BD 2/2

1/2 covered Islam in 350 words. Now muslims in Australia:

What do muslims and non-muslims have in common:
- They obey the law, work hard, watch the footy/ cricket, enjoy an outdoors barbecue on a sunny day, enjoy family and friends outing, etc..

What is different about muslims 'life style'?
- Muslims don't gamble, don't drink and eat all food except for pig meat and blood. They don't deal in interest and hence borrow money from venture capital type of finance organisation known as Islamic finance.
- Muslims will enjoy a social evening, chess playing, nice discussion or outdoors beach or park lunch with family and friends. They believe in the institution of marriage instead of dating/ de facto.
- Religious belief: they believe in one God, in his messengers Moses, Jesus and his virgin birth and Mohamed as his prophets.

Now, BD what is so 'frightening' about us? how does 'our life style' become so threatening?
Please explain! (Trademark by Pauline Hansen:):)

No offence intended I just enjoy an early morning smile.

AK

B-D.
You’ve just pointed out the flaw in your own argument. On many occasions you and others have quoted the Koran giving examples of how it is harsh and intolerant (giving the words a literal meaning). Then you go on to say:

“The authority of the Bible is not as appears to be in your mind Rob. You seem to suggest that you are expecting 100% unambiguous, literal statements about every area of life. In terms of culture and language this is not possible for any faith. Time changes meanings. The authority to which we appeal, is that God in his providential wisdom has communicated His will and person to us in Christ. It is clearly a step of faith.”

So, why can’t the same be said for the Koran as well? Wouldn’t that negate the arguments/examples given by you and others previously? Seems to me that personal interpretation is the key.

There is no justification for an intolerant stance – whether a follower, Imam, Cardinal or the Pope. Believe your faith, pass on your knowledge and simply accept that others may hold a different faith to your own. How is that hard or at odds with your own personal belief?

A question for you Fellow_Human...
Could you accept that a Christian believes in their faith, doesn’t agree with yours and still live as a neighbour, friend and co-worker? Could you do so, without and subtle or overt effort to convert? And the tricky one. If one of your children said they no longer believed and left your faith, what would be your reaction? Honestly?

I am a curious kind of guy...

How do Western Muslims interpret these verses?
Sura 2:223: ‘Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) so go to your tilth as ye will…’
Sura 5:38: As for the thief, both male and female, cut off their hands. It is the reward of their own deeds, an exemplary punishment from Allah.
Sura 4:15. As for those of your women who are guilty of lewdness, call to witness four of you against them. And if they testify then confine them to the houses until death take them or (until) Allah appoint for them a way.
Sura 8:65. O Prophet! Exhort the believers to fight. If there be of you twenty steadfast they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a hundred (steadfast) they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they are a folk without intelligence.
Sura 3:157. And what though ye be slain in Allah’s way or die therein? Surely pardon from Allah and mercy are better than all that they amass.
Sura 9:5. Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Sura 8:67. It is not for any prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land.
Sura 4:34. Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.
Sura 8:12-13. I will throw fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger. That is because they opposed Allah and His messenger. Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, lo! Allah is severe in punishment.

Looks like a little religious war going on here. However I do note that the most reasonable and polite posts are placed by muslims and the most vitriolic by christians. I assume Em that you're christian.

Either way this entire thread makes a good argument for atheism.

That said, the christians here, have clearly demonstrated the bogus claims made about western muslims.

Peace, brothers & sisters. Agree to disagree - stop this vitriol.

Reassure me, Em. "I come not in peace but with a sword", and that stuff that happened about the golden calf. That was in the Koran, wasn't it? And the plagues of Egypt? No? Silly me. Next time, you might remember that selective quotation can go more than one way. Violent is as violent does in monotheist holy books. The creation myths of a tribe of Bronze Age shepherds, transcribed by world-weary Greeks, and translated by world-weary Romans (to quote Gore Vidal) are no exception.

Trinity,

Yes there is a religious war but only in BD and EM minds. Whatever it takes to justify hate I guess. The funny thing is they spend the whole day ridiculing others beliefs and faiths then claim they believe God is Love. Nothing short of self hyprocicy I guess.

Anyway,

Em,

Get a translation of the meanings of the Koran “Picktall” translation and read each verse, then the previous and the one that follows for each ($9.95 in Dymmocks). Or get the Koran for dummies for $24.95. Or even better, don’t leave the couch and enjoy Big Brother 2040.

JustDan,

Thank you for your kind question.
I grew up in Egypt in the DeLaSalle College which is a French Catholic school. My father was a religious muslim and his doctor, pharmacist and lawyer were all orthodox Christians. My best friends until today are orthodox Christians, few catholics and one atheist who now live in London. My current business contacts and friends include 2 Jewish one Russian and one South African.

Kids: I have a 7y.o. who I am teaching Islam and also teaching her the difference between all religions. I do have 2 copies of the Arabic bible at home: the usual bible and the GOB.

Answering your questions:
- The ‘converting people concept’ doesn’t exist in Islam.
- In my circle, usually Catholics are the ones who are trying to convert everyone else. I never had this problem with Orthodox Christian friends or Jewish friends for example.
- You can only teach your kids about your faith and for them to be good. What happens when they grow up you will never know but you love them and support them no matter what.

Best regards,
AK