Stg

I have no drama with muslims at all. Dated one for a while before I knew what a muslim was and religion was never a factor. Most muslims I have ever met religion never a factor. Same as most people I have met would not even know their religion. At a BBQ I do not stand around asking people their relgion then asking them to please explain. I take them as I find them. There is extremist nutters in every relgion and see no reason to exclaim to the world I am going to try and understand them because I never will.

Not a troll at all, just wonder why Islam is treated differently than any other religion. Would you start a thread to proclaim you are going to understand mormons? Too much attention empowers belief systems more than I am comfortable with. So I am on a need to know only basis as far as religion is concerned. If they want to build a mosque in my backyard I would object but they are welcome to enjoy a BBQ in same space. Same as looney right wing baptist.

TheMissus,
Can I come to your BBQ too?
I'll bring the pork sausages.

Dear STG,

Its great to see someone expressing their mind in this fashion.

If I may share an experience:
I grew up in an opposite sense: a Muslim from a Muslim family and been brought up in a Catholic school. Although my father was a neutral Sufi, I found the ‘other’ faith confusing and at times contradicting my faith / belief system.

I discussed the issue with a Catholic monk at school. His idea was that my concerns were a by product of me not knowing the other and his advice was to spend sometime understanding the other with a focus on what we have in common. It went a long way.

I think it was Churchill who said “ I don’t like this man, I will spend more time getting to know him”.

Peace,

TheMissus,

"...just wonder why Islam is treated differently than any other religion. Would you start a thread to proclaim you are going to understand mormons?"

It's to do with the ancestor of Muslims being the illegitimate child of Abraham. Long story, not going into it here.

I didn't start the thread to proclaim I'm going to understand Islam. Communicating with me like that is why you'll only find me confronting. It's rude. I'm happy to talk, but don't be condescending. I'll just write you off, and I couldn't care less.

Belly,

Yeah, you're right. I'm not for stopping what we do for anyone. That's probably the problem I have with the extreme lefties not wanting to offend. FARQ them.

Desmond,

Yes. Christmas. LOVE free stuff.

HermanYutic,

Cheers, I will. I'll read anything really.

Foxy,

Thank you. I always find you reasonable. Cheers.

CJ Morgan,

Thanks. Who doesn't want to learn?

wobbles,

"Except for an extremist minority (which we also have) the differences between most religions comes down to marketing."

Never a truer word spoke.

Col Rouge,

I agree that if you're heading towards a multicultural society there HAS to be a large amount of assimilation to respect whats already here. Too bad we didn't figure that out with the Indigenous population.

Fellow_Human,

Thank you. I like that quote. It sums it up nicely.

Peace back at ya.

Too all: I'm probably nearly out of allowable replies in any given 24 hours period - which is ridiculous, but if I am I'll reply as soon as I can if you comment.

Islam is more than a religion; it is a whole political system that controls every facet of life and thought. It is not merely a personal discipline of how one chooses to live. It is a 6th century world view of a unified society controlled by law and incorporates strict theism. That is why devotees are largly tribal in their action.