Respect for the Muslims.

[schaick]

I thought that Muslims do think that Jesus is the messiah?

Their definition of Messiah is different.

 

[Kouyate42]

I’m kind of for the OP here.It IS wrong to label an entire religious and cultural group as being terrorists or being uneducated wife-beaters or anything like that, Indeed there are some beautiful parts of Islamic culture, which anyone can appreciate, Muslim or not.

Also, Islam shares some similarities with Christianity, and it is these similarities that we must concentrate on, not the differences.

 

[Venezia]

I’m kind of for the OP here.It IS wrong to label an entire religious and cultural group as being terrorists or being uneducated wife-beaters or anything like that, Indeed there are some beautiful parts of Islamic culture, which anyone can appreciate, Muslim or not.

Also, Islam shares some similarities with Christianity, and it is these similarities that we must concentrate on, not the differences.

can you explain the beautiful parts of islam ?
i think its not wrong to label an entire religilous group as ‘‘terrorists’’ if their book encourages jihad and killing nonmuslims and executing apostates.

 

[Kouyate42]

can you explain the beautiful parts of islam ?
i think its not wrong to label an entire religilous group as ‘‘terrorists’’ if their book encourages jihad and killing nonmuslims and executing apostates.

Try the huge contributions to art, science, literature, history, philosophy and even music that Islam has given us? T

It's wrong to label any one group as terrorists when it's only the small minority who actually participate in these sorts of acts. A quick search using google would point you to some Islamic anti-terrorism websites and resources for starters.

Also, on the part about killing non-Muslims, in MOST Muslim countries people of other faiths live happily. Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Lebanon…these are just the ones I can remember. Most Muslims don’t care what you believe as long as you leave them alone. Certainly many Muslim countries DON’T kill apostates from Islam either.

I live in an area of my city with a LOT of Muslims. So far I’ve never had any problem with anyone, and indeed have has some good conversations on religion with some of my Muslim neighbors. I have Muslims as friends and work colleagues. Again, no problem there.

 

[Venezia]

Try the huge contributions to art, science, literature, history, philosophy and even music that Islam has given us? T

It's wrong to label any one group as terrorists when it's only the small minority who actually participate in these sorts of acts. A quick search using google would point you to some Islamic anti-terrorism websites and resources for starters.

Also, on the part about killing non-Muslims, in MOST Muslim countries people of other faiths live happily. Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Lebanon…these are just the ones I can remember. Most Muslims don’t care what you believe as long as you leave them alone. Certainly many Muslim countries DON’T kill apostates from Islam either.

I live in an area of my city with a LOT of Muslims. So far I’ve never had any problem with anyone, and indeed have has some good conversations on religion with some of my Muslim neighbors. I have Muslims as friends and work colleagues. Again, no problem there.

you are wrong,in most muslim countries they dont live happily,at least,i wouldnt be happy with being humiliated as paying jizya tribute (an extra tax that nonmuslims have to pay if they dont want to be beheaded),and as losing some of my rights (nonmuslims cant hold strong positions in governments and being ruled by muslim rulers.even though our religion advices us to obey rulers,i would prefer to die than being ruled by a muslim governor) and certainly,all of sharia-ruling muslims countries kills apostates,have killed apostates for 1400 years,currently killing and they will still kill.i think tolerating invaders for the sake of ‘‘democracy’’ is greatest fault europe have ever done.

 

[schaick]

I guess I can start with my own background.

I am a 15 year old girl. I am a devout Traditional Catholic. I attend a traditional Latin mass parish.

My Mother, and a select bunch of other people I know, tell me how “Muslims are doing this, doing that, they’re disrespectful, they’re terrorists, they’re going to overpopulate and there will be no more Caucasians and Christians, etc.”

But, ah, I see things a little differently. Whenever I talk about my views on Muslims with my Mother, I’m slightly scolded.

