Interest

[Karin]

Reading these forums it would seem that many Catholics are showing a greater interest in Islam. So why is there such an interest in a religion that when discussed (Catholics with Muslims) incites such anger and animosity from both sides at times?

 

[JimG]

If by an “interest” in Islam you mean simply a greater awareness of its existence and impact in our world, then I agree that there is an increase in awareness. How could there not be, since the news is filled with events concerning those who proclaim the Islamic religion as their own? And whether their religion claims or accepts them or not, many of the terrorists in the world believe that they are acting in the name of Allah.

 

[Karin]

JimG:

If by an “interest” in Islam you mean simply a greater awareness of its existence and impact in our world, then I agree that there is an increase in awareness. How could there not be, since the news is filled with events concerning those who proclaim the Islamic religion as their own? And whether their religion claims or accepts them or not, many of the terrorists in the world believe that they are acting in the name of Allah.

No what I meant by “interest” was Catholics asking questions on Muslim beliefs…they ask the same question(s) in different threads and using different words…like they are trying to “trap” somebody.

 

[JimG]

Karin:

No what I meant by “interest” was Catholics asking questions on Muslim beliefs…they ask the same question(s) in different threads and using different words…like they are trying to “trap” somebody.

Well, that may be true. I think some Christians in the western world have doubts about the ability or intention of Islam to exist simply as one faith among many in a multicultural society. Multiculturalism and Islam do not necessarily seem to go together. So perhaps there is an underlying intent among Christians to “trap” Muslims on this issue. That’s just my guess.

And on theological issues, it seems very difficult to engage Muslims on anything like a philosophical basis, since their ultimate recourse is always to the Quran. It’s rather like trying to discuss Aquinas’ theology with a Fundamentalist.

 

[selvaraj]

Karin:

Reading these forums it would seem that many Catholics are showing a greater interest in Islam. So why is there such an interest in a religion that when discussed (Catholics with Muslims) incites such anger and animosity from both sides at times?

According to Bible, Islam is a false religion and in the name of that false religion they are not allowing me to practice my faith openly where I am.

In Christ,
selvaraj

 

[Karin]

selvaraj:

According to Bible, Islam is a false religion and in the name of that false religion they are not allowing me to practice my faith openly where I am.

In Christ,
selvaraj

And this has to do with my OP how? Would it not be better than to leave where you are so you can practice your faith?

 

[Karin]

selvaraj:

According to Bible, Islam is a false religion and in the name of that false religion they are not allowing me to practice my faith openly where I am.

In Christ,
selvaraj

Would it perhaps not be better than to leave where you are so **you can **pracitce your faith?
As a side note here…I did not start this thread to throw "comments " as you did out…this applies to both sides by the way!

 

[Karin]

JimG:

Well, that may be true. I think some Christians in the western world have doubts about the ability or intention of Islam to exist simply as one faith among many in a multicultural society. Multiculturalism and Islam do not necessarily seem to go together. So perhaps there is an underlying intent among Christians to “trap” Muslims on this issue. That’s just my guess.

And on theological issues, it seems very difficult to engage Muslims on anything like a philosophical basis, since their ultimate recourse is always to the Quran. It’s rather like trying to discuss Aquinas’ theology with a Fundamentalist.

Interesting point of view…thank you !
On a side note…how is asking if Jesus is a Prohphet why do they not follow his teachings, three different ways a philosophical question? It seems that they (Christians) are attempting to trap Muslims because of their faith.

 

[JimG]

Interesting point of view…thank you !
On a side note…how is asking if Jesus is a Prohphet why do they not follow his teachings, three different ways a philosophical question? It seems that they (Christians) are attempting to trap Muslims because of their faith.

Well, you are right; that’s not a philosophical question. Muslims do believe that Jesus is a prophet and nothing more. “Apologetics” as it is practiced in the Islam forum seems to have a curious elliptical quality!

 

[Lance]

Karin:

Would it perhaps not be better than to leave where you are so **you can **pracitce your faith?
As a side note here…I did not start this thread to throw "comments " as you did out…this applies to both sides by the way!

Perhaps ‘selvaraj’ would like to leave whereever he is but for a varity of reasons can’t. Not everyone in the world is free to leave the country of their birth, not everyone has the economic means to packup and leave for a foreign country. Perhaps he is working with in the structure of his country to change the injustices. There are many reasons why people don’t or can’t leave the country they live in.
Many times the same question has to be asked several times in order to get a straight answer. Muslims seem to be very good at dodging the question and turning your question about them into a question about you.

 

[Karin]

Lance:

Perhaps ‘selvaraj’ would like to leave whereever he is but for a varity of reasons can’t. Not everyone in the world is free to leave the country of their birth, not everyone has the economic means to packup and leave for a foreign country. Perhaps he is working with in the structure of his country to change the injustices. There are many reasons why people don’t or can’t leave the country they live in…

Lance…good point in this day and age I really did not think that was an issue any longer…but you are correct.

