Is it alright for a Catholic (or any Christian really) to read the Koran?

[rdscheirer]

You have to see what the IDIOTS are talking about in order to respond.

 

[theidler]

The saints and doctors of the Church have consistently stated that you should avoid reading heretical books or listening to heretical preachers. I think it was St. Alphonsus who said “one bad book can destroy a convent” and if one bad book can destroy a family of nuns, how much damage could it do to one person in solitude?

FSC

That’s interesting, because St. Thomas Aquinas owed so much to reading non-Christian works by Aristotle and a whole host of other pagan philosophers, as well as many Muslim ones as well.

 

[trickster]

You have to see what the IDIOTS are talking about in order to respond.

Who are the “idiots” that you refer to? And in capitals yet…

Bruce
Trickster

 

[trickster]

That’s interesting, because St. Thomas Aquinas owed so much to reading non-Christian works by Aristotle and a whole host of other pagan philosophers, as well as many Muslim ones as well.

And many Jewish, Muslim and Christian people worked, studies and expanded knowledge together in tolerance once upon a time in Spain…so history and reality is never as black and white as some would like…I guess…well said theidler…

Bruce Ferguson
Trickster

 

[rdscheirer]

Let’s see, the Koran starts out with honor the people of the book and then by the end says slay them.Mohammed wanted to be known as a prophet in the 400’s but he couldn’t get the Hebrews or the Christians to go with him so he became violent. He was an excellent military general but a very poor theologist. See Robert Spenser’s book “What Mohammed Meant”, every time there was a theological problem -i.e. when he took a nine year old girl as his wife- he went to the cave to get revelation from Gabriel who supported his activity. He then came back to the community to tell them what his god had told him.

 

[John_Paul_Jones]

You chose an example that is simplistic. Obviously you will not choose a porn site that minimizes women…to equalize what the Koran has to teach as “porn” with respect to your example, again is too black and white…cause the Koran teaches a lot of beauty and yes, people should be exposed to these historical and great writings…to create a simple world of** “Christianity written sources = good” and “Islam written sources = bad” is not helpful.You will note that many of the writing in both biblical and koran sources are saying the same thing…and that they are simply different lenses or views of a basic truth ** that the descendants of Abraham all share. That is the basic assumption that I would have a different take on FidesSpesCarita…anyways, what do you feel is the greatest “falsity” or “untruth” told by the Koran?

Bruce
Trickster

And what does the other lens say of Jesus Christ?
In Christianity Jesus Christ is the Son of God = good
In islam Jesus Christ is not the Son of God = bad
"…they are simply different lenses or views of a basic truth " = Syncretism.

 

[trickster]

And what does the other lens say of Jesus Christ?
In Christianity Jesus Christ is the Son of God = good
In islam Jesus Christ is not the Son of God = bad
"…they are simply different lenses or views of a basic truth " = Syncretism.

John Paul…we agree. However, the idea of the thread asked the question of whether it was ok for catholics and christians to read the Koran. My position is that ignorance (not knowing what the koran is actually saying leaves us vulnerable to hateful rumours about the koran) and therefore creating a ground for social intolerance.

I argue that we need to understand, read, and truly find a place of seeing what is good, what is incompatible with our faith and a way to move forward on the fact that the Creator has created all of us and catholics do not have a monopoly on Creator…

Cheerz

Bruce

 

[LayingHands]

Hi sparrowhawk, I side with those who say it is allright to read the Koran…the Muslem faith is close to our hearts,…we are all sons of Abraham. The only caution I would suggest if for newer catholics who are not grounded in catholic teaching (catechism) and scripture studies…otherwise it is not only good it is imperative that we - as Catholics - read the Koran and learn from our Moslem brothers and sisters from their perspective how great is our God…

Bruce Ferguson

I believe you should read every ancient scripture which is based on the One Almighty GOD, which ALL religions, regardless from where and how they came to be or change throughout the centuries…we all have in common our belief in GOD, which is the most important within all our lives. In the separations of the stories, analogies, parables, tales, examples of how and the why of all the world’s different Religions…always, always, GOD is the GODHEAD of our worldly church within humanity…Lo, that all humanity could believe this and nothing else…All of GOD’s children under the Wise Religion of GOD, who has been with us always, from the Beginning and will stay with us, until the END.