You see, I have a deep respect for Muslims. They’re peaceful and devout. There are many connections between the Muslim religion and the Christian religion. In their “Bible” they talk about Jesus, few prophets, and so on.

You should respect Muslims as fellow human beings trying to find their way through life.

Did you know that Islam denys the crucifixion of Christ? There is only one being that would deny the crucifixion of Christ.

It very much bothers me when people ramble on about how Muslims are terrorists. I have several Muslim friends here in America that are far from what I was told all Muslims were like.

If you were to read the Quran you would see that it and Mohammad condone violencee towards the non-muslim.

Going to a theme park, we see Muslim families walking around, enjoying the park as well. My family comments on how odd and shady it is that the women cover themselves completely. Their remarks are plain disrespectful. [This confuses me as my family, especially my mother, are very conservative in dress. My parents have raised my sisters and me to dress modestly and to avoid all senses of impurity. I would think that if anything, the way that Muslim women dress would not bother them.]

Did you know that the muslim women must cover themselves in muslim majority countries. If they don’t they risk the chance of being raped. And if they are brought to trial it is the women that are punished for showing their neck or arms- for enticing or leading the men on.

There are also what are called moral police- it is their job to look for women that are not covering and make then cover up. The poor women must abide or take the chance of being lashed.

I, on the other hand, find the Muslim women’s dress preference quite refreshing. I love how they vow to respect their bodies instead of showing them off. I admire how their bodies are shown to no one but their husbands. I believe that’s how it should be! My Muslim friends have told me that they like the way they dress because when they find a husband, he’s going to appreciate them for who they are and not for what their body looks like. I love how they are proud of the way they dress, and wouldn’t break their “code of modesty” for anything. Their practices of purity are astounding.

[Although there are some Muslim women that only cover their hands during prayer–According to Catholic Church, women should have their heads covered during mass. I read a small book about it, I don’t remember the text completely, but it stated said that after Vatican II, when laws were changed it didn’t explicitly specify this rule, so women stopped wearing mantillas as they didn’t “have to” anymore.]

According to Scripture -* For long hair is given to her as a covering*:
1 Corinthians 11
*5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. * … * 13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God. *

Moreover, although they might not think of it the same way, their good deeds and the way they strive to attain eternal paradise is quite virtuous. Their devoutness is inspiring. They are very good people, aside from the few terrorists.

How does GOD feel when a very devout people in trying to find GOD are actually worshipping some being other then GOD?

I try not to be judgmental, but some of us Catholics have horrible double standards. The ones who criticize the Muslims for being terrorists are the same people who say others shouldn’t judge Catholicism for the few priests guilty of homosexuality or pedophilia.

The people I’m talking about claim they are “tolerant.” They profess that they have nothing against Muslims. That’s as far as it goes. There’s no respect. The “tolerance” is at the bare minimum. I’m disgusted by our double standards, the way we judge other religions and put ourselves on the high pedestal simply because we know the truth and they’re ignorant to it. Yes, they’re ignorant! But they don’t know that! They’re practicing what they know, which is exactly what we’re doing. We shouldn’t be so quick to belittle others. Sometimes I wonder if the priests’ homilies on humility really sink in to those who need to hear it most.

-Gess

—And just to clarify once more, I am not at all overly tolerant. [You know, the kind of people who go around tolerating every sin just because they think it’s cruel to think otherwise.] I’m just stating my respect for Muslims and my concern about other Catholic’s judgments.----

I am totally intolerabnt of Islam. I feel sorry for Muslims. Thay are caught in a cult.

 

[Bob_Crowley]

I guess I can start with my own background.

I am a 15 year old girl. I am a devout Traditional Catholic. I attend a traditional Latin mass parish.

My Mother, and a select bunch of other people I know, tell me how “Muslims are doing this, doing that, they’re disrespectful, they’re terrorists, they’re going to overpopulate and there will be no more Caucasians and Christians, etc.”

But, ah, I see things a little differently. Whenever I talk about my views on Muslims with my Mother, I’m slightly scolded.

