fill out an exptensive questionnaire stating their loalties.

yes, klets make everyone sign a loyalty oath like at the republic national convention-

THE NSA ALREADY HAS THE "RIGHT" TO MONITORING PHONE CALLS- GOING INTO PEOPLES HOMES WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND BUGGING THEM-

its called the patriot act where the general population was coerced into "giving up some freedoms" to ensure national security by the fearmongers and alarmists.

luckily- most americans are waking from their terror-induced stupor and questioning anew the efficacy of these methods.

5) i agree completely- let us retract the nuclear arms deal with india immediately. we dont want them bombing pakistan back 'into the stone age'.
Or do we? o yes- its full of muslims- so its okay-
political motivations become blurred with religious once again

as for cutting ties with egypt- israel would probably not be so amicable about that-

6) by all means- let us have a more open playing field so that islam gets some airtime- it has been silenced by the us media long enough-

name one moderate muslim pundit or spokeperson- yes- i agree wholeheartedly.

7) are you serious? have you no idea that the us has had such special forces? every branch of the services has its version.
2 words central america

8) as far as the efficacy of the un- first i guess they should ENFORCE THE RESOLUTIONS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN IN PLACE FOR YEARS!
LIKE THE 65 RESOLUTIONS AGAINST ISRAEL THAT HAVE BEEN IGNORED AND BRUSHED UNDER THE CARPET FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS NOW.

agreed- there are so many human rights violations on a major scale that need to be addressed- chinas imprisonment and murder of religious and political dissidents-
indias atrocious abuse of its own children in the labor force
the genocide in darfur- o wait- thats muslims again- o thats ok weve been blithely ignoring it for 5 years now. let them kill the sudanese- i guess god will sort them out.

i guess youll be shipping me off to the dtention center thats being constructed in the midwest then.

ps how can you convert someone back to christianity when they were never a christian?

ok deb- youve eaten up enough of my energies with your silliness-
luckily no one is recognizing samuel huntington as a reasonable voice.

let the headbangers bang- thats what i say.

learn to differentiate between politics and religion- they seem to blur into some obscurantist
agenda in your mind.
i have people to love and must go
peace all and keep warm

Deb

The only reason I jumped in this thread was due to the apparent fact of your baggering Victoria like she was to blame for all the woes Islam has brought us.

I do agree with your description of the barbaric ways of that faith by most in the mid-east. It has not been my experience from muslims I know in this country. Thankfully. Just as there are no Christians that practice to the tee the words in the Old Testament that are just as barbaric.

Your solutions are well thought out. I do have to strongly disagree with #9 though.

*Start an aggressive proselytization of Muslims back to Christianity. That is, allow people to convert out of Islam, and encourage mixed-Islam marriages or civil unions.*

I see no reason to force conversion from one faith to another. Possibly, aggressively insist they must lay down the harsher aspects of their faith.(I couldn't even begin to know how to go about this but I am sure someone more educated could come up with an idea) To forceably proselytize them into converting to Christianity is only going to offend and infuriate them further. Just look what has happened since the US invaded Iraq to force upon them a democracy that the majority are apparently not ready to accept or decide who should be at the top of the food chain. This has been a great political disaster as we are all aware of. Now along with that you also suggest we strip them of their right to religious freedom?

I don't have the answers, but I have to strongly disagree with the #9 and strongly agree with #10.

I tell you what I am scared to death of. The fact that the US has gone in there to force upon them our political system. (that most certainly needs an overhaul in our own backyard first) The fact that it has not worked and is not likely to work,(No matter what Mr Bush says) to me has just been the beginning of the end. And it frightens me for my children and grandchildren. Unless someone gets in there and is able to turn this around diplomatically, I fear we have most certainly written our own death certificates. To now suggest we want to force upon them a religious way of life is just digging our own mass grave.

Deb,
Lots of meaty stuff we can all gleefully argue over. I'm going to be concentrating on surviving Chrismania for a couple of days, so I may not have much time to check in. Don't take my absence for abandonment or disinterest. The talk is getting interesting again, but the timing is unfortunate. I'll be baaack. Take care of yourself, and keep warm.
Same to all my other friends.

Continuing a little further on the issues:

9. Start an aggressive proselytization of Muslims back to Christianity. That is, allow people to convert out of Islam, and encourage mixed-Islam marriages or civil unions.

10. De-emphasize the role of religion, in general, in public life.

That should be a start and then slowly calibrate as needed or develop new strategies to best fit the situation.

But, in no way pogroms as Richard Wade compared with holocaust should be even thought of.

Victoria, to an atheist you could say, "Keep warm."

DEB thats the first personalinformation about yourself youve shared with us---

i made this post in the jesus is son question and i kind of like it- it is apropos of nothing being discussed-

A salaamu alaikum all- peace of god to everyone-
i watched barabara walters (second half by chance) special last night and at the end she asked people what they thought heaven was- mostly people said peace and things like that-their descriptions were all pretty similar.

the heaven ive always imagined is something i try to get a piece of here on earth-

i am hungry for the connection with other people- the connection that comes most purely when we are out of our egos and focusing on something outside of ourselves- there can be a temporal connection when people are joined in a common cause- such as saving a life or helping someone in some way-

but the deepest connection that ive ever felt- and its reproducible so it has some scientific validity (dont you think?)

years ago i was in a mosque with some ladies and they prayed and invited me-
we all were joined at the hips, arms and feet- we moved together in one unified fluid poetic motion and were like one body- one mind- one heart-
it was palapable-

science tries to connect us in many ways but falls short because it is dependent on an outside source-

every time i put my forehead to the floor i am connected again- im connected with tall the foreheads in the world and the connecting force of ALLAH-

do you know that every secondof the day there is someone somewhere who is praying like that?
like some incredible cosmic clock- like a tremendous earthly flower that unfolds and blossoms- i like to think of the whole earth and the peoples all doing like a prayerful "wave" (like in sports) if i knew computer graphics i would make a depiction of it but i dont have access to that technology-

i know this is rambling and maybe off point but i thought id share it because it is a powerful and beautiful thing for me-
all i can do is be so grateful- i am grateful for the breath and blood in my veins-the yummy food i eat- and the very satisfying discourse i can engage in here-
you want to hear a poem i wrote after prayer one time? okay here it is it goes like this-
its an indulgence i know-
also i give personification to god who is beyond personification

when dawn breaks
hear the muezzins prayer call
what draws me there?
the east, the earth, the Sind-
what love i have He is ALLAH, my all
and calls to me
on air-in breath- the wind...

ps ive never been to the sind but was immersed in afghani and indian literature at the time

peace peace peace peoplets

December 23, 2006 6:04 PM

its just somethoughts
please deb this is off limits to critique as it is admittedly so subjective

thanks for the nice thoughts from people

merry christmas and happy channukhah and happy kwaanza and i dont know what to say to atheists
but peace on earth good will towards men(and women) hee hee
im going to watch mad tv now

Richard:

I am responding to your "solutions" post, and not the later one. Continued after 1,2 & 3 as below:

4. Though it may seem as an arrest of unbirdled human freedom (as in USA), empower the NSA for the purpose of "eavesdropping". I am sorry, but if you see a nuke/megabomb exploding inside USA, and it turns out that radical Muslim orgs. inside USA plotted to cause the carnage, which if in 20/20 hindsight turns out as preventable with pre-emptive intelligence, that would be stupidity on the part of US citizens. And yes Richard, this is where the ACLU comes in. These bleeding-heart liberal folks would support the "human rights and human treatment" of the likes of Abu Musab Al-Zarqwai while simply deploring as "unfortunate" the slaughter (decapitation) of Nick Berg. (I am opposed to ACLU on this issue, and hence I maybe biased but who is not ?)

