I feel sorry for Moslems of good will.

[Stephen0]

I truely admire those of you who are Moslem and open enough to interact with others of the Catholic faith. It must be sort of like walking into the lion’s den. However about the time you build up some rapport and try to explain the benefits of your faith along comes some Moslem country and shots you in the foot. Case in point was the latest bit of world news referring to the female British teacher in Sudan, one Ms G. Gibbons who was tried for blasphemy when she let her students name a teddy bear with the name of the Prophet. At least she won’t get the 40 lashes and the full extended time in prison, just 10 days and deportation. I would like to excuse this as an over zealous reaction to a preceived affront by a isolated community of fanatics.
However, I can remember the Dutch film maker who was murdered for making a movie that was considered blasphemous to devout Moslem believers. After the riots, 60 Minutes did an interview with a very well educated young Moslem, who was the ombudsman between his community and the Dutch government. I believe it was Mike Wallace who mentioned to him that to be part of a western democracy means to be willing to enter into the give and take of ideas that accompanies our tradition. In fact, Wallace pointed out that the Jewish and Christian community had a long history of recieving their share of ridicule and questioning by unbelievers, and in turn, they had responded by defending their faith in a non-violent manner. I will never forget the chill that ran through me as this moderate spokesman replied that ridicule of the Koran or the faith was not an option and that such results as had occurred could be expected. Unfortunately, if he is an example of the most enlightened and urbanized sector of Moslem culture then you all had better carry a lot of bandages to cover your feet after the shooting ends, compliments of your Moslem brothers. Anyway, please keep up the dialogue for maybe we both can learn from each other. Over the years, I have learned much about my own faith by interaction with people of other traditions. Thanks.

 

[swariffin]

You are right. I do admire also muslims who believe that God is loving on top of their other teaching, and in return, love other human from whatever background at no conditions. I know they are exist, and I know several personally.

 

[paarsurrey]

Hi

The doors of peaceful dialogue must remain open.
Quran/Islam/Muhammad welcome peaceful dialogue, and it should start with the things common, a reasonable approach.

Quran

[3:61] This is the truth from thy Lord, so be thou not of those who doubt.
[3:62] Now whoso disputes with thee concerning him, after what has come to thee of Knowledge, say to him, ‘Come, let us call our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, and our people and your people; then let us pray fervently and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie.’
[3:63] This certainly is the true account. There is none worthy of worship save Allah; and surely, it is Allah Who is the Mighty, the Wise.
[3:64] But if they turn away, then remember that Allah fully knows the mischief-makers.
[3:65] Say, ‘O people of the Book! come to a word equal between us and you - that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partner with Him, and that some of us take not others for Lords beside Allah.’ But if they turn away, then say, ‘Bear witness that we have submitted to God.’
Unquote

Thanks

 

[ralphinal]

I agree with paar on this. We should be able to discuss calmly and work toward peace. I know that paar, Hamba, Nic and the other Muslims on this site will probably say that I am stubborn and difficult, but I try to be polite. They have been patient and kind in this process as well. It just undermines thier position every time this stuff comes up. I also feel sorry for the Muslims who are reform minded in these countries. It looks like things will never change.

 

[Charlie_Zeaiter]

It begs the question; Who is true to the Islamic faith?

 

[Mirdath]

And I feel sorry for Christians, whose hands have been and are just as bloody – and for Hindus, for Buddhists, indeed for those of all faiths and those of none. Nobody is blameless, and we can all do better than we have done so far; what good is this finger-pointing?

 

[ralphinal]

It begs the question; Who is true to the Islamic faith?

They are almost as fragmented as Christians. I do not think that we will ever know who is true. All of the Muslims on this site are consistant and seem to be of one mind, but even they disagree about some things that seem to be important. I will say that based on the reports and news, being the “wrong” kind of Muslim can be a dangerous thing in some places.

 

[Petergee]

What does the Bible say about beware of those who come saying “peace and goodwill” but in fact want conflict and submission to their demands? Thanks for the bolding paarsurrey. This passage from your “holy book” does not command true and honest dialogue between Moslems and Christians, but tells vicious lies about us, falsely accusing us of having more than one God, of associating “partners” with God, and of having “other Lords” besides God. And demanding that we give up these non-existent beliefs and become Moslems, who it asserts are the only ones who believe in the one true God and no other god. You can’t use this nonsense as the basis for dialogue.

 

[paarsurrey]

I agree with paar on this. We should be able to discuss calmly and work toward peace. I know that paar, Hamba, Nic and the other Muslims on this site will probably say that I am stubborn and difficult, but I try to be polite. They have been patient and kind in this process as well. It just undermines thier position every time this stuff comes up. I also feel sorry for the Muslims who are reform minded in these countries. It looks like things will never change.

Hi

Thanks for your appreciation.

I am sure with peaceful dialogue and respecting each other’s faith ultimately will usher in a change, particularly with the advent of the PromisedMessiah1835-1908 it has been prophesized that such change is bound to occur.

Thanks

 

[ralphinal]

Hi

Thanks for your appreciation.

I am sure with peaceful dialogue and respecting each other’s faith ultimately will usher in a change, particularly with the advent of the PromisedMessiah1835-1908 it has been prophesized that such change is bound to occur.

Thanks

Paar,
Thanks for the link to the websites on your faith. I found it interesting and informative. Your sect seems to be a very peaceful, moderate sect. As a Muslim who is of a peaceful mind, why do you think there is such distrust on both sides? Why do you think so many non-Muslims feel like Islam encourages Muslims to lie to non-believers if it helps to convert them?

 

[paarsurrey]

Why do you think so many non-Muslims feel like Islam encourages Muslims to lie to non-believers if it helps to convert them?

Hi

It has no basis in Quran/Islam/Muhammad. There is no such verse in Quran while there are so many to the contrary.

Quran

[33:70] O ye who believe! be not like those who maligned Moses; but Allah cleared of what they said about him. And he had a great position in the sight of Allah.
[33:71] **O ye who believe! Fear Allah and say the straightforward word. **[33:72] He will set right you actions for you and forgive you your sins. And whoso obeys Allah and His Messenger shall, surely, attain a supreme triumph.
Unquote

Thanks