You see, I have a deep respect for Muslims. They’re peaceful and devout. There are many connections between the Muslim religion and the Christian religion. In their “Bible” they talk about Jesus, few prophets, and so on.

It very much bothers me when people ramble on about how Muslims are terrorists. I have several Muslim friends here in America that are far from what I was told all Muslims were like.

Going to a theme park, we see Muslim families walking around, enjoying the park as well. My family comments on how odd and shady it is that the women cover themselves completely. Their remarks are plain disrespectful. [This confuses me as my family, especially my mother, are very conservative in dress. My parents have raised my sisters and me to dress modestly and to avoid all senses of impurity. I would think that if anything, the way that Muslim women dress would not bother them.]

I, on the other hand, find the Muslim women’s dress preference quite refreshing. I love how they vow to respect their bodies instead of showing them off. I admire how their bodies are shown to no one but their husbands. I believe that’s how it should be! My Muslim friends have told me that they like the way they dress because when they find a husband, he’s going to appreciate them for who they are and not for what their body looks like. I love how they are proud of the way they dress, and wouldn’t break their “code of modesty” for anything. Their practices of purity are astounding.

[Although there are some Muslim women that only cover their hands during prayer–According to Catholic Church, women should have their heads covered during mass. I read a small book about it, I don’t remember the text completely, but it stated said that after Vatican II, when laws were changed it didn’t explicitly specify this rule, so women stopped wearing mantillas as they didn’t “have to” anymore.]

Moreover, although they might not think of it the same way, their good deeds and the way they strive to attain eternal paradise is quite virtuous. Their devoutness is inspiring. They are very good people, aside from the few terrorists.

I try not to be judgmental, but some of us Catholics have horrible double standards. The ones who criticize the Muslims for being terrorists are the same people who say others shouldn’t judge Catholicism for the few priests guilty of homosexuality or pedophilia.

The people I’m talking about claim they are “tolerant.” They profess that they have nothing against Muslims. That’s as far as it goes. There’s no respect. The “tolerance” is at the bare minimum. I’m disgusted by our double standards, the way we judge other religions and put ourselves on the high pedestal simply because we know the truth and they’re ignorant to it. Yes, they’re ignorant! But they don’t know that! They’re practicing what they know, which is exactly what we’re doing. We shouldn’t be so quick to belittle others. Sometimes I wonder if the priests’ homilies on humility really sink in to those who need to hear it most.

-Gess

—And just to clarify once more, I am not at all overly tolerant. [You know, the kind of people who go around tolerating every sin just because they think it’s cruel to think otherwise.] I’m just stating my respect for Muslims and my concern about other Catholic’s judgments.----

I’ve got my own opinion on the origins of Islam. However I’ll grant you that they are family minded, at least in the West. I’ve spoken to soldiers who were in Iraq, and they weren’t so impressed, the women all wearing “ninja outfits” as they called them and doing all the work, while the men sat around and did nothing.

So what you see in the West is a westernised version, subject to monogamous laws, on show for evangelistion purposes, and on its best behaviour. The women are very much family minded, and one of the reasons a lot of them have trouble finding jobs is that they want to be able to take the kids to school and pick them up, so they’re only available from about 9am to 3pm. There are not many jobs with those hours.

Having said all that, my old Protestant pastor, while we were discussing this, once commented, “They take Him (God or Allah) seriously”. And I think that’s why the West is facing an Islamic challenge at this time. The West doesn’t take God seriously. He’s just something we pay lip service to.

A pecuilar sidelight - when I was about fifteen, I was wondering which would be the next major civilisation. Left to my own devices, I thought it might be the communists at the time, as they were making a lot of ground in a lot of places. But into my mind, as though in answer to my query, quite unexpectedly, popped this image of a Moslem at prayer. At that time I wouldn’t have given Islam a chance.

So …? I wonder what will happen in the next few years?