5. Sever diplomatic ties with the Muslim countries whereever feasible. If unfeasible, make it feasible. Why, would USA maintain diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt - all of whom have harbored Islamic extremist groups in their soil in the name of "religious freedom" ? Do not sell hi-tech weaponry, gears or share any advanced/semi-classified/classified technology with these countries. Let them remain in the stone age. (For once, Richard Armitage was right if he indeed had told Musharraf that Pakistan would be bombed back to the "stone age".)

6. Inside USA encourage media to engage public in more controversial and critical discussions of all faiths and traditions (which would include Islam). Show how they are different and if they can co-exist. (Like this forum.)

7. Develop a separate combat section/force of the military to fight unconventional warfare. Like the US military is trained to fight warfare between geographically identifiable nation-states. But, what about terrorist groups that are stateless and hence have almost an ubiquitious existence almost everywhere on this globe ? How to fight them, and often pre-emptively ? This is an important aspect that USA lacks.

8. Bridge the difference between Republicans and Democrats on the issue of combating Islamic extremism. Tell UN to develop programs to fight this menace - something that the UN lacks. This means generating political will and polarizing the US polity against this radical ideology.

That's what I can think of, while running for domestic errands.

Takers ?

Deb,
THANK YOU for finally taking this discussion from the description-of-the-problem level to the discussion-of-the-solution level. Your solutions 1 through 3 are real world ideas, the virtues and drawbacks of which we can debate. 1 and 2 I am already promoting in my own lifestyle and in my political activities. I look forward to more of your pragmatic arguments.

I'm sure everyone realizes my A through C solutions were facetious, for the advancement of this discussion. Deb, I'm going to assume that your hinted ambivalence toward those are for ironic effect.

I don't want to distract the conversation now, but what is this thing with the ACLU? I don't know of any "ACLU activists" getting involved in Middle Eastern affairs as a part of ACLU's mission, which is solely to protect the First Amendment. Most of their activities I applaud, a few battles I think are not worth fighting, but the Middle East?

Richard Wade:

Solutions A to C, while having practical value, is surely bound to raise a lot of "whoa". And, please don't compare the arrest of fundamentalist or radical Islam as something similar to Holocaust. Jewish people/religion havd never had anything similar to Islamic Sharia. (Do you know what Sharia is ?)

My solution is as follows, and largely based on some ideas I gathered from Samuel Huntington, Sam Harris and even Fareed Zakaria's works.

1. Don't get involved in Middle East, regardless of what ACLU activists and even notables like Prez. Carter says in his book. Show support (and not ambivalence) towards those countries which follow (even imperfectly) western style liberal democracy. (This includes Israel, which has been getting a lot of flak recently.)

2. Compulsively eliminate the dependence on Arab oil, by exploring nuclear and other similar technologies for power. Subsidize the hybrid or electric/solar powered cars for the commoner. Ask Toyota/Honda/Hundai/Kia to go this route.

3. Have strict controls and oversight on immigration. (Not necessarily on those who cross borders "illegaly", but rather on who are entering USA legally.) Everybody who applies for a visa to enter USA may not be given one. That maybe rude, but still a legal procedure. This will check the demographic explosion of Muslims, which has plagued Britain and other European countries.

More points in a later post ....

By the way people, the ACLU does not attack hateful speech. It defends free speech.

Deb,
Detractors? Am I one of those?
You still haven't answered Pam's challenge to clearly state what do you want all of us to do about it. You keep raising the alarm, and wishing others would heed your warning, but then when people ask what would you have us do, you just keep raising your alarm.
Maybe I could propose some courses of action that you can pick and choose from, or use to propose an actual plan of action based on your point of view:

(People reading this, I'm not advocating any of these, simply playing the devil's advocate, if you'll excuse the expression.)

Deb, would any of these be in your plan of action?

A. Multiple nuclear strikes on major muslim population centers around the world, use of other weapons of mass destruction, invasion of dozens of muslim countries, and rounding up of all muslim people in western countries, all for the systematic extermination of every muslim of every age everywhere on the planet, estimated to be about one billion people. (The holocaust solution)
B. Conquering of every muslim country for the purpose of forced re-education toward some other belief or thinking system, and the ultimate eradication of every trace of Islamic scripture, history and culture. (The it-never-was solution)
C. Any combination of A and B.
D. Some more constructive solution of yours?

Pam Meloy, you wrote:

1. "It is live and let live. I not afraid of Muslims taking over the world any more than I am afriad of Christians taking over the world. "

You being afraid of Muslims taking over the world or not shows that you are taking the issue more emotionally, rather than looking at the facts. Its not the 'live and let live' policy which you so ardently advocate that would be advocated in an Islamic country. So, read some history books and before attempting to say that others are wrong or are "preaching hate".

2. "You need to get a life girl and stop worrying about something you can't control. "

FYI, I am not 'she'. But, that's a common error and its OK. (I hope that this honest admission of my gender does not make me an anti-feminist.) On a separate note, it's simply rational to probe deeply into issues, knowing that we still cannot solve all problems. I believe that we are all on this WP blogsite simply to discuss the divergence and see the problems of incompatibility between faiths, and not candidly profess/resolve to solve all problems that confront us.

Get a grip, Pam.

Ah Deb I finally got your attention by acting as "MAD" as you do. I simply do not believe that "ALL" Muslims are insane. I don't care for Christians much either when they try to push their beliefs with me.

I am not as informed as you are about either Islam or as others are of Christanity. I cannot accept the fact that radicals in each area are in the majority.

As a non-believer I am not going to preach anything to anyone. It is live and let live. I not afraid of Muslims taking over the world any more than I am afriad of Christians taking over the world. It may well be, in your mind, a uninformed way of looking at things but it is how I feel.

You need to get a life girl and stop worrying about something you can't control. No, I am not worried about the ACLU because I don't even think hateful thoughts let alone say them.

Deb, just remember "nothing is the end of the world except the end of the world".

Pam Meloy:

Thanks for your understanding and support (?). The answer to your question is amazingly simple: treat Islam as it literally says it would treat other religions/faiths.

Have you ever thought what would happen if this course of action was really pursued ?

Now what every non-Muslim should do ? Start by reading available Islamic literature and sources and then decide if you think what I am writing (or as some say "screaming mad") on this blogsite is correct or not. And yes, maybe you and others should start preaching. Or, do you think such preaching would ultimately be labeled as "hate speech" by the ACLU ?

These are some thoughts by which we may initiate some actions.

Deb,

I think you have done an excellent job of filling us in on all of the madness of Islam. Now what exactly would you like us to do about it?

Just say I have read all of your posts and I agree with you. What in the hell am I supposed to do. Run around my neighborhood preaching as you do to everyone I see or talk to.

Get real and give me some answers here. You are very brave on this website but what do you do to further "your" cause in the real world.

Now that is common ground. The ball is in your court now.

Mark 7:7..our Lord and Savior's own words: "In vain do they worship me. Teaching for doctrine the commandments of men." Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. God and the Word (which later became Jesus Christ) are in total harmony. Inspired scripture admonishes us not to learn the way of the heathen, i.e. mans ideas, riddled with error, of how to worship God (Jer 10:2). Many know that customs of Christmas are from pagan origin. The apostles kept what are today regarded as 'Jewish' Holy Days. Even the gentile converts were admonished to and did also keep in the early days of the church, years after Christ was crucified. (I Cor 5:8). Constantine and the Nicene council are among the architects of what is regarded as 'right' today in religion. Where did our Lord and Savior pass authority on to them? How could they, or anyone, base their contrived traditions on biblical truth? It is a well known fact of history they conformed to pagan practices and intermigled them with Christianity. Thus, this is where we are today. Revelation 12:9 tells us the whole world is deceived. Mankind has eluded truth since Eden..since he took it upon himself to decide right and wrong. Think about it.

