st_alk,
Do you agree with Bashir and accept his criticisms as fair and just and warranted? Are you prepared to submit firstly to all Australian laws? Or do you determine your life by the Kor'anic law?

Can you accomodate a democratic society with its diversity of opinion?

Or do you merely react? Quote, "Yes muslims are starting to become more angry and more up tight but what do think we should, just sit back and take all your racism. You as a person can take so much. In any religion it states, that you should defend, your religion and we are doing just that."

How do you personally defend your religion by life, attitudes, and apologetics? Or do you use a knife and a gun when confronted with abuse or argument you cannot answer? The latter is the position of extremists following the literal interpretation of the Kor'an.

Please read a dictionary on the meaning of "racism" and "religion" both are not synomyn of each other. Religion does not represent one's race and drawing the racist card, as you have done, does not mean a critic of your religion has violated race vilification laws.

I have arrived late to this thread.

I can only endorse what has been said before and that we are fortunate to read another reasoned, sincere and rational article from Bashir.

The religious bigots such as Coach et al have finally had their come uppance and are looking like the fools they truly are.

I will pass this article onto my muslim friends. Actually I will pass it onto some friends who aren't Muslim - nothing like a little edification.

To those who would control the beliefs and thoughts and choices of others I reiterate Bashir's words:

"To sum up, I would say that living in a global village where millions of unfortunate human beings survive under the scourge of poverty, diseases and natural disasters; where millions of mothers watch their children become skeletons due to famine before they gasp their last breath, it is an insult to humanity and almost a blasphemous act by the erstwhile defenders of both camps to waste their energy and resources on such imbecilic endeavors."

I would also add that Christianity is insulted everyday by Christians themselves - just follow the posts at OLO.

Peace

David Latimer,
Thank you for the information, you have an informed comment on most topics and your post was appreciated, food for thought. I would not ask Connie Rice for the time of day, as she would probably charge to give it you, however I found your post enlightening, which is the reason I am here,
Regards, Shaun

GZ Tan – “You wrote: "It is the NAIVE youthful EXPERIENCE..."
My goodness!! How do you reconcile being NAIVE and being EXPERIENCED” – sorry this was a typo – meant to repeat your quote with ‘exuberence’.

You obviously hate all Muslims, perhaps based on your own experiences or more likely from lack of experience ie. ignorance. Others, like me, have ‘experience’ that does not support your view. Just because you don't agree does not make it invalid. I do not believe that Bashir Goth’s views are that of a minority – quite the opposite based on my own experience. I have not met anyone who comes even close to the descriptions of “all Muslims’ that some posters to OLO would have us believe. If I lived somewhere else my opinions would likely be very different which basically shows that experience is relative.

Those who spout hatred seem to have the loudest voices – it does not mean they are right. The Bashir Goth’s of this world are trying hard to provide a voice for the majority of people who just want to get on with their lives.

My experience also shows me that children do not have the prejudices of ‘experienced’ adults. Naivety may not be as bad as you think

David Latimer

The reference you provide and selectively quoted from, also has a major segment dealing with,"State Hostility toward Minority Non Approved Religions".

It covers many countries and has many examples of Muslims and their governments, being anti other religons. Just read the segment on Malaysia, for one example.

Hoisted on your petard.

st_alk,

I admire your convictions and your sincere desire to follow your religious tenets.
It is wrong to judge anyone – only God is the judge of all and one day He is going to judge the whole world through His Son Jesus.

As a follower of Jesus The Christ, I will not be judged on my good and bad deeds and actions, because the God I worship has done away with “religion” once and for all.

He send His Son to Die for us all (including muslims) to wash away ALL our sins.

It is done! No need for religiosity, new prophets, and rituals after Jesus.

That is no excuse to behave badly – BUT this is where as humans we get it so wrong. We judge and prejudge people by their looks and behaviour.

There is a perception that Christians must behave in a certain “pious” manner. If people judge Christianity by looking at me and other Christians, they will never discover God.

The same applies to Islam.

The point I’m making is that TRUTH is based on facts and not the perception.

So what you believe (sincerely and honestly) is NOT the truth. No one is going to whisper in you ear when you are dead. It’s a lie and ploy from Satan. to keep you away from the true God.

The only way God will treat you at the “gate of heaven.” is How you respond to Jesus (not a religion) on earth – when you are still alive.

You can be SURE of your salvation – the only “pass” you need is Jesus.

You have a choice: continue to believe Satan, man made rules, worshipping a fictitious god, a criminal prophet, or believe in the One True God of Love.

Mohammad cannot save you because SADLY he never recognised God Jesus.

Truth hurts. Change is difficult and mostly impossible. I am not suggesting that you will see the light straight away – but what is impossible with man is possible to God.