 

[Sufjon]

I guess I can start with my own background.

I am a 15 year old girl. I am a devout Traditional Catholic. I attend a traditional Latin mass parish.

My Mother, and a select bunch of other people I know, tell me how “Muslims are doing this, doing that, they’re disrespectful, they’re terrorists, they’re going to overpopulate and there will be no more Caucasians and Christians, etc.”

But, ah, I see things a little differently. Whenever I talk about my views on Muslims with my Mother, I’m slightly scolded.

You see, I have a deep respect for Muslims. They’re peaceful and devout. There are many connections between the Muslim religion and the Christian religion. In their “Bible” they talk about Jesus, few prophets, and so on.

It very much bothers me when people ramble on about how Muslims are terrorists. I have several Muslim friends here in America that are far from what I was told all Muslims were like.

Going to a theme park, we see Muslim families walking around, enjoying the park as well. My family comments on how odd and shady it is that the women cover themselves completely. Their remarks are plain disrespectful. [This confuses me as my family, especially my mother, are very conservative in dress. My parents have raised my sisters and me to dress modestly and to avoid all senses of impurity. I would think that if anything, the way that Muslim women dress would not bother them.]

I, on the other hand, find the Muslim women’s dress preference quite refreshing. I love how they vow to respect their bodies instead of showing them off. I admire how their bodies are shown to no one but their husbands. I believe that’s how it should be! My Muslim friends have told me that they like the way they dress because when they find a husband, he’s going to appreciate them for who they are and not for what their body looks like. I love how they are proud of the way they dress, and wouldn’t break their “code of modesty” for anything. Their practices of purity are astounding.

[Although there are some Muslim women that only cover their hands during prayer–According to Catholic Church, women should have their heads covered during mass. I read a small book about it, I don’t remember the text completely, but it stated said that after Vatican II, when laws were changed it didn’t explicitly specify this rule, so women stopped wearing mantillas as they didn’t “have to” anymore.]

Moreover, although they might not think of it the same way, their good deeds and the way they strive to attain eternal paradise is quite virtuous. Their devoutness is inspiring. They are very good people, aside from the few terrorists.

I try not to be judgmental, but some of us Catholics have horrible double standards. The ones who criticize the Muslims for being terrorists are the same people who say others shouldn’t judge Catholicism for the few priests guilty of homosexuality or pedophilia.

The people I’m talking about claim they are “tolerant.” They profess that they have nothing against Muslims. That’s as far as it goes. There’s no respect. The “tolerance” is at the bare minimum. I’m disgusted by our double standards, the way we judge other religions and put ourselves on the high pedestal simply because we know the truth and they’re ignorant to it. Yes, they’re ignorant! But they don’t know that! They’re practicing what they know, which is exactly what we’re doing. We shouldn’t be so quick to belittle others. Sometimes I wonder if the priests’ homilies on humility really sink in to those who need to hear it most.

-Gess

—And just to clarify once more, I am not at all overly tolerant. [You know, the kind of people who go around tolerating every sin just because they think it’s cruel to think otherwise.] I’m just stating my respect for Muslims and my concern about other Catholic’s judgments.----

Dear GessHrc:

I have read your post and read the replies. I am impressed with the insight that you have at such a young age. Other people, like relatives you mentioned, and people who have responded to your post will have what opinions they will. By reading your post, my sense is that you should trust yourself. It seems that your own heart is straight and most correct. A person such as yourself is your own best moral compass, and I’m grateful that there are people like you coming into the world. Be resolute on your convictions, because you have a great deal of wisdom.

Your friend,
Sufjon

 

[captainmike]

i read a couple of pages of the koran once. it described the most “us versus them” belief system i’ve ever seen. when they are in the minority, muslims seem great. when they take over a country, non-muslims’ freedoms are severely curtailed.

 

[GessHrck]

I apologize for the long post–I was gone half the day and I’ve just now been given the chance to reply to everyone.