Mark 7:7..our Lord and Savior's own words: "In vain do they worship me. Teaching for doctrine the commandments of men." Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. God and the Word (which later became Jesus Christ) are in total harmony. Inspired scripture admonishes us not to learn the way of the heathen, i.e. mans ideas, riddled with error, of how to worship God (Jer 10:2). Many know that customs of Christmas are from pagan origin. The apostles kept what are today regarded as 'Jewish' Holy Days. Even the gentile converts were admonished to and did also keep in the early days of the church, years after Christ was crucified. (I Cor 5:8). Constantine and the Nicene council are among the architects of what is regarded as 'right' today in religion. Where did our Lord and Savior pass authority on to them? How could they, or anyone, base their contrived traditions on biblical truth? It is a well known fact of history they conformed to pagan practices and intermigled them with Christianity. Thus, this is where we are today. Revelation 12:9 tells us the whole world is deceived. Mankind has eluded truth since Eden..since he took it upon himself to decide right and wrong. Think about it.

All:

Being nice does not solve the problem of incompatibility of Islam with other faiths. And to that end, let me "cherry pick" on some lines from others posts:

(a) Victoria wrote: "....a kafir is one who has heard the full message of islam- understands it- then consciously rejects or uses obscurantist reasoning to misrepresent it...."

Well, I wrote that I am exactly in that category -per Victoria's interpretation/clarification. I am a self confessed kafir. My question is that according to literal interpretation of Quran (047:004), I must be killed as I have heard the message of Islam with full knowledge and have compulsively rejected it. Is that a valid (perhaps unpleasant) statement ? As recent as yesterday, CNN reported that such kafir killings are happening in Southern Thailand. So, its for real. Care to explain this dilemma anyone ?

(b) Robin wrote: "...Anger and fear are not helpful. They are real emotions that need to be addressed but not necessarily here, specially since Victoria is not in that same mode as yourself. Patience and tolerance go alot further in the understanding and acceptance department. Even in a good debate..."

Well, I would submit that I am - in your eyes - looking for a "fight". In my opinion, of myself, I am aggressively trying to demolish the myth that Islam is a peaceful religion, by citing its 1400 year old history of mayhem and "bloody borders" (thanks to Prof. Samuel P. Huntington). I am of the opinion that there is a very thin line between the so-called "radical Islam" and the "moderate Islam". This line gets, in most situations, very blurry. Just look at the present scenario: Pope Benedict got all the fires for his comments on Islam. Muhammad's cartoons caused carnage, and sometime earlier a descendant of Vincent van Gogh (Theodore van Gogh) was brutally decapitated by a Moroccan/Somali immigrant just because he made a film about Islam that was somewhat distasteful in the eyes/opinions of Muslims. Compare and contrast the scenario in USA: Martin Scorcese made a supposedly "blasphemous" film - The Last Temptation of Christ - and all the players involved are very much alive and kicking. The latest fictional novel by Dan Brown (DaVinci Code) makes the point that Christ married Mary Magdalene and had kids. This Dan Brown novel goes entirely against the foundations of Christianity. If extended further, it is heretic and extremely blasphemous. Has Dan Brown been physically attacked or assaulted by Christians ? NO ! Can you recall the scenario when Salman Rushdie wrote a fictional novel (Satanic Verses) about Prophet Muhammad ?

I can go on and on. However what amazes me is the lack of understanding of my so-called "detractors" on this blogsite. It is often said that a civilization deserves destruction or glirious survival depending on the attitude of its members. A glimpse of the contents of the posts on this blogsite suggests that such notions mayh have value. I do see an emphasis of living room decency without focussing on the real issue: why is Islam so incompatible with western values ? I am also in agreement with Sam Harris who has suggested that West and Islam have diametrically opposite values, and one would annihilate the other eventually. Probably our comely homely attitudes need a dose from the Book of John (Revelation).

What makes me amazed and probably angry is the steady refusal of the bloggers on this forum to discuss the "unpleasant" (in my jargon - barbaric) aspects of Islam. Its typical: anyone who cites facts to drive home an unpleasant point about Islam is labeled as "racist", "liar" etc. and etc. To me, that's self-destructive.

Are we on common ground yet ?

Homo Sapiens,
Take it easy. Take some long slow breaths. Sort your thoughts out carefully. You have something useful to say, but your frustration interferes.

ALL RELIGIONS ARE FAIRY TALES AND HAVE LITTLE TO DO WITH THE TRUTH!

SOme Religions are better than others, others, like ISLAM are MALIGNANT, others like Buddhism are BENIGN.

SCIENCE IS THE ANSWER, but most humans are too god damned stupid to be scientists, so they read horoscopes and people magazine and tarot cards and go to psychics and go to church.

The diff is that some religions have a nice moral improvement angle to them, so they are better than the above.

Assembly of Faith in Christ in Action
Site web: www.assemblyoffaithinchristinaction.org
E-mail: assembleelafoienchristenaction@yahoo.fr
Affiliated with the fellowship of the churches, Emmaus
Opposite CACH behind UNIBANK
Tel. (509)458-8558
Cap-Haitian, Haiti W.I.
Pastor Daniel Jean-François, responsible

Matth.10: 42
I’m Pastor Daniel Jean-François; I’m the technician in Radiology Medical of Bethesda Medical Center which is one of the departments of OMS international in Haiti .
The church of which I’m the pastor has about two hundred and fifty members. The majorities of them are unemployed person and students. Our church worships in a school. Because of the situation melancholic and economic of our country Haiti , the owner of this establishment has decided to sell it as well as the ground on which the school and the church are located. I would like to say to you that this ground measures more than 400m2. Either the school or the church is able to purchase the facilities that we now use.
We join together each day to intercede before the king of kings and the Lord of Lords, asking him to guide us in the situation.
How can you help us to continue this great ministry for the glory of God? We ask that you pray with and for us and to glorify him.
May God bless you with all kids of blessings.
Your simple servant, Pastor Daniel Jean-François.
Postal Address :
Route Nat. # 1 en face Château Mort # 117. Cap-Haitien, Haïti, W.I.
Tel.(509)458-8558
N.B. My primary languages are French, Haitian Creole and I speak a little English.
Our vision is to continue the church and add an orphanage, nutrition center and vacational school.

Assembly of Faith in Christ in Action
Site web: www.assemblyoffaithinchristinaction.org
E-mail: assembleelafoienchristenaction@yahoo.fr
Affiliated with the fellowship of the churches, Emmaus
Opposite CACH behind UNIBANK
Tel. (509)458-8558
Cap-Haitian, Haiti W.I.
Pastor Daniel Jean-François, responsible

Matth.10: 42
I’m Pastor Daniel Jean-François; I’m the technician in Radiology Medical of Bethesda Medical Center which is one of the departments of OMS international in Haiti .
The church of which I’m the pastor has about two hundred and fifty members. The majorities of them are unemployed person and students. Our church worships in a school. Because of the situation melancholic and economic of our country Haiti , the owner of this establishment has decided to sell it as well as the ground on which the school and the church are located. I would like to say to you that this ground measures more than 400m2. Either the school or the church is able to purchase the facilities that we now use.
We join together each day to intercede before the king of kings and the Lord of Lords, asking him to guide us in the situation.
How can you help us to continue this great ministry for the glory of God? We ask that you pray with and for us and to glorify him.
May God bless you with all kids of blessings.
Your simple servant, Pastor Daniel Jean-François.
Postal Address :
Route Nat. # 1 en face Château Mort # 117. Cap-Haitien, Haïti, W.I.
Tel.(509)458-8558
N.B. My primary languages are French, Haitian Creole and I speak a little English.
Our vision is to continue the church and add an orphanage, nutrition center and vacational school.

Deb, why all the hatefullness?? My goodness. I read your post and your anger shows. You certainly do not represent non-belivers well.

How about a course in anger management!

thank you

Victoria if you read my post the 3rd sentence is to Deb not you.

I second that motion.

And I also thank you Victoria for your wisdom shared.

I think your missing a shred of respect for another persons choice of how or what they choose to represent themselves in this world.