 

[trickster]

i believe you should read every ancient scripture which is based on the one almighty god, which all religions, regardless from where and how they came to be or change throughout the centuries…we all have in common our belief in god, which is the most important within all our lives. In the separations of the stories, analogies, parables, tales, examples of how and the why of all the world’s different religions…always, always, god is the godhead of our worldly church within humanity…lo, that all humanity could believe this and nothing else…all of god’s children under the wise religion of god, who has been with us always, from the beginning and will stay with us, until the end.

well said and agreed!

 

[John_Paul_Jones]

John Paul…we agree. However, the idea of the thread asked the question of whether it was ok for catholics and christians to read the Koran. My position is that ignorance (not knowing what the koran is actually saying leaves us vulnerable to hateful rumours about the koran) and therefore creating a ground for social intolerance.

Ever since Jesus Christ came into the world, all thing pertain to Him. Wisdom we ought to seek is no longer the secular wisdom the world gives us and has no mention of Jesus Christ, Wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit. There should be no fear of not knowing not anything that does not pertain to Christ. One should be more worried about being ignorant of Christ than ignorant of the koran which btw does not add to our knowledge of Jesus Christ. Should we read the koran…why? If you are a Christian should not our faith, understanding, and knowledge come from the Church, the Bible, & the examples of the Saints and Martyrs. Why such an urgent need to look somewhere else?

I argue that we need to understand, read, and truly find a place of seeing what is good, what is incompatible with our faith and a way to move forward on the fact that the Creator has created all of us and catholics do not have a monopoly on Creator…

Cheerz

Bruce

It is pretty obvious what is “incompatible with our faith” we do not have to scrutinize it to find some redeeming quality in it right after we learn from the koran that “He Begets not nor is He Begotten…” in islam they don’t even believe in the fall of man and consequently the don’t believe Jesus Christ redeemed the world …so what good could you find that can equal what’s in the Gospel??

In one sense you are right that Catholics do not have a monopoly in believing in a creator or having a creation story, there are many creators from Abassi to Zamba. But believing in a creator is not the same as believing in the Blessed Trinity.

 

[trickster]

Ever since Jesus Christ came into the world, all thing pertain to Him. Wisdom we ought to seek is no longer the secular wisdom the world gives us and has no mention of Jesus Christ, Wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit. There should be no fear of not knowing not anything that does not pertain to Christ. One should be more worried about being ignorant of Christ than ignorant of the koran which btw does not add to our knowledge of Jesus Christ. Should we read the koran…why? If you are a Christian should not our faith, understanding, and knowledge come from the Church, the Bible, & the examples of the Saints and Martyrs. Why such an urgent need to look somewhere else?

It is pretty obvious what is “incompatible with our faith” we do not have to scrutinize it to find some redeeming quality in it right after we learn from the koran that “He Begets not nor is He Begotten…” in islam they don’t even believe in the fall of man and consequently the don’t believe Jesus Christ redeemed the world …so what good could you find that can equal what’s in the Gospel??

In one sense you are right that Catholics do not have a monopoly in believing in a creator or having a creation story, there are many creators from Abassi to Zamba. But believing in a creator is not the same as believing in the Blessed Trinity.

Awesome responses John Paul…I am running out of library time so let me get back to you when I get back home to my home computer…was on a roll about romney!

Cheerz

Bruce

 

[boleyn2010]

Let’s see, the Koran starts out with honor the people of the book and then by the end says slay them.Mohammed wanted to be known as a prophet in the 400’s but he couldn’t get the Hebrews or the Christians to go with him so he became violent. He was an excellent military general but a very poor theologist. See Robert Spenser’s book “What Mohammed Meant”, every time there was a theological problem -i.e. when he took a nine year old girl as his wife- he went to the cave to get revelation from Gabriel who supported his activity. He then came back to the community to tell them what his god had told him.

The fact that Mohammed consummated the marriage when the child was nine years old and was in fact betrothed when she was six, and that “gabriel”? told him that Allah approved of his actions, ah and add to this that Mohammed insisted that follwers only have three (I think) wives yet he himself had closer to nine. smacks of a more carnaly driven “ministry” than anything spiritual.
I ask this…Why would God reveal himself as one thing in the OT and NT and something completely contradictory in the koran?
Would He say “…sorry my Son but I’ve got someone better lined up”?
Peace be with you
Francis.

 

[trickster]

The fact that Mohammed consummated the marriage when the child was nine years old and was in fact betrothed when she was six, and that “gabriel”? told him that Allah approved of his actions, ah and add to this that Mohammed insisted that follwers only have three (I think) wives yet he himself had closer to nine. smacks of a more carnaly driven “ministry” than anything spiritual.
I ask this…Why would God reveal himself as one thing in the OT and NT and something completely contradictory in the koran?
Would He say “…sorry my Son but I’ve got someone better lined up”?
Peace be with you
Francis.