I think you missed my points - or perhaps you didn’t and just don’t like my questions?

loonwatch is playing with the numbers and setting up a strawman. They happily report on the islamic-inspired acts of terror as a proportion of total “incidents” and conclude that the “islamophobes” have it all wrong (and we missed the Jewish incidents as well!).

What they don’t tell you is what proportion of deaths islamic terrorism accounts for. In the US, it has been particularly deadly.

In America, the three main terrorist activities are: Islamic, ELF (environmentalists) and Puerto Rican separatists (oddly described as “Latino” by loonwatch, I might add).

By far, the most deaths have resulted from islamic terror*. ELF accounts for the most incidents, but they seem to specialize in sabotage, not murder.

You can see the FBI info below. It is for the time period 1980 to 2005. How you select the base matters tremendously, by the way. If one were to select a more recent base how do you think the numbers might look?

fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/terrorism-2002-2005/terror02_05

Who is the FBI looking for when it comes to terror? Do you think they are sterotyping somewhat?

fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists

• The one exception here is Mr McVeigh, who was neither islamic, environmentalist nor Puerto Rican.

Obviously this is all true. But think about the Muslims who are stuck in war zones under a leader they don’t agree with? There is an army of terrorists! But you have to remember that there is a significant percentage of the rest of the Muslims who are against terrorism.

But we cannot ignore the fact that we cannot believe in their religion no matter how pious their practice and we have to protect the many souls we can from falling into this heresy no matter how it is dressed up.

This is true. I do not believe in their religion, I simply respect their modesty.

GessHrck: I suggest that you take some time and research the Muslim intolerance and massacre of Catholics and Christians throughout a very large part of this world. This is happening right now! Generally, you can substitute the term"Christian" for Catholic in the news articles. Your brother Catholics are being tortured, raped and then slaughtered for their faith throughout Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe. This includes the priests and religious that risk their lives staying there to minister to their flocks. Then I suggest that you do a little reading about the Moslem, or Mohammedan, (as they used to be called) invasion of the Holy Land & Europe during the early Medieval years. You may, or may not, have heard of El Cid or that the Blessed Virgin Mary helped the Catholics win back their lands with the victory at the Battle of Lepanto! Once you have learned some history, you may have a slightly different stance. I am not advocating disrepect of any one. However, there have been occasions throughout history that some people “lie low” until they have the upper hand and then reveal their true identity. The Koran also does not restrict “lying” to infidels, only to the members of Islamism. You have to be able to discern truth from fraud. In order to do that, you have to know the truth which you can learn from history. I pray that this will give you some cause to do the research. It never hurts to ask God to give you the grace to know the “Truth” God bless you.

Very good points. Thank you for your (name removed by moderator)ut. I very much agree with you, and yes, I have heard of a few of those things. But that still doesn’t mean there aren’t peaceful Muslims. St Francis spoke with the Muslims trying to take over the Holy Land, and he offered a treaty. It was US, the CHRISTIANS, who rejected the treaty. We continued to fight even though they were willing to make amends.

 

[GessHrck]

I’m kind of for the OP here.It IS wrong to label an entire religious and cultural group as being terrorists or being uneducated wife-beaters or anything like that, Indeed there are some beautiful parts of Islamic culture, which anyone can appreciate, Muslim or not.

Also, Islam shares some similarities with Christianity, and it is these similarities that we must concentrate on, not the differences.

Well written. Thank you.

Did you know that the muslim women must cover themselves in muslim majority countries. If they don’t they risk the chance of being raped. And if they are brought to trial it is the women that are punished for showing their neck or arms- for enticing or leading the men on.

There are also what are called moral police- it is their job to look for women that are not covering and make then cover up. The poor women must abide or take the chance of being lashed.

Yes, I know this. But here in America they choose to do it freely just because they desire to be modest. Their motives are different.

I am totally intolerabnt of Islam. I feel sorry for Muslims. Thay are caught in a cult.