Deb for whatever reason you seem so intent on a good fight rather than a debate. Maybe its time to look inward and try to figure out why that may be. Perhaps you already know, but choose not too share. Or maybe you have shared and I missed that post.

Anger and fear are not helpful. They are real emotions that need to be addressed but not necessarily here, specially since Victoria is not in that same mode as yourself. Patience and tolerance go alot further in the understanding and acceptance department. Even in a good debate.

Victoria may not believe as we do, but she certainly has shown herself patient and tolerant.

You said: Literal interpretation of the message in Quran states that Islam commands Kafirs to be killed (047:004) So, how can a free society exist encompassing Islam?

The Christian bible has many many passages that mirror that above but we have been living in a so-called free society in the US for a very long time.

kafir- one who conceals- covers up-
the verb can be used by a farmer when he covers up his seeds with soil.

actually my defense included any human who may be wrongly persecuted by another. it was more an admonishment and request for good manners.

in islam a kafir is not an unbeliever as fox news would have you believe- or an infidel (infidelus from the latin meaning unfaithful) which is a term used by crusaders to describe muslims, not an islamic term-

a kafir is one who has heard the full message of islam- understands it- then consciously rejects or uses obscurantist reasoning to misrepresent it.

i find no incongruity in my soul for being tolerant and defending someone. how do i know they have had experience with islam? who am i to judge if they are indeed kafir or not?

actually, i feel that i MUST be a good muslim and in so doing present isalm in a positive light with actions and conviction- otherwise if i let others define it for me- there may be false impressions-

being intolerant of intolerance is completely in line with islamic practice.

i will not fit in with your preconceived ideas of what you imagine a muslim to be-
and since you always imagine the ugliest motives of muslims i am glad of that.

as far as literal interpertation of the qur'an- ive noticed people only quote that verse out of context and wrongly- it doesnt say kill kafirs as you well know.

there are 2 parts to the quran- one in historical and political perspective that applies to a specific event in the time of the Prophet(pbuh),
and one that is applicable for all time and subject to a wide range of interpertation.

the oft quoted and misused verse you misinterperted is a point in history of a certain defined event.

im sorry for your bad experiences with muslims deb- you know enough about it to tear it down and condemn, but not enough to find the beauty in it-

are not these the actions of the people you are set so against?

im not trying to be patronizing in that 'i know better than you ' way- but surely by now you must recognize that whenever you come at me angrily, it becomes an opportunity for me to present islam in a positive way-

whereas i wouldnt be overtly speaking about islam- in the defense of it- i seem to communicate its message more than if left on my own- where i babble about cleaning my oven while i sleep or something.
peace and more peace

Deb,
What you are missing here is everything that doesn't support your anger. You have been playing the same note on that violin for so long you are deaf to any other notes. You and I are both unbelievers, and in principle I agree with much of what you say, but if I had to choose who would speak for me as an atheist, I'd choose Victoria over you.

This Wheaton fella is for real ?!

Anyway, I find Victoria lobbying for atheists (or unbelievers) as somewhat hypocritical. This is because atheists or unbelievers, once they have been exposed to the Truth (as Islam defines it)and reject it become "kafirs". Literal interpretation of the message in Quran states that Islam commands Kafirs to be killed (047:004). So, how can a free society exist encompassing Islam - which may have its orthodox (devout) adherents - who in turn believe in the literal inperpretation of the Quran ? If a Muslim opines that "kafirs" (like me who have knowingly rejected Islam) can have equal rights as human beings in a civilized society, then that is blasphemous (per Islamic dictates). So, what am I missing here ?

This Wheaton fella is for real ?!

Anyway, I find Victoria lobbying for atheists (or unbelievers) as somewhat hypocritical. This is because atheists or unbelievers, once they have been exposed to the Truth (as Islam defines it)and reject it become "kafirs". Literal interpretation of the message in Quran states that Islam commands Kafirs to be killed (047:004). So, how can a free society exist encompassing Islam - which may have its orthodox (devout) adherents - who in turn believe in the literal inperpretation of the Quran ? If a Muslim opines that "kafirs" (like me who have knowingly rejected Islam) can have equal rights as human beings in a civilized society, then that is blasphemous (per Islamic dictates). So, what am I missing here ?

Woa, that guy's mad.
Victoria, a deeply grateful tip of my hat to you, for articulating so well what I, and I think many atheists feel. This tribute to you is made all the more poignant by the steadfastness you have in your own faith. Thank you from the bottom of my unbelieving heart.

Dear Bob Wheaton,
Thank You for condescending from Your lofty mountain of insight to grace us with Your smugness. We conceited “intellectuals” can only marvel at Your finding so much interest in what You consider our “ultimate waste of time.” Please, please, before You ascend on Your glowing cloud of smug back to Your transcendent realm from which You survey us from a safe distance, grant us what You find “revealing” in our futile conversation.

also what are you implying is being 'revealed'?
there seems to be some vague insult- we are trying to be tolerant and engaged here-

as a christian (i assume by your behavior, because it seems the christians are judging very harshly on this site) you are commanded to bring people to Jesus(ata), but instead you are driving them away.
attacking someone in a personal matter does not bring them to your view- it only further alienates them FROM your view, and strengthens their own inner resolve that your way is not a good path.

christians recognize each other by the love that they bear.

unfortunately- it seems i am recognizing christians by the malice that they are bearing-
(CERTAINLY NOT ALL CHRISTIANS)
there seems to be a flood of intolerance, spiritual oneupsmanship,judgementalism, and elitism.
if youre not a christian then i am wrong as you didnt state your belief.

atheists and agnostics, i apologize if in speaking up for your part i misrepresent you.
christians i apologize for the generalization-
real chrsitians dont act this way, i know.

nothing personal mr wheaton- its just symptomatic of a phenomenom ive noticed here

if you are indeed a christian- prove your superiority by the excellence of your manners and humility of your demeanor.
everyone will respond kindly to that. peace

MR WHEATON- I dont believe that the passion of atheists and agnostics is usually based on arguing theology- what i see them getting passionate aobut is how some practitioners of some belief systems are elitist and springing from their philiosophy- feel they have the right to exclude certain members of human society from their own self-description and self-determinatrion. now thats not bad enough, but then many 'disbelievers' are persecuted and imprisoned- or beaten or harrassed or prevented from meaningful employment and the many ways people are shunned and ostracized and not allowed to fulfill themselve and pursue their own happiness.

its not really the beliefs that are eliciting these reactions- BUT THE OVERT ACTIONS OF THE BELIEVERS that they protest.

i see people here telling others they are going to hell- and judging others in the harshest terms-

this is unchristianlike behavior.

i think its the hypocrisy that gets to them most.

judge not lest ye be judged.

only God knows.
peace

MR WHEATON- I dont believe that the passion of atheists and agnostics is usually based on arguing theology- what i see them getting passionate aobut is how some practitioners of some belief systems are elitist and springing from their philiosophy- feel they have the right to exclude certain members of human society from their own self-description and self-determinatrion. now thats not bad enough, but then many 'disbelievers' are persecuted and imprisoned- or beaten or harrassed or prevented from meaningful employment and the many ways people are shunned and ostracized and not allowed to fulfill themselve and pursue their own happiness.

its not really the beliefs that are eliciting these reactions- BUT THE OVERT ACTIONS OF THE BELIEVERS that they protest.

i see people here telling others they are going to hell- and judging others in the harshest terms-

this is unchristianlike behavior.

i think its the hypocrisy that gets to them most.

judge not lest ye be judged.

only God knows.
peace

To Bob Wheaton:
Unbelievers being fired, beaten, harassed, threatened and shunned in towns across the Midwest by believers who think of themselves as pious is not imaginary, it's very real.

Believers trying to force upon everyone laws dictating whom we can love, whom we can marry, who controls our bodies, what we can research, what we study in school, idiotic myths masquerading as science and an endless parade of attempts to control and conform people to their narrow, backward, views, that's not imaginary, that's very real.