Lance:

Many times the same question has to be asked several times in order to get a straight answer. Muslims seem to be very good at dodging the question and turning your question about them into a question about you.

OK… but from what I have seen the Muslims on this forum answer the question the FIRST time and becuase someone does not like the answer they start another thread and rephrase the question…once again it is answered…How many times does someone have to answer a question? It is like Catholics are asking people to justify their faiths (if different) …why should anyone have to justify their faith?
**I ask questions of Catholics not to start a “nasty” debate but because I am curious to why things are done or thought of in a certain way (example worshipping Mary…which I have come to find out is not worshipping at all )…but when Catholics ask questions it seems that they really do not care what the answer is they just want to debate…why? **

 

[Lance]

Lance…good point in this day and age I really did not think that was an issue any longer…but you are correct.

OK… but from what I have seen the Muslims on this forum answer the question the FIRST time and becuase someone does not like the answer they start another thread and rephrase the question…once again it is answered…How many times does someone have to answer a question? It is like Catholics are asking people to justify their faiths (if different) …why should anyone have to justify their faith?
**I ask questions of Catholics not to start a “nasty” debate but because I am curious to why things are done or thought of in a certain way (example worshipping Mary…which I have come to find out is not worshipping at all )…but when Catholics ask questions it seems that they really do not care what the answer is they just want to debate…why? **

You are correct that some just want to start an argument, some are curious and want clarification on an answer and others want to prove that the answerer is wrong in their belief. I seriously doubt that many people are going to change their religion because of these threads. I think the best we can hope for is that we understand the other side better and maybe not just assume everything we hear about them is true, be they Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, one of the Eastern religions or athiest. I will admit that I have been guilty of intolerance and given answers that in retrospect could have been better phrased. I will say that I am a better Catholic because of this site and I hope that non-Catholics are getting a better understanding of us.

 

[Karin]

Lance:

You are correct that some just want to start an argument, some are curious and want clarification on an answer and others want to prove that the answerer is wrong in their belief. I seriously doubt that many people are going to change their religion because of these threads. I think the best we can hope for is that we understand the other side better and maybe not just assume everything we hear about them is true, be they Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, one of the Eastern religions or athiest. I will admit that I have been guilty of intolerance and given answers that in retrospect could have been better phrased. I will say that I am a better Catholic because of this site and I hope that non-Catholics are getting a better understanding of us.

Lance-
Thank you for this reply! I for one as a non-Catholic can honestly say that I am getting a better understanding of what Catholics believe…my problem is that I do not always agree…but I thank you and others like you that make this (understanding) possible !!

 

[JimG]

Lance:

Many times the same question has to be asked several times in order to get a straight answer. Muslims seem to be very good at dodging the question and turning your question about them into a question about you.

I have noticed this myself.

For example, if you look at the thread “Does God have Time in Islamic teaching?” the original question was not really addressed in any in-depth way by the muslim responders. I have to admit that I very nearly hijacked the thread myself–but once it got back on track, the OP indicated that he wished to discuss Augustine’s concept of time and eternity as applied to God, but this was turned into a question of whether or not Augustine had a “Nihil Obstat!”.

 

[Karin]

JimG:

.

For example, if you look at the thread “Does God have Time in Islamic teaching?” the original question was not really addressed in any in-depth way by the muslim responders. I have to admit that I very nearly hijacked the thread myself–but once it got back on track, the OP indicated that he wished to discuss Augustine’s concept of time and eternity as applied to God, but this was turned into a question of whether or not Augustine had a “Nihil Obstat!”.

But at looking at this thread that you mentioned people had answered the question as asked by the OP…but it was not understood by others…and then the thread was side tracked

 

[MugenOne]

That’s how it is! Most Muslims will shy away from answering your question. If they answer you, they’ll twist and turn or answer you indirectly. I have been working in Saudi Arabia too long. They’ll never take responsibility. And it’s always your fault.

MugenOne

 

[Karin]

MugenOne:

That’s how it is! Most Muslims will shy away from answering your question. If they answer you, they’ll twist and turn or answer you indirectly. I have been working in Saudi Arabia too long. They’ll never take responsibility. And it’s always your fault.

MugenOne

Really…you know I have been to the Middle East and I have not found this to be so prevailent(sp?)

 

[exoflare]

MugenOne:

That’s how it is! Most Muslims will shy away from answering your question. If they answer you, they’ll twist and turn or answer you indirectly. I have been working in Saudi Arabia too long. They’ll never take responsibility. And it’s always your fault.

MugenOne

You don’t even need to go to Saudi Arabia. The ones in America (or any other country) do that enough as it is.

 

[Karin]

exoflare:

You don’t even need to go to Saudi Arabia. The ones in America (or any other country) do that enough as it is.

Man a bit hostile towards your fellow man…once again I have not encountered that here either.