Well that’s very nice of you. And also against our own religion. We’re called to be tolerant, and we SHOULD feel sorry for them. Which is exactly how I feel, and how you should as well.

I’ve got my own opinion on the origins of Islam. However I’ll grant you that they are family minded, at least in the West. I’ve spoken to soldiers who were in Iraq, and they weren’t so impressed, the women all wearing “ninja outfits” as they called them and doing all the work, while the men sat around and did nothing.

So what you see in the West is a westernised version, subject to monogamous laws, on show for evangelistion purposes, and on its best behaviour. The women are very much family minded, and one of the reasons a lot of them have trouble finding jobs is that they want to be able to take the kids to school and pick them up, so they’re only available from about 9am to 3pm. There are not many jobs with those hours.

Having said all that, my old Protestant pastor, while we were discussing this, once commented, “They take Him (God or Allah) seriously”. And I think that’s why the West is facing an Islamic challenge at this time. The West doesn’t take God seriously. He’s just something we pay lip service to.

A pecuilar sidelight - when I was about fifteen, I was wondering which would be the next major civilisation. Left to my own devices, I thought it might be the communists at the time, as they were making a lot of ground in a lot of places. But into my mind, as though in answer to my query, quite unexpectedly, popped this image of a Moslem at prayer. At that time I wouldn’t have given Islam a chance.

So …? I wonder what will happen in the next few years?

I feel it’s fair to tell you most of the Muslims are unable to get out of such strict countries. It absolutely is not their fault.
And, as women, we’re supposed to take care of the family. We care for our children and our husband. Men are the providers, they get the bread. We cook it. Don’t complain, it’s not YOUR job to do.

Dear GessHrc:

I have read your post and read the replies. I am impressed with the insight that you have at such a young age. Other people, like relatives you mentioned, and people who have responded to your post will have what opinions they will. By reading your post, my sense is that you should trust yourself. It seems that your own heart is straight and most correct. A person such as yourself is your own best moral compass, and I’m grateful that there are people like you coming into the world. Be resolute on your convictions, because you have a great deal of wisdom.

Your friend,
Sufjon

Thank you very much. Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinions, nothing can change that. I’m happy that everyone is given the chance to voice their perspective.

 

[StrawberryJam]

Most of us here, if not all of us here do not know what it is like to be born in Suadi Arabia by Muslim parents, and generations of ancestors that lived there before them.

Some can, and I think I have noted some posters that have mentioned this while here.

Respect for all humans, regardless of race religion or creed is demanded by catholics.
The unborn are demanded respect.

Why is there even a thread on CAF about this topic?

I note the last comment of the OP and it makes me cringe.
It seems to reflect what the OP seems to oppose.

We end up being what we claim we hate I guess. Intolerance is always allowed under circumstances that the person believes is for a cause of some sort.
Unfortunately, it usually requires a predictable reason.

 

[GessHrck]

Most of us here, if not all of us here do not know what it is like to be born in Suadi Arabia by Muslim parents, and generations of ancestors that lived there before them.

Some can, and I think I have noted some posters that have mentioned this while here.

Respect for all humans, regardless of race religion or creed is demanded by catholics.
The unborn are demanded respect.

Why is there even a thread on CAF about this topic?

I note the last comment of the OP and it makes me cringe.
It seems to reflect what the OP seems to oppose.

We end up being what we claim we hate I guess. Intolerance is always allowed under circumstances that the person believes is for a cause of some sort.
Unfortunately, it usually requires a predictable reason.

If you are speaking of when I said, “Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinions, nothing can change that. I’m happy that everyone is given the chance to voice their perspective.” then–
I do not oppose one’s individual opinions. Rather, I encourage them. The entire post was on my own opinion that I felt I needed to voice. I welcomed anyone who thought otherwise with open arms! And I still do!