You are really missing the point.

Bob Wheaton

No the fantasy of the imaginary man does not upset me. I just want to *stand up and be counted* as being a decent human being. We can be just as moral, ethical, compassionate and caring, not to mention have integrity too.

Are we not aloud to express our opinions on a forum such as this? Certainly, there are some radical atheists out there just as there is radical christians, muslims, jews, etc. People are people, no matter what stance they choose in life.

When has constructive dialogue become a waste of time? or the attempt of?

To find the Truth that will set you free, you will first need to know the true definition of love.

Love is doing what someone else wants you to, even when it is not what you want.

God loved you so that you could love Him. God's part is past tense. Notice the (ed) on the end of love in John 3:16?

God's desire to line His will up with yours is over. His desire for you to line your will up with His, is forever.

It is always interesting to me to see unbelievers get so passionate and angry about something they say is a myth and never existed. Seems like the ultimate waste of time and energy being that they are so "wise" and "intellectual". Interesting that imaginary things upset them so much... very revealing actually.

It is always interesting to me to see unbelievers get so passionate and agry about something they say is a myth and never existed. Seems like the ultimate waste of time and energy being that they are so "wise" and "intellectual". Interesting that imaginary things upset them so much... very revealing actually.

Sadly, im watching cspan right now-

there is a group called the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. if you google it itll direct you to the Perople for the American Way site---

It has been nonstop for over an hour only focusing on islamic countries.

china was briefly ever so briefly mentioned-but the report wont be ready for 2 years so of course no action can be taken.

the 1000s of followers of falun dafa(chi gong) that have been imprisoned and murdered by the chines government for the past 10 years seem not to matter. the diaspora of the tibetan people- also not important.
no snaction of any kind has ever been brought against china

but there is a woman in iraq who was told to shut down her beauty shop or be fined-
luckily america sprang to her defense

our priorities are intact

Keith Ellison stated (on CNN) that America is a diverse country and people of all faiths thus have a common ground on the basis of equality. Hence he swore by the Holy Quran, as he is a Muslim Congressman, instead of the Bible.

However because Islam is claimed to be the fastest growing religion in USA, one may assume that in another 100 years Muslims could become a sizeable minority, if not the majority ethnic population.

In that case will a Muslim-majority America respect equality of diverse cultures, religions and ethnic values ? I doubt it, given the past records of Islam. Of course, I also believe that in that scenario a cataclysmic event might happen, given that the most advanced country (with very sophisticated weapons) on this planet would be at the center stage of all global policy and decisions.

Yes, well I am quite proud of my humility....

The Zen stuff left me with a smaller prideful self, (but not entirely) but I still have my sharp tongue so I end up being well practiced at apologizing.
I'm underemployed too. That's why I spend all day on these silly blogs? That's because of it too, I just realized. I'd better get some "washing" done. Read you later.

well there are buddhists i can get behind!
have you ever heard the adage (quoted by buddhists)
dont just do something, sit there!(?)

thanks for te compliment now im ashamed of my own self promotion... well not that ahsamed.

for an atheist you sure are humble.

lets all group hug richard

ill tell you what dude, i need a job...

he he hee

peace

Victoria,
Once again I have presumed too much. I apologize for speaking for you, or characterizing what you say. Yes, you always practice a patience and gentleness that amazes me, and I have a long way to go to resemble that, which I’d like. I’m not equating you and Deb as if you’re like bookends; you’re different in your views and in your methods of expression. Some can be compared, some contrasted, and some are apples and oranges.

It just seemed you characterized Buddhism in general with all that “karma means you got what you deserve” crap. I should have checked it out with you first. Perhaps also I should have mentioned the various screwballs I met in Buddhism as well, with regrettable attitudes and twisted goals as those you have mentioned. And yes, they disagree over both relevant and irrelevant things. They just don’t slaughter each other.
I practiced in a Zen center where meditation and community action were balanced. Cleaning up the inner city neighborhood was just as much “meditation” as sitting on a cushion. The washing away of inner delusion and the washing away of blight and strife in the world around us were really two sides of the same coin. Competition, self aggrandizement might come up in individuals, but it didn’t last long; it was gently washed away by the overall direction of the group. We did a lot of washing, now that I think of it. There are other branches where meditation isn’t practiced at all. They do other things.

It has been clear to me from your first posts that you have a positive influence on the world around you, not just from specific, identifiable things you do, but by your overall interpersonal stance. I wasn’t implying that you haven’t.

I think I put my twenty-two cents in because after over 800 entries, here was a topic I actually knew something about. If I got too gushy about wanting a group hug, jumped to conclusions, or misinterpreted your or Deb’s views, again I apologize. The best way I learn is by making dumb mistakes.

no richard- i was relating my own personal experiences- i said it was an unusual interpertation that buddha was an atheist- wheres the frustration and pain in that?

im responding with gentleness all te time- thers no aspersions cast- i dont say you are 'wrong i am right' there are alot of different types of buddhism- my experience is with the mahayana philosophy because it is the one that i vibed to.
tibetan was too harsh- falun dafa too much of a complete strange corruption- nichiren -chanting for cadillacs- both buddhism and hinduism- terribly sexist.
im only relating how i walked my talk in thiese instances- mercy richard- dont equate my reasonable discourse with bickering.

im only relating personal experiences not what i
read somewhere.

where have you seen me dump any pain on anyone?
its sad that youre saying because deb overreacts- what has that to do with my own experiences?

her reaction is not my responsibility.
how did a response on buddha turn into muslim-trashing?

i only try to be right for me richard- and how can you possibly begin to know whether ive had any 'real' influence in the world?

ps ive heard buddhist arguing over the strangest most abstract concepts-

part of the reason i was not satisfied was the emphasis on meditation- it seems like people are chasing after the sensual experience to validate their beliefs- and if youve spent time with buddhists you must have had the experience of people actually competing in meditation which is by far the strangest thing of all...

i am not content to simply state what i believe (and hold myself up to attack for it)
but i feel that to contribute in any way here i should relate WHY and HOW i came to believe it.

for reasons that may seem self glorifying i wont relate why, but i was invited to the tribe as an honorary pomo native american for the specific reason that i walk my talk. i have nothing to prove here- but i like reading the posts- hearing the interaction- and learning too.
but if im attacked i dont whimper and retreat because im not a masochist- but i hope my responses are devoid of personal observations about peoples shortcomings-

honestly i feel ive found a real solution and would rather talk about that- pointing fingers and stating the obvious is nothing new and edifies no one.
alrighty then
native american and

Deb and Victoria,
Careful, both of you, in your own ways are attributing to the whole what some do.

My maxim is “You are what you do,” to boil down a tiny part of what Sartre or Beauvoir were trying to say. (Many people in the West think that means you are your job, and really screw up the idea.) It means how you actually live, behave, interact describes you, your solid reality. Your values are not what you say, or what is written in your favorite book. Your values are defined by what you actually do. “It aint the talk, it’s the walk.”

So too with religion. The doing side, the physical body of any teaching is the people putting it into practice. They may or may not practice the beautiful parts of the teaching, and they may or may not practice the ugly parts, in wildly differing combinations and intensities.

Apply this to Buddhism. You can’t accurately make sweeping statements about it. I practiced the way for many years, and came to know many, many of its travelers from all over the world. Some Buddhists are as pacifist as the Amish, and some will seriously kick your butt if you threaten them. Some Buddhists are very compassionate and helpful, while others are aloof and uncaring. Still others will skillfully help others without enabling, and leave be without abandoning. Some believe in reincarnation, some in a kind of general sharing of the “soul,”(for lack of a better word) and some think that part is a crock. Some pursue “enlightenment” as a man chases a woman, some live by principles of reducing the importance of self in their actions, and some are just trying to get along in life. I saw this variety both in individuals and in sub groups.

