Hey thank you @arthuradamson, it took a lot longer to understand than it did to read it, that is for sure hahaha.
Well, I read this book for a friend who is a Muslim. We were having a debate about religion and I said some things that my friend did not like about Islam. She told me that I should not speak about what I do not know. So I read it and I was a little horrified. I already knew it was a violent religion... but it is hard to believe that people still practice this kind of thing in this day and age.
I am completely an Athiest, but I have a big interest in history. Religion has shaped history, so it makes it much easier to understand when you understand what the people of the time believed. I feel it is greatly important to understand the past before you think about the future - there are many lessons to be learned.
Well, I personally do not recommend reading the Quran, but as an interesting point which you will like, Jesus and Mary are mentioned a lot in the book. In fact, Muslims are very fond of Jesus, although it is clear that they do not take many of his teachings on board.
I was brought up as a Catholic, so I too have come to respect the figure we call Jesus. He is definitely an example for us all.
I have to say, I really like that question you asked your two Muslim friends. This kind of question will create shortcut to the core of any religion. That was very good question.
But yes, I have to say Muhammad is an incredibly evil man when you compair him to Jesus. I am not joking when I say he is a thieving paedophile who thinks killing and amputating limbs is the way to keep people in line and make them want to convert. I find it very sad that a man like this is idolised and given the title as "The Perfect Man" by over a billion people.
But also, by saying such things about Islam, people consider you a racist and that you want to stir up hatred between people. Talking about religion in general is risky, but I believe we are in a time where we should be allowed to do it without fearing what people will do or say.
I have to say, I am really happy that you have not only taken the time to read this, but also left me with a story about your own experience. It has given me something to think about (comparing Jesus to Muhammad). It is very interesting to think that in a time when Christianity and Judaism were the two main religions, that something so similar yet so different sprang up out of nowhere and has stayed with us ever since.
I have a funny question for you: If Jesus and Muhammad met up for a meal and a chat, how do you think it would go?
Anyway, thank you again arthuradamson. Happy new year
Hi, thanks for writing back. Yeah I must admit I have heard others talk of similar things you mention about Mohamed being, well let´s just say, not as holy as one would expect considering so many who follow him. It was interesting what you said about religion shaping history, I never looked at it like that before but of course you are exactly right and it got me thinking with regards to the cutting off of limbs to keep people in line. I mean the fact that it still goes on