 

[StrawberryJam]

If you are speaking of when I said, “Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinions, nothing can change that. I’m happy that everyone is given the chance to voice their perspective.” then–
I do not oppose one’s individual opinions. Rather, I encourage them. The entire post was on my own opinion that I felt I needed to voice. I welcomed anyone who thought otherwise with open arms! And I still do!

Let’s examine the evidence:

This was the last thought you left us with:

-Gess

—And just to clarify once more, I am not at all overly tolerant. [You know, the kind of people who go around tolerating every sin just because they think it’s cruel to think otherwise.] I’m just stating my respect for Muslims and my concern about other Catholic’s judgments.----

 

[StrawberryJam]

What is the sin in believing something different than you do and why?

Overtly tolerant?

Do you see how this can be applied to a person who was brought up from infancy onwards to believe that you are sinning?

Ahh. Maybe not. Maybe we don’t realize the privilege we have in an open society, to even discuss this openly. Let alone the many who never even realize it is an option. Just think about that.

 

[rikkk1958]

I guess I can start with my own background.

I am a 15 year old girl. I am a devout Traditional Catholic. I attend a traditional Latin mass parish.

My Mother, and a select bunch of other people I know, tell me how “Muslims are doing this, doing that, they’re disrespectful, they’re terrorists, they’re going to overpopulate and there will be no more Caucasians and Christians, etc.”

But, ah, I see things a little differently. Whenever I talk about my views on Muslims with my Mother, I’m slightly scolded.

You see, I have a deep respect for Muslims. They’re peaceful and devout. There are many connections between the Muslim religion and the Christian religion. In their “Bible” they talk about Jesus, few prophets, and so on.

It very much bothers me when people ramble on about how Muslims are terrorists. I have several Muslim friends here in America that are far from what I was told all Muslims were like.

Going to a theme park, we see Muslim families walking around, enjoying the park as well. My family comments on how odd and shady it is that the women cover themselves completely. Their remarks are plain disrespectful. [This confuses me as my family, especially my mother, are very conservative in dress. My parents have raised my sisters and me to dress modestly and to avoid all senses of impurity. I would think that if anything, the way that Muslim women dress would not bother them.]

I, on the other hand, find the Muslim women’s dress preference quite refreshing. I love how they vow to respect their bodies instead of showing them off. I admire how their bodies are shown to no one but their husbands. I believe that’s how it should be! My Muslim friends have told me that they like the way they dress because when they find a husband, he’s going to appreciate them for who they are and not for what their body looks like. I love how they are proud of the way they dress, and wouldn’t break their “code of modesty” for anything. Their practices of purity are astounding.

[Although there are some Muslim women that only cover their hands during prayer–According to Catholic Church, women should have their heads covered during mass. I read a small book about it, I don’t remember the text completely, but it stated said that after Vatican II, when laws were changed it didn’t explicitly specify this rule, so women stopped wearing mantillas as they didn’t “have to” anymore.]

Moreover, although they might not think of it the same way, their good deeds and the way they strive to attain eternal paradise is quite virtuous. Their devoutness is inspiring. They are very good people, aside from the few terrorists.

I try not to be judgmental, but some of us Catholics have horrible double standards. The ones who criticize the Muslims for being terrorists are the same people who say others shouldn’t judge Catholicism for the few priests guilty of homosexuality or pedophilia.

The people I’m talking about claim they are “tolerant.” They profess that they have nothing against Muslims. That’s as far as it goes. There’s no respect. The “tolerance” is at the bare minimum. I’m disgusted by our double standards, the way we judge other religions and put ourselves on the high pedestal simply because we know the truth and they’re ignorant to it. Yes, they’re ignorant! But they don’t know that! They’re practicing what they know, which is exactly what we’re doing. We shouldn’t be so quick to belittle others. Sometimes I wonder if the priests’ homilies on humility really sink in to those who need to hear it most.