But no one can say who is the “true” Buddhist and who is not. I never heard or read any of them talk that way. Buddhism has sutras, (lessons) stories, legends, that some use as guidelines, and others don’t, but there is no central text, no Bible or Koran to squabble and bicker over.

Deb and Victoria, both of you used your discussion of Buddhism to get on your soap boxes about your pet peeves and pet causes. If you can see that in yourselves and respond with a gentle, chuckling chagrin, you’re doing exactly what long-dead Siddhartha was trying to teach. Deb, you’re angry about aggressive and violent Muslims, and Victoria, you’re frustrated by the lack of love and compassion in the world. Guess what? You’re on common ground.

You’re both so smart and so strong, but you remind me of a married couple who just won’t stop bickering, dumping your private pain onto each other. If you’d stop all this crap about scripture and trying to be right, and work together on your common ground, you could have real influence in the world.

Sorry, Richard Wade and others. I posted the samed message twice because when I was posting, the server stated tat I should try later. I shortened my post and reposted it to find that the original one was also there. Confused as I am, I apologize for unintentionally wasting the message bandwidth.

Richard Wade:

Thanks for reading my post about Buddha. Many remain ignorant about the atheist-humanist-pacifist views preached by Lord Buddha. Its intrinsically pragmatic approach, which has had its appeal in China and Japan, is not without its major shortcomings - strict adherence to pacifism. Fa Hien, a Chinese traveler in India around the time of king Harshavardhana, had also remarked about this vision of Buddhism. It is of course very remarkable how Buddha preached his view that atheism-humanism can also be considered as an equal alternative to monotheist and polytheist beliefs, for someone to attain salvation. The philosophy is simple yet absolutely non-fanatical like Islam.

This pacifist message had however been detrimental and most damaging. The material Hindu and Buddhist symbols (temples, viharas, etc) were destroyed by the torrents of the Mohammedan invasions that swept Indian subcontinent. The ugly behemoth of such fanaticism, expressed by the devout followers of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him and His Family), triumphed over the pacifism ledaving one to wonder how effective the Buddhist philosophy is in our modern world.

Richard Wade:

Thanks for reading my post about Buddha. He preached atheism as equal alternative to monotheism and polytheism. As you have remarked, his humanistic approach had very far reaching effects when Buddhism reached China and Japan. In these lands the pragmatism inherent in Buddhism had called for wide acceptance. In Harshavardhana's time Fa Hien (a Chinese traveler in India) had made very similar remarks about the atheist-humanist nature of Buddhism. However there are many who would continue to engage in ignorant speculation about Buddhism, and remain surprised that Buddhism is essentially an atheist philosophy, despite that proof exists to the contrary.

Buddhism has had its benign and no so helpful influences in India - its place of origin. The intrinsically accomodative/adaptive nature has made Buddhism survive till today. The strict pacifist nature of Buddhism had however its disastrous effects, as remarked by Will Durant in his book THE STORY OF CIVILIZATION: OUR ORIENTAL HERITAGE (vol. 1). India's Buddhist past, despite its glorious humanism and spiritual success, ultimately crumbled before the barbaric Muslim invasions. Destruction of the Buddhist and Hindu symbols of life and associated spiritual strands were eliminated by the propagation of the fanatical zeal of the devout followers of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Of course the ugly behemoth of Mohammedanism (Islam) would not have bared its bloody fangs, had there been no caste-ridden society of the Hindus, and the strict pacifist/escapist nature espoused by Buddhism.

i still wouldnt agree that buddha was non-theistic and definitely not atheist. the divine was non-personal, but most definitely still divine- it was accessing this force that was the source of bringing humans together- in that the ego is negated and one is in a properly receptive state to receive the creative impetus- trying to sift through all of the myriad distractions that keep us noisy and busyminded so that we cannot hear- maybe it is some distant star singing our purpose to us- it is precisely the impersonal nature of the buddhist concept of for lack of a better word- god- that i could see how that might seem humanist- but there is reincarnation in buddhist philosophy and the belief that we return to our original seminal condition.
dont forget- prince gautami was a hindu first.

this is one of the dissatisfactions that i had with hinduismand buddhism, having practiced with both and seeing how their belief systems have xcrystallized and manifested into social interaction-

what i discovered was that with the philosophy of reincarnation as the foundation of these faiths- that whenever one encounters a human deserving of compassion- such as a poor or blind or crippled person- there is the rationale behind it that say for instance a crippled person- brought it upon themselves by crippling a person in a former life-
this idea of 'blaming the victim' for their suffering gives people an easy way to not do anything about it- it even becomes spiritually mature to let them work it out for themselves because you are enabling their spiritual progression by ignoring their suffering.
this is the opposite of what was taught by the buddha- for instance- but it is how it has come to be practiced by people-
which is interesting because it seems that people seem to manifest the opposite of the teachings and religios that they follow- lack of compassion in hindus and buddhists- judgementalism in christianity- intolerance in islam-for instance.
of course i dont mean all people are guilty of these things im saying how people respond en masse

arent we humans interesting i just love my species

right now im watching bbc and the christians are decorating the trees in bethlehem Jesus(ata) must be so proud. hee

Yeah, interesting posts.
Finding lunacy in the world is like finding water while sitting in small boat.

Deb is right about the Buddha's original teachings. Maybe more non-theistic rather than atheistic. He was very humanistic, teaching what people could do to live with less suffering and confusion. As time went on and it spread to different areas, it picked up the flavor of each culture, and became very diverse. Some see him as a man, some as a spiritual principle, some worship Amida, the buddha of the western paradise, and so a deity has been modeled after the man. It got very complicated. In China and Japan, the Ch'an or Zen branches were an attempt to return to the extremely simple human oriented practice. People of these traditions tend to be wonderfully pragmatic and accepting.

RON DAHLKE it would seem logical that your spiritual evolution would incline you to investigate the message of the last prophet sent with the latest word-

RICHARD you sure do come up wth the interesting posts!

SERVANT- subhanallah beautiful stream of consciousness

The last time we saw warrior monks, they were called the Knights Templar.

Their jihad was dubbed "The Crusades". What's next, the 21st century version of the Rosicrucians?

People, this came in on the newswire this afternoon:

“By COSTAS KANTOURIS - Associated Press Writer
THESSALONIKI, Greece(AP) Rival groups of monks wielding crowbars and sledgehammers clashed Wednesday over control of a 1,000-year-old monastery in a community regarded as the cradle of Orthodox Christianity, police said.
Seven monks were injured and transported by boat to receive treatment. They were released after several hours, police said. No one was arrested but three monks were banned from re-entering the Orthodox sanctuary of Mount Athos, located on a self-governing peninsula in northern Greece.
Esphigmenou monastery is the scene of a long-running dispute between Orthodox Church authorities and rebel monks who occupy the facility. Both Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, leader of the Orthodox Christian church, and Greece's highest administrative court have ordered their eviction, but the monks have refused to budge.
The rebel monks vehemently oppose efforts to improve relations between the Orthodox Church and the Vatican.
The fighting Wednesday broke out between the rebel monks and a group of legally recognized monks who were outside. The outsiders attempted to force their way into the monastery's offices in Karyes, the administrative center of the monastic community, to begin construction of a new building.
Occupying monks attacked those outside with crowbars and fire extinguishers.
Esphigmenou's rebel abbot, Methodius, said his monks had been provoked.
"We were attacked and had to respond," he said. "They should be ashamed to call themselves men of the cloth."
In October, a court in the nearby city of Thessaloniki handed down two-year suspended sentences against nine monks and former monastery members for illegally occupying Esphigmenou's offices. Supplies to the rebel monastery are brought in by supporters using dinghies from the nearby island of Thassos.
Esphigmenou is one of 20 monasteries on Athos, where women are banned.”

