“Why on Earth should we show your religion respect?”
Interesting question, if you are not respectable of others, why demand respect from others? Aren’t you just another Boaz?
Posted by Fellow_Human, Sunday, 17 June 2007 3:25:54 PM

Hi Fellow_Human

I think you need to read what he posted. The statement was NOT that he does not respect you, it was that he doesn't respect your religion. They are very different things. I too respect your RIGHT to freedom of belief in whatever you choose to believe, but I have zero respect for your religion...

I think this is the core of the issue for many secular humanist types, the inability of many devout muslims to deal with criticism of their religion, c.f. the riots after the Danish cartoons publication. Those in the west who happen to be of a religious bent have been dealing with widespread healthy disrespect for religion and associated dogma since the French revolution and before.

Oliver,
Thank you for your reply. I think we again shall have to agree to disagree. In the meantime I was reading the article by Brian Holden (http://onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=5986). Imagine what the reaction would be if Cardinal (or Citizen) Pell published a similarly vitriolic attack on his ideological opponents: I mean its FORM; not the content which has its point, although he unnecessarily simplifies a problem that is complicated both scientifically and ethically.

Thanks Stickman - exactly my point. People are quite entitled to believe what they like but don't expect me to "respect" it just because it is a religious belief.

I recall in the wash-up from the publication of the Danish cartoons that there was commentary from the Islamic world that they should have been protected from this "outrage" because their faith was more important to them, than faith was to other religious types. That is cartoons of Christ or Buddha (or the holy teapot) wouldn't have hurt these believers as much as the cartoons of Mohammed hurt Muslims. Which to me was just pure hogwash. If Fellow_Human wants to doubt that these articles existed, I will dig them up for him.

Hillali is still at Lakemba Mosque. He is still walking and talking. It is business as usual - except in front of the cameras.

His flock - all Sunnin Muslims - is still kissing his ring.

His replacement holds the same views about women in particular and Islam in general.

Different town - same garbage, and what does the majority of Sunni Muslims do...?

Cover up, and arrogantly dismiss the damage these clowns are doing. Why? Because they can't find faults in their teachings. Why? Because it is from the Qur'an and The Islamic LAW.

Why can't you speak up FH - I mean in the good Islamic bloody way. Is it fear for your safety or your life - or as I suspect you totally agree with their views - after all it's not their opinions but how they verbalise your Qur'an. (no ad-libing in Islam)

Just on the Pell thing - if what he said was against Islam for example we would have witnessed riots and torching of Church buildings ... or worse.

But since the subject is Stem Cells and Australian Moral Values - Islam is Silent!

Why? Because Islam has a different agenda, different plans for OZ - Islam follows a different drummer...

Islam is a supremacist religion - Islam must expand and conquer. Australia is just another frontier for Islam. Insha Allah!

Respect is earned my friend - Islam could never earn respect - it always took it by the sword... Or by Deception which is just another avenue for Jihad.

Back to you now, for another round of Personal attack (instead of dealing with your problems).

Hi Stickman & SnappyTom,

Two points you mentioned:

1. Dealing with/ Accepting criticism:
There are many forums where Islam is being criticised everyday by Muslims and non-Muslims. Muslims on this forum (myself included) have coped with different criticism whether substantiated or fabricated. Did you see an intolerant comment or response for over a year now?
The riots in reaction to the Danish cartoons were politically motivated as it happened in designated areas (Beirut for example) and occurred few months after the event. There was silent protests by American Muslims (8millions), British Muslims, Australian Muslims had little or no-reaction. The tribalism reaction in some African countries is not exclusive to muslims. Try and criticise Catholics in Nigeria or Rwanda, they respond with Machine guns.

2. Respect for individuals and not their beliefs:

Although I find it hard to believe how can one respect an individual without respecting their faith, I don’t believe myself or any other Muslim is seeking contents approval. None of my comments or interactions on this forum goes beyond clarifying mis-interpretations and merely explain why we believe in what we believe. I never asked someone else to adopt my beliefs or mocked someone else faith. All I am looking for is enough understanding to achieve harmony and integration. My contribution to this forum is my way of lighting a candle.

Coach,

You just miss Hilali don’t you?
Not a single muslim want to hear of Hilali anymore, face it Coachy, you are sad we kicked him out because you can’t use him any more.
PS: there is no clergy in Islam, Hilali was shown the door which is something you can’t do in your faith. Keep queuing for the blessings my son : - )

How did you find catholic MPs comment:
err..ummm, if we …the stem cells……can we..still.. get .. umm..communion… in the church…please?
Give me a break; you are right someone is trying to turn Australia into a religious state, but not Muslims. Speak up coach, or maybe you like the idea.

George,

Again we agree to disagree, my friend. But in closing, please consider:

http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/11-24.htm

I would posit that Jesus is adamant, that the meal "is" to be performed and a Church is not in the position to deny this direction, in fact or in rite. What I was saying about athiests remembering Jesus could be the light of respecting a self-actualised personality like Carl Rodgers or Elanor Roosevelt. Appreciate, that to a religious person the significance is greater.

Much of the debate I read in this Forum and elsewhere is between the Christian Church and Science, not Jesus and History