-Gess

—And just to clarify once more, I am not at all overly tolerant. [You know, the kind of people who go around tolerating every sin just because they think it’s cruel to think otherwise.] I’m just stating my respect for Muslims and my concern about other Catholic’s judgments.----

I hope you are right, but I want you to keep your guards up because you will never know. As Christians we have no choice but to obey God’s command to love our neighbors unconditionally. We must conquer them with patience and keep showing how different our faith from theirs

Islam taught about “lying” to those unbelievers as acceptable. This is a simple case of how they are not taught about to love thy neighbor. This is also the reason why they feel apathy towards us and others. Moderates will tell you about peace and that is their own definition of some parts of their koran but which contradicts with most parts.

Muslims needs to amend the writings in the koran so that it will be coherent as a whole. The only explanations when you ask them about the troublesome scriptures is to refer to the Bible especially the Old Testaments which has violent stories. They never understood why there was such stories. I hope you do know why the Old Testaments is such a violent writings. Many Christians still do not know the reason for such stories.

 

[GessHrck]

What is the sin in believing something different than you do and why?

Overtly tolerant?

Do you see how this can be applied to a person who was brought up from infancy onwards to believe that you are sinning?

Ahh. Maybe not. Maybe we don’t realize the privilege we have in an open society, to even discuss this openly. Let alone the many who never even realize it is an option. Just think about that.

I do not understand your point. I believe we each have a right to share our thoughts and opinions, which is what this board has allowed. You’re bashing me for something I’m not guilty of.

I hope you are right, but I want you to keep your guards up because you will never know. As Christians we have no choice but to obey God’s command to love our neighbors unconditionally. We must conquer them with patience and keep showing how different our faith from theirs

Islam taught about “lying” to those unbelievers as acceptable. This is a simple case of how they are not taught about to love thy neighbor. This is also the reason why they feel apathy towards us and others. Moderates will tell you about peace and that is their own definition of some parts of their koran but which contradicts with most parts.

Muslims needs to amend the writings in the koran so that it will be coherent as a whole. The only explanations when you ask them about the troublesome scriptures is to refer to the Bible especially the Old Testaments which has violent stories. They never understood why there was such stories. I hope you do know why the Old Testaments is such a violent writings. Many Christians still do not know the reason for such stories.

Did I ever try to argue their religion was as sound and perfect as our own? I never once said it was without flaw, I only said that many of the Muslims are to be respected as they are good people, and the belittling of them is contrary to what our own morals are supposed to be. Don’t twist my words.

 

[rikkk1958]

I do not understand your point. I believe we each have a right to share our thoughts and opinions, which is what this board has allowed. You’re bashing me for something I’m not guilty of.

Did I ever try to argue their religion was as sound and perfect as our own? I never once said it was without flaw, I only said that many of the Muslims are to be respected as they are good people, and the belittling of them is contrary to what our own morals are supposed to be. Don’t twist my words.

I understand you completely. What we are trying to tell you is how to be aware. At least you know now. I also hope that you will never come across with them for debate. I am happy you found good Muslims friends. My experience tell s me that I will never give full confidence but to show them that we also mean business when our respect for them is abused.

Good luck and I pray that you won’t get swayed by their “holy” personality because they pray many times a day or dress up like they do not want you to see their skin. Always remember we believe in God better than them and uses our faith better also.

 

[GessHrck]

I understand you completely. What we are trying to tell you is how to be aware. At least you know now. I also hope that you will never come across with them for debate. I am happy you found good Muslims friends. My experience tell s me that I will never give full confidence but to show them that we also mean business when our respect for them is abused.

Good luck and I pray that you won’t get swayed by their “holy” personality because they pray many times a day or dress up like they do not want you to see their skin. Always remember we believe in God better than them and uses our faith better also.

I am totally open to them for debate! I’m a debate-ful person.

And I understand your concern, after all people my age are easily swayed by others’ opinions. I am not that way, I stand strong in my faith and I’m ready to defend it if necessary.

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

I am totally open to them for debate! I’m a debate-ful person.

The real question should be, are **they **open for debate?..

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk