My wife and I were discussing the Olympics, and inevitably the security issues. As the conversation evolved we spent a while trying to come up with anything that might be used to explain why someone would decide to attack something so innocent and inspiring as the games. We came to the mutual conclusion that the base reason for these threats, and indeed virtually all the organized violence and death in the entire world can be laid on the Muslim doorstep. We then tried to come up with something, ANYTHING virtuous or pleasant this faith has to offer....to no avail. I think pretty much everyone who is not Muslim is aware of the non-violent yet disturbing aspects (treatment of women, Sharia Law....etc...), But I am wondering if anyone here can come up with anything that paints Islam in a pleasant light?
The only good I see out of religion is that it brings people comfort and community, as false as the basis it is laid upon, it is still an OK thing. - - - Updated - - - We are? News to me.
Is it just that you get an erection each time you type the word Atheist....or are you truly this dysfunctional as a human being?
African families? I'd bet there are far more Middle Easterners here of Islamic faith than Africans, but that's just an anecdotal observation of my own. I have no idea if it's correct. I know there have been a lot of refugees from Africa in the last decade. Anyway, I agree with you. People of Islamic faith in America have lived in peace and harmony here for a few generations now. Only in recent years has there been a disconnect from mainstream America that we see in places like Deerborn.
Islam is the only real monothestic faith which is devoted to the worship of a single deity. It is also the only religion which can refute Eythopros Dilemma by simply acknowledging that morality and law are all based on God's order, therefore not falling into the horn of arbitrary morality which Christians and Jews cannot escape. Islam is also the most God-centered religion. Jews ultimately worship themselves as God is an abstract idea in their faith, and Christians have ruined monotheism by worshiping the Trinity. If I ever became religious, I would ultimately choose Islam as it is real faith, not the lukewarm bull(*)(*)(*)(*) most Christianity and Judaism leans toward. Islam is also the only hope for American blacks. Islam is the real deal and will be man's final religion and will compete with secular humanism.
I don't want to promote Islam but, 1) "Islam" means "Peace through the submission to God" http://www.islamondemand.com/30_facts.html Understanding others beliefs is not a bad thing. Even though a great many attacks originate from islam, there claim is because of western meddling in their lands.
I suppose my point in this thread has less to do with what Islam means, and more to do with what it does. I do not agree with the Christian faith either, but see many good things the religion manages to accomplish in whole. I am disturbed by many acts by the Catholic church...yet can note the good they do. I have seen NOTHING in Islam to celebrate....and judging by this thread, neither does anyone else here.
Well, one historical example....under Moors in Spain, Jews and Christians lived relatively peaceful with the Muslim government. After the Reconquista...the Spanish Inquistion started and Jews had to flee Spain or convert.
Islam is a tiny minority here. We don't have all the data. But also of note, I haven't seen many muslim countries join in against the radical muslims terrorism.
I'll be the first to admit the Trinity is a difficult concept. But I've never heard it described as ruining monotheism, or anything less than monotheism.
well, the Trinity is simply claimed to be monotheism by Christians because they want to be in the Big Boy's club of Judaism and Islam. Monotheism is pretty simple - God is one being, one mind, one entity. the Trinity is POLYTHEISM - just because Christians claim "God is three" doesn't make it monotheism. It opens up the flood gates as Hindus say "God is everything" - does that mean Hindus are monotheistic ?
the idea that a God can doubt his purpose, be beaten, tortured, suffer, and killed......takes the Jewish concept of God and devolves it back 3,000 years or so. Romans and Greeks believe that Gods can have human characteristics & faults. This is what sets the Hebrew God apart.
Oh, come on! There are some positive things about Islam. Good families. Prudent behaviors by most followers. Charity. Beautiful Mosques. Religious devotion. Healthier dietary laws. Hospitality to strangers. Lower crime in predominantly Muslim countries per capita than in Western countries. (IIRC) They have an ambitious and far sighted plan for the future.
Distinct different forms indicating distinct different beings.... otherwise, you have to argue that Heaven was "empty" while Jesus was alive.
But remember, the Greco-Roman pantheon had gods that A. were born of virgins B. were conceived by the Father God impregnating a human female C. could create wine by magic D. could cure sickness E. could be killed and then resurrect themselves. All concepts pre-dating Anno Domini.
Islam in it's original form or islam after Mongol conquest? Historically speaking no islam = vastly expanded dark ages