I believe the original question focused on whether or not it was ok for Christians to read the Koran. I believe it is not only ok, it is really important to understand the tenants of the Koran…there are many horror stories, sexually heated stories in the Hebrew Bible as well! It is not helpful to be critical of the narratives at the expense of the much larger inter-religious dialogue that we should be engaged with. Creating a “bad muslim” “good christian” duality is what has led this world to nuclear destruction not to mention terrorism…think about how critical over-analysis of text narratives is not helpful…

Bruce

 

[boleyn2010]

I believe the original question focused on whether or not it was ok for Christians to read the Koran. I believe it is not only ok, it is really important to understand the tenants of the Koran…there are many horror stories, sexually heated stories in the Hebrew Bible as well! It is not helpful to be critical of the narratives at the expense of the much larger inter-religious dialogue that we should be engaged with. Creating a “bad muslim” “good christian” duality is what has led this world to nuclear destruction not to mention terrorism…think about how critical over-analysis of text narratives is not helpful…

Bruce

So the original questioned whether Christians should read the koran. By the above response your mind is clearly made up in favour of the matter. However i respectfully suggest that this forum is not the place to attempt to browbeat others into following your view and accept that there are divers opinions regarding the veracity or worthiness of the aforementioned.
Furthermore, I cannot recall any passage in the New Testament that instructs us to “go look at other faiths/religions” and engage in “dialogue”. Correct me if I am wrong, please.
I rather recall that Jesus said “no-one comes to the Father except through me…” and instructed His disciples to tell the good news and at those places where they were not listened to they should “…shake the dust from your feet and leave…” (or words to this effect).
Perhaps some research into the origins of the koran and some historical examination of Mohammed might give a better insight as to the content and purpose of it, before reading it and attempting inter-faith dialogue.
Peace be with you
Francis.

 

[Mungling]

I’m a fairly devoted Catholic. I have several friends of differing faiths and have always had an interest in learning about other religions. Recently I found a copy of the Koran and began reading it, but I’ve been a bit hesitant in continuing due to doubts.

While parts of the Koran have been confronting, for the most part it’s been inspiring to read - particularly passages which speak of God’s majesty and glory. Reading it has also encouraged me to read the Bible more, to understand how the texts relate to one another and to form a greater appreciation and respect for the importance that the Koran holds for many people.

Reading the Koran hasn’t posed any threat to my faith, but even so - is it advisable for me to continue reading?

I’ve read the Qu’ran, or at least the English translation. I think it’s universally agreed that the Qu’ran loses much in translation. My Muslim friends have remarked that the English translation was a confusing, rambling mess and I personally agree.

With that said, I don’t really see a problem with reading the Qu’ran. I think that Catholics and Muslims would gain a great deal through greater political and social ties. The only way that will come about will be through greater understanding. Furthermore, given the rate of growth in Islam and the level of immigration into Canada, the US, and Europe I feel that it is imperative that Islamic literacy raise among Catholics.

 

[boleyn2010]

I’ve read the Qu’ran, or at least the English translation. I think it’s universally agreed that the Qu’ran loses much in translation. My Muslim friends have remarked that the English translation was a confusing, rambling mess and I personally agree.

***Whilst there is always a “loss” in translation the accusation in this regard is pure propoganda designed to prevent Muslims, whose first tongue is English, from reading and drawing their own conclusions from the ramblings contained therein. It is preferred that nominal Muslims simply learn passages from the koran in it’s Arabic form ( which they cannot understand) and derive their religious indoctrination from clerics and imams.

***With that said, I don’t really see a problem with reading the Qu’ran. I think that Catholics and Muslims would gain a great deal through greater political and social ties. The only way that will come about will be through greater understanding. Furthermore, given the rate of growth in Islam and the level of immigration into Canada, the US, and Europe I feel that it is imperative that Islamic literacy raise among Catholics.

**Based on the above premise should Catholics therefore indulge in pornography, homosexuality, divorce, drugs and alcohol abuse etc. All are now commonplace after all.
**
Peace be with you.
Francis.