This is an example of what I mean when I say religion in general is lunacy. The image of monks battling each other with crowbars and sledge hammers is so ludicrous it would be laughable if it wasn’t tragic. It reminds me of a similar situation between rival groups of clerics at one of Christianity’s holy sites in Israel, I forget which one, where they’ve been fighting for years over who gets the great honor to occupy and administer the sacred place, and presumably get the tourist trade. Does this give any insight into whether you have to be crazy to become religious, or do you go crazy after you’ve been religious?

Then again, since there are no women on the island it could be another tragic case of testosterone poisoning.

it is an unusual interpertation that Buddha taught that there is no god- and i would postulate that hinduism has racism inherently stipulated- consider the caste system...harldy social justice in action

as always in the spirit of peaceful dialogue

so deb, what is your particular upbringing?
what religious traditiondid your parents raise you in? you tell us what you dont believe, how were you instructed as a child?

the word from unity for the day is:

ob·scu·rant·ism /əbˈskyʊrənˌtɪzəm, ˌɒbskyʊˈræntɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uhb-skyoor-uhn-tiz-uhm, ob-skyoo-ran-tiz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge.
2. deliberate obscurity or evasion of clarity.
[Origin: 1825–35; < F obscurantisme; see obscurant, -ism]

Servant of God and Disciple of Jesus, the Messiah wrote: "They all preached and taught against atheism and polytheism--the two main roots of all social injustices and personal psychological problems, and specifically taught monotheism"

I disagree. Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha) specifically taught "atheism". A Buddhist need not believe in a deity/God/monotheism, unlike other strands of Hindu belief system.

Also, I find it hard to believe that "atheism and polytheism" breed more social injustice as compared to "monotheism".

Just read on the "Islamophobic" blogsite JIHADWATCH (of Robert Spencer) that Spencer's latest book - THE TRUTH ABOUT MUHAMMAD: FOUNDER OF WORLD'S MOST INTOLERANT RELIGION - has been banned in Pakistan.

While I answered Victoria that I have high respect for Prophet Muhammad (messenger of Islam) but reject the message (Islam) and hence its propagation, I think this "book banning" shows the incompatibility of Islam with modern times and Islam has morphed into an obscurantist belief system.

It appears, much unbeknownst to devout Muslims, that such banning efforts depict the fragility of Islam. Islam needs to suppress all forms of negative discussions to survive. Only congratulatory or very cajoling comments would be admissible. The murder of Theo van Gogh is another testimony to this phenomenon.

Jesus is not even the man's real name, or original name for that matter. Jesus (or as Hispanics would pronounce "Heysoos") is an English rendering of the Greek Iesous, which in turn is a Greek rendering of his original name in Aramaic--which is according to both secular and religious scholars--Yeshua'. Jesus spoke the Aramaic tongue, a Semitic language, related to both Arabic and Hebrew, but closer to the former. The Arabs, in their Semitic dialect, knew him as 'Isaa. In the ancient times, all Semitic peoples traced their lineage through the father, and not the mother, since sociologically and genetically this is more accurate. Therefore, since Jesus was born into this world without a physical or biological father, he was not considered of that particular people or tribe, which in his case were the Hebrew people, practicing the distorted Mosaic Law of the time, and calling themselves "the descendants or children of Israel (and people of the previous Kingdom of Israel, established by King David)," or Israelites. Israel was the title of Jacob who fathered the 12 tribes. One of his many sons had the name of Judah. So the Israelites of Jesus' time and region also called themselves "descendants of Judah, (and people from the previous Kingdom of Judaea)" or Yahudis/Yehudis/Judaeans, now known as Jews. Jesus was not a Jew (since he had no biological father from that particular people), but he was a correct practitioner and authoritative scholar (Rabbi) of the undistorted Mosaic Law, established for the Israelites by the Hebrew Prophet Moses. The Jews called their scholars Rabbis, because "Rabb" means "Lord/Divine," and was applied to kings, landlords, learned men, and God Himself--since "Lord" has the connotation of a sustainer (one who provides for you basic necessities like food, drink, clothing, shelter, life, immunity, etc.). So in this last sense, just mentioned, he was a Jew, and he was also a Hebrew--only to the exent that his pure mother was a Hebrew and Israelite. Secularists and atheists are correct in maintaining that the Anglo-Saxon blond-haired, blue-eyed Jesus is a definite myth or fiction. Intelligent and faithful religious people are also correct in asserting the historical Middle-Eastern man, dark-haired, ruddy, and from the land traditionally known as Palestine. For brevity's sake, Jesus is the son of God, figuratively or metaphorically speaking, since he was a great lover of wisdom or philosopher ("philo" in Greek meaning "love," and "sophia" meaning "wisdom"), just like Socrates and Plato were in ancient Greece. One of God's attributive-names in the Arabic language is Al-Hakeem or "The Most-Wise." He who loves wisdom, loves God, and the attribute of wisdom is the golden mean between being a genius and a fool, both being extremes and abnormalities. All the ancient Biblical Prophets of God were great lovers of wisdom or philosophers, and in different places and times they were called by different titles, befittingly in those different languages. In India, we have "Buddhas" or "Enlightened Ones," and one of their major prophets sent to the Northern Indian people was Siddhartha Gautama, known to us as the "Buddha." They all preached and taught against atheism and polytheism--the two main roots of all social injustices and personal psychological problems, and specifically taught monotheism. Allaah is God is Deus is Brahma is Tao/Dao is Gott and etc. Furthermore, they all "submitted and surrendered" to the will of the Father to achieve "peace," as a state of mind and as a political state. In other words they submitted their limited intellects and physical abilities to the All-Knowing, All-Powerful, and Almighty, the great spiritual and active force--Tao--of the cosmos, to become "whole and complete," which gives "peace," spiritually and politically. In the Arabic tongue, the concept of "submitting or surrendering to the will of God, in order to attain peace, psychologically and socially" is denoted by the term "Islaam," and a Muslim is "one (male or female) who submits to the will of God to achieve peace." All the messengers of the world, throughout history preached and taught this same very sublime concept (Lao Tsi the Wise Sage, Socrates the Great Philosopher, Confucius the Wise Sage, Plato the Philospher, Moses the Interlocuter, Joshua the Just Warrior, Isaiah the Visionary Prophet, Daniel the Wise Dream-Interpreter, Abraham the Great Patriarch, Jesus the Christ, John the Baptist, Siddhartha Gautama the Great Buddha, and Muhammad the Seal of the Prophets, and the many many more that are not mentioned or known to us from the Scandinavian lands, of Germanic origin, from the Black tribes of Africa, from the Native or Indigenous Americans, and etc.). Peace and blessings be upon all of the messengers and prophets of God, and especially peace be upon our beloved Prophet Jesus the logos or word of God, and His spirit, and the Messiah (or in Greek "Christos") of the Israelites, and even more so peace and blessings be upon the final messenger and prophet of God, who was an Arab, ethnically, but who was the only one sent to all of humanity, for all succeeding generations until the end of this worldly life for humanity. For God's sake why don't you people understand--is it that difficult? You only have one life, and you all shall die one day, either in young age or old age. Wake up to reality, wake up to the truth. "Don't judge the religion by man, but judge man by the religion" (Imaam al-Ghazzaali, classical Muslim theologian, may God have mercy on his soul). Religion is nothing other than the outward aspect of a spiritual tradition. Reason and Science go hand-in-hand with God's true religion--Islaam--as is historically and academically documented, when Muslims were true Muslims by the actual definition of the word as explained above, and acted according to the universal ethical laws, expressed in its most perfect sense in the spiritual tradition and religion of Islam.

Some of my favorite discussons and research assignments have involved finding the threads that bind the myriad forms of religious expression. Not just Christian and Islamic sects, but Abrahamic and Dharmic religion as an entity unto itself.

Right now, there is a theory that all religions originated from a single source -- much like Mitochondrial Eve is thought to be the birth mother of humanity. From what I've been able to gather from my studies, I believe that the problem lies not in our ability -- or even in our willingness -- to engage in meaningful discourse surrounding different forms of religious expression, but in our fear of discovering that we are not really so different as we have allowed ourselves to believe.

Imagine if a Christian found something that they could relate to in the Upanishads, or if an Orthodox Jewish person started adopting Tao Te Ching tenets. What would we do if the President of the United States were photographed with the Torah in one hand and the Qur'an in the other?

But wait a second! All of these sacred texts speak of love, peace, fair dealing, and living an honest life. They all teach the importance of developing trust, respect, and a caring attitude -- both toward ourselves and toward others. Sometimes the deity is called YHVH and sometimes the messenger is called Arguna. Why does it matter? If we're all following tenets of love, respect, and open-heartedness, why do we fear being alike in our spiritual journeys outside the confines of ink and paper?

I think we're afraid because if we did come to the conclusion that there really aren't any major differences among us, we'd live in a world without war, famine, and turmoil. We are afraid of the quiet peace that makes the war machines rust and turns declarations of war into dust. We say that we want peace, but when it comes to doing what it takes to usher in that peace -- for instance, embracing our differences instead of using our differences as a dividing rod -- we cower in the fear of ostracization by our families and communities-of-faith. As if being a Christian means rejecting every other sacred text, or risk being accused of blasphemy. Y'know, there are worse things than being called a blasphemer. Like being called a hypocrite. Or worse, being called a coward.

I am so grateful and so happy to be a 21st century Christian whose Christian denomination encourages interfaith dialogue and study. I look around and I see the Christians of my parents' and grandparents' eras, and all I want to do is wake them up to the reality that God is too big for their tiny boxes with tiny labels. I want to tell them that no matter what name they have for God -- even if they have no name at all and/or choose to not believe in the presence of Spirit -- that that's okay. God/Allah/Vishnu embraces everyone because that's what a benevolent and kind Spirit does.

At the moment of birth, we all received the power of choice as a birthright. Sometimes people do things that harm others with that birthright, and that is tragic. But that doesn't mean that God doesn't care or that God doesn't exist. It means that God is true to God's own word in allowing each person to decide where, when, and how much Divinity or Spiritual Intervention we want in our lives. Sometimes innocence dies; sometimes innocents die. But the spirit, which is our Spirit, can not be destroyed -- and, to me, that is beautiful enough a reason for me to believe in God and to try to follow the path of the Teachers that Spirit sends to teach me benevolent and unconditional love, respect, and peace.

Chatterjee, again with the snide wisecracks. "little learning." I have been listening quietly to your endless bickering with this Victoria person for the last couple of hundred messages and it looks like she answers your anger with patience every time. What is it? Some kind of rape fantasy? You really think you are going to defeat somebody here? We get your message: "Islam sucks, Islam sucks, Islam sucks." Okaaaay. We got it. You say something intelligent then you blow it with that nasty tone. If you want to be convincing don't be insulting.

Victoria:

Funny you have responded. Karl Marx was extremely critical of Islam. So, is Sam Harris. Does your little learning include these ?

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Long name. No? It is a list of my own religious experiences as my life has moved along. In my early 60's now, and looking at where I see religious people, and those who claim to be "religious," I've begun arriving at some, to me at least, startling conclusions:

1. That the Jewish Jesus (Yeshua Hammaschiah) was the same "One who has the likeness of the Lord," as seen by Old Testament prophets, was the pre-incarnate Jesus, before he took on human flesh, and became a Jew ("Jew" only means "one who praises God.

2. This leads me to believe that, in order to be "saved," I have to become a Jew, though not one in the flesh. I was born French, German, and Native American. I think, in order to do this, I must first discover the real, not today's idealized, philosophized version, of what it is that the unchanging God wants me to believe and practice.

3. This, it seems to me, would require that I discover the religion and it's practices that God first gave to His chosen people who were to pass it on down to the whole earth, but got caught up in "being CHOSEN," speaking of the Jewish religion. It seems to me that my past religious experiences have been sort of moving in the right direction, one to the next, but not yet back to the original religion as practiced by Jesus, then the Apostles, Paul, and John and Phillip, LONG after Pentecost.

That brings me to the conclusion that Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, the Feast of unleavened bread, the Feast of Dedication as kept by Christ, and the Apostles after Pentecost, the Feast of trumpets, and the others, are yet to be kept, though WITHOUT the animal sacrifices, as Christ was the Sacrifice for the remission of sin.

Today's "Christian" practices that try to make sacred days like Christman, Easter Sunday, and Lent, and others, all originated from the worship of the sun god, and Tammuz. All of them originated in ancient Babylon, and were carried forward through Greek and Roman empires, and emanated from the wars fought between western and eastern Patriarchates, down the road to today.

Some have said to me: "What difference does it make, what days you observe to honor God and His salvation to uswards." Jesus, who was and is God, said it much the same way He did in the Old Testament" "In vain do they worship ME, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

If we Christians expect to, as our prophecies tell us, gain the original people (the Arabic people we call ethnic Jews) into the Church before Christ returns, WE WILL NEED TO STOP TEACHING PAGANISM-AS-CHRISTIANITY, so that they can, in truth, see the need for their, and our "Jewish" Messiah.

YWVH Bless You. He was and is Jeshua.

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deb-

Religious distress is at the same time the expression of real distress and the protest against real distress. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of a spiritless situation. It is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions.
Karl Marx, Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right

karl marx wasnt saying (organized-your parenthetical interjection might be construed as slightly obscurant in intention) religion is to be abolished- but the abolition of it as a tool of illusory happiness. he was making an observation about the abysmal social conditions that needed to be addressed- not an indictment of religion in general as is commonly thought when this oft-quoted sentence is taken out of the context of the entire expression (arguably) intended.

it is an indictment of the social conditions- not a comment about all (organized) religion.

a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

also as grandma kitty used to say-
you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.

Hey, More Signs:
Thank you for your drive-by mockery. I'm an atheist and I have several friends who are scientists and who are also very nice people, (with the exception of one jerk) and since we're all guys we have great conversations about science, women and power tools. I also visit various scientific discussion sites to put my humble two cents in.

The reason that I'm over here is because even though I don't believe that the assertions of religions are real, the fact that religions themselves are real, and all over the earth affecting our lives and cultures, and lately are boiling over into what could be a very real cataclysm, is an extremely important reason to engage in respectful dialogue with religious people.

If it's so interesting over at your scientific gathering, what are you doing here?

I agree with what Karl Marx famously wrote/said/advocated:

"(Organized) Religion is the Opium of the Masses."

Religion (as distinct from spirituality) is really a defunct and obscurantist social order.

if scientists are the nicest people youll ever meet- youre not building much of a case by belittling and judging the people here...

were trying to be considerate of each others beliefs(or lack thereof) if youre only reason for taking the trouble to post is to put people down that dont agree with you you might as well call yourself a fundamentalist scientist

HA HA!

There's not even any real conversation here. Come over and join the good folks at a scientific gathering. You'll hear rousing good and REAL arguments over things that actually exist as opposed to things that you make-up in your head to feel better about yourself. Not to mention that most scientists are the nicest people you'll meet, if they're not religious and therefore trying to judge you on that basis.

Refuse Irrationality, Embrace Reason and Fact,

Farewell Religion!

you have a very busy mind- maybe you should try transcendental meditation! i always loved in the muppet movie a running gag where someone said they were lost and kermit theee frog said,'have you tried hare krishna?' what did i want to post? sing those annoying songs you will have the dual benefit of
1) getting rid of them
2) annoying those around you

PAM MELOY- what a nice thing to say

dont feel bad- i always say that this scarf brings undeserved abuse but also undeserved respect because often muslim brothers and sisters too will assume that i possess a piety or goodness that may not be true just cause you have an outward appearance of it- so it works both ways- and i am quick to warn them of this to with my ever moving mouth--i think i had a point but it seems to have dissapated into the ether peace

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