The Trouble with Islam

[mf]

and that is why many Southern Baptists preachers refuse to allow second marriages ceremonies in their church.

that is the southern baptist interpretation of the bible. it is not the case for other christians.

 

[30gAy]

No, but you knew that. Think Jim Bakker. That's what I meant. I don't believe that the Church should have a pedophile at the pulpit either, but that's where I diverge from the Catholics (watermelon smash).

Well Surprise! Surprise! It turns out religion is open to many interpretations!

Bible says homosexuality is wrong, therefore condemn the gays.

Bible says adultery is wrong, hmm oops too many of us fit into that category, OK we'll just let that one slide..................

Typical.

6thGen, would it surprise you to learn that other religions are as prone to twist and re-interpret doctrine as yours? And just because you can find one nut job mullah screaming for 'Death to all Infidels' it does not represent mainstream thought?

 

[mf]

6thGen, The duct tape was to keep your mouth shut. You don't want foreigners hearing your true thoughts , do you? Duct tape also facilitates better listening skills.

6th gen. i hope you ignore this ugly violent talk. intelligent people don't resort to censorship!:roll:

 

[Bob]

very good point. consider what freedom OF religion does to a nation vs. freedom FROM religion. nations that inhibit religion are generally facist and 3rd world. most conflicts come from inhibiting religion. what i saw in bosnia was a tragic case of facists insisting on eliminating and "cleansing" cultural differences. when you can learn to celebrate people's differences instead of condemn them, then you will be closer to understanding what brings peace.

i think that it is your right to dislike religion and not practice any religion. i don't believe it is people's right to insist on the elimination of other's religions. that is completely anti-thetical to honoring basic human rights and an intolerance that leads us in the direction of oppression and war.

You were in ground zero for ethnic and religious hatred. Who are the facists you speak of? Most conflicts come from inhibiting religion?

 

[mf]

Well Surprise! Surprise! It turns out religion is open to many interpretations!

Bible says homosexuality is wrong, therefore condemn the gays.

Bible says adultery is wrong, hmm oops too many of us fit into that category, OK we'll just let that one slide..................

Typical.

6thGen, would it surprise you to learn that other religions are as prone to twist and re-interpret doctrine as yours? And just because you can find one nut job mullah screaming for 'Death to all Infidels' it does not represent mainstream thought?

well, first of all....you are confusing biblical texts with religious traditions.

in fact, in islam the call for jihad has become incredibly mainstream in the religion during our generation unfortunately. it certainly doesn't mean that applies to all muslims, but it doesn't hurt to be accurate even when the news is not so pleasant.

 

[Bob]

thank you for your thoughtful answer

it seems worth my time when folks are willing to read my response!

i realize that for many people on this board their only exposure to christianity is the local flavor of southern baptists, but that's certainly not the only flavor in the bunch worldwide and like lots of religions, if you're not a believer, some of their beliefs can seem confusing or even conflicting.

as far as whether debate is encouraged in a religion that has to do with its traditions. one of the most important traditions in Judaism is to QUESTION everything. while in Taoism one must NEVER question the master. but in Buddhism it is not authoritarian at all, but very introspective.

it all depends on the nature of the religion. and often the denomination of the religion. while Judaism encourages debate, some denominations very devoutly follow their rabbi, the same is true for some Chrisitians and Muslims too. Currently, Muslisms have experienced a resurgence a "revival" if you will, in fundamentalism. Many muslims are following the commands of imams that have a violent agenda.

and like christians, muslims are evangelical. they promote and encourage conversion of others who do not follow their faith. the difference being, if a christian can't convert me, he'll pray for me! if if muslim can't a holy order has been engaged by many prominent imams to murder infidels. i'd rather be prayed for thanks

while we also have some kooks like that in Christianity, like Phelps, our governmental laws and societal norms keep him in check. unfortunately, the fundamentalists have reached a majority in many parts of the world. an because it's authoritarian, even when it's a minority, like say in Iran, many young people are struggling against an oppresssive authoritarian minority who are ruling the majority who do not want fundamentalism.

this is truly revolutionary. but in many cultures being revolutionary is not encouraged. we have a country based on being revolutionary, so we really encourage that!

religion is the cultural interpretation of a spiritual experience. so whether we like it or not, it's a human expression of spirituality. it will evolve as it has done in the past. whether you like it or not, people feel strongly about their faith and i believe it's important to allow them to express that faith, as we have done here but without infringing on the rights of others.

Cliff notes: Islam needs to be fixed

 

[Bob]

well, first of all....you are confusing biblical texts with religious traditions.

in fact, in islam the call for jihad has become incredibly mainstream in the religion during our generation unfortunately. it certainly doesn't mean that applies to all muslims, but it doesn't hurt to be accurate even when the news is not so pleasant.

mf will fix the inferior religion

 

[Bob]

that is the southern baptist interpretation of the bible. it is not the case for other christians.

mf may or may not have attended a Baptist service once

 

[mf]

mf may or may not have attended a Baptist service once

another enlightening contribution to the discussion

 

[30gAy]

well, first of all....you are confusing biblical texts with religious traditions.

in fact, in islam the call for jihad has become incredibly mainstream in the religion during our generation unfortunately. it certainly doesn't mean that applies to all muslims, but it doesn't hurt to be accurate even when the news is not so pleasant.

Of course I?m confused????trying to decipher biblical laws as compared to tradition and cross referenced against the myriad number of ways different sects interpret both is like trying to pin jello to the wall. That is exactly my point.- It is a confusing and open to gross misinterpretations.

But since you are interested in accuracy, please explain what ?call for jihad? has become mainstream. The Death to All Infidels? And exactly how are you defining jihad?