 

[trickster]

So the original questioned whether Christians should read the koran. By the above response your mind is clearly made up in favour of the matter. However i respectfully suggest that this forum is not the place to attempt to browbeat others into following your view and accept that there are divers opinions regarding the veracity or worthiness of the aforementioned.
Furthermore, I cannot recall any passage in the New Testament that instructs us to “go look at other faiths/religions” and engage in “dialogue”. Correct me if I am wrong, please.
I rather recall that Jesus said “no-one comes to the Father except through me…” and instructed His disciples to tell the good news and at those places where they were not listened to they should “…shake the dust from your feet and leave…” (or words to this effect).
Perhaps some research into the origins of the koran and some historical examination of Mohammed might give a better insight as to the content and purpose of it, before reading it and attempting inter-faith dialogue.
Peace be with you
Francis.

Hello Boleyn…thanks for acknowledging my particular point. If you are familiar with my threads and responses (and there are a lot) I do not have an aggressive or “browbeating” style. However, what I was responding to was an arrogance that builds walls. The villianization of a people and their religion based on scriptural narratives is not helpful…and it is dangerous to world peace. I think we are all grown ups and when we say what we think we ought to expect to be reacted to…I don’t or haven’t taken personally what people have said to me…and it is everything from dissenter, pagan, misinformed, obsessed with aboriginal people and so forth…those are the “brow beating” I get from those in our family who are “traditional” or “conservative”…and those are really a minority of all the great thinkers (who are awesome orthodox conservative Catholics) on this site…so believe me I was very gentle in making my point.

Your point in terms of the New Testament…well Jesus said that we must go to the ends of the earth. Inculturation is where gospel meets culture and when that happens discussions, conversation and building an understanding takes place. Also as Catholics the scriptures are only one source of teaching and inter-religious dialogue is a key initiative of the Vatican and the Vatican I think you will agree represents a direction of tolerance which we must own in our own lives. We do not do that when we shut down our minds, hearts and souls to people who are different.

I have a great love for Muslim people and many of them I am honoured to count as friends, our faiths hold a lot in common and I learn from them and they learn from me…that is what God’s children should be like. I don’t agree with everything that the Muslim faith teaches, but I have respectful difference with my Moslem brothers and sisters…as they do with me.

I said early on in this thread (and you can review the entire thread) that the only caution I think is that for Catholics who are new to the faith, it might be an idea to postpone reading the Koran until you are well situated on the teachings of your own faith community and then after go forward, learn and enjoy all of God’s creation including different thinkers…

Cheerz

Bruce

 

[trickster]

**Based on the above premise should Catholics therefore indulge in pornography, homosexuality, divorce, drugs and alcohol abuse etc. All are now commonplace after all.
**
Peace be with you.
Francis.

Boleyn, you were saying something to me about browbeating? Look, I agree with that post…he or she is only saying that when we live together in a multicultural comunity we ought to try and learn about what people believe in…you may be surprised that you might read a story or meet a muslim person that can transform your thinking and/or understanding of your own faith…

I think you are hitting below the belt when you compare a “raise in literacy” with respect to Muslem texts and teachings to pornograph, homosexuality and so forth…however, if you have an arguement there, I’m all open ears … you should make it…

Bruce
Trickster

 

[trickster]

I’ve read the Qu’ran, or at least the English translation. I think it’s universally agreed that the Qu’ran loses much in translation. My Muslim friends have remarked that the English translation was a confusing, rambling mess and I personally agree.

With that said, I don’t really see a problem with reading the Qu’ran. I think that Catholics and Muslims would gain a great deal through greater political and social ties. The only way that will come about will be through greater understanding. Furthermore, given the rate of growth in Islam and the level of immigration into Canada, the US, and Europe I feel that it is imperative that Islamic literacy raise among Catholics.

Mungling, WELL SAID, Bravo!

Bruce
Trickster

 

[Leegal]

I’m a fairly devoted Catholic. I have several friends of differing faiths and have always had an interest in learning about other religions. Recently I found a copy of the Koran and began reading it, but I’ve been a bit hesitant in continuing due to doubts.

While parts of the Koran have been confronting, for the most part it’s been inspiring to read - particularly passages which speak of God’s majesty and glory. Reading it has also encouraged me to read the Bible more, to understand how the texts relate to one another and to form a greater appreciation and respect for the importance that the Koran holds for many people.

Reading the Koran hasn’t posed any threat to my faith, but even so - is it advisable for me to continue reading?

I would say the answer depends on the person. If you don’t feel it’s a threat and have the maturity to read it, then I see nothing wrong. If you detect any doubts or problems in reading it that threatens your faith, then I would suggest speaking with a spiritual advisor or abandon it altogether. If you are secure, then read it.