Gee fancy that Numbat....
not being a Christian or a Muslim they look to mean the same thing to me I guess it's down to what you want it to say :)

kactuz same old same old feeling about your post too. Why is it that Christians post here as if the meaning of various passages in the Bible are not in dispute? Even though their holy book has been dissected thousands of way's. Splintering their faith into hundreds if not thousands of sects, many of which hate each other to the point of fighting wars with each other. Let alone how a non Christian’s would understand the various bit and pieces.(maybe in the same way they would the Quran). Get a grip on reality here both the Bible and the Quran can be used to defend and condemn all manner of behavior. To believe otherwise simply demonstrates your successfully indoctrination.

I believe that it is a good thing for the bible is as open to interpretation as the Kuran. No-ones' interests are served by failing to critically, and openly, evaluate the ideologies to which people adhere. I don't understand the OT references to war and genocide, however, most theologians agree that Jesus' pacifist teachings overruled the OT teachings. Unfortunately, terrorists will not listen, as they will look for any justification for their hatred and acts of aggression.

From what I have read, Islam is similar in that it combines benevolent teaching with admonitions to go out and conquer. As Softic commented, there is a disparity of beliefs about "jihad". Where Muslims are in the minority, they do seem to live peaceably with their non-muslim neighbours, yet in countries where they are in power, they have a very poor human rights record, particularly against women and people of other faiths. The other things which cause distrust of muslims are, although the Bible has been re-translated hundreds of times, it still maintains the standard chapter/verse delineations. It is difficult to get a laymans understanding of the Koran, as hadiths are also required for full understanding, and particular verses can differ in location between translations, and between editions of a translation. Furthermore, there have been several occasions where Imans have come and preached hatred in Australian mosques. This does nothing to extinguish non-muslim's feelings of disquiet with this religion. Surely, if Muslims are serious about being accepted in this country they should restrict their choice of visiting Iman's to countries which do not subscribe to hard-line Islamic beliefs and to make it clear that extremist teachings will result in their expulsion by the mosque.

I abhor violence and vilifying people for any reason, and I have nothing against Muslims but, in light of the very visible inconsistencies in the way their faith is lived out to the world, can understand that some may harbour suspicions about this religion and what embracing it may mean to Australia.

Well, kactuz is going to scream. Bring it on. You see it was the Reagan Administration's initiative to re-establish diplomatic ties with Iraq. Donald Rumsfeld was sent over in 1983 to seal the deal. The main reason was due to the threat of Islamic fundamentalist Iran. And yes, I am aware of the Iran-Contra scandal. It underlines the immorality of the Reagan Administration and some of the cronies from that administration who now like to pose as friends of Muslims - especially since Saddam Hussein's fall in 2003.

The reason I brought up the issue is that Softic appears to make the mistake that Western European governments are immoral schemers as opposed to the supposed high-mindedness of US administrations. The history of Western European and US foreign policy shows support for Middle-Eastern dictators at the expense of their subject peoples. But it seems US foreign policy has an unpredictable past.

I get along fine with my Muslim neighbour. We talk at least weekly and I often wave to him as I pass the local mosque on the main drag. However, I have only ever seen his wife once and have never spoken to her (nor has my wife & children.)

Would I take arms against him? Would I need to take arms against him? Here are two distinct questions. But, the more important questions are: why am I able to peacefully co-exist with him?, and, is this on the basis of equity?

Our nation, with principles derived from a European/British Christian culture, allows/impels us to value religious freedom as a more or less first principle. The same backgroung also encouraged us to work hard and support a single (married?) spouse to ensure that society gets the benefits of stable family life.

Now, due to our expansion of 'freedom' we see de facto = real and have situations where Muslims (not my neighbour) have multiple de factos with the government supporting numerous 'single mothers.' This support is not racially or religiously based, but, will, in the longer term, ensure that those faiths/cultures/individuals gain a demographic upper hand.

Yes, Christians are not at war per se, but the actions of some men (and inaction of others) will see the racial/cultural/faith diversity of our nation changed, and when it is, will minority Christians be given a right to freedom of religion? More interestingly, what will become of the faithless secularists?

F.H. if your understanding of 'protect your property only' is valid, then you condemn your own prophet for making pre-emptive raids mate.
You can't have your cake and munch it also :)
U know, and I know, that he sent raiding parties to obtain food (theft) and punish people (murdering Sa'ad) and various other things.

The Quran came via Mohamed, and if he can't get it right, why would one believe him any more than Joseph Smith the polygamous mormon founder ?

If the founder of Islam and his 'companions' all went against the Quran, (Your presentation of it at least) we could be forgiven for being cynical about "all" Muslims who make such claims as you.

I don't want to revisit oft repeated references, u know enuf of them I'm sure.

But KENNY... you and your 'splinter groups'... when you face the Almighty mate, He will not be asking 'Now Kenny, were you a good Methodist" ? or.."A good Baptist" ? none.. he will ask you "When BOAZ and others informed you that you should turn from all sin, and accept Christ as your Savior and Lord, did u ?" That....is the crucial question.

God knows that the various traditions have historical backgrounds, and the differences are quite minor and certainly not anything to cause problems over.

You should look more closely at the co-operation and love which does exist between the various evangelical denominations.
There is no greater adventure in life, than to live the Christ filled, Spirit enabled, Fellowship strengthened life. You might say...."Its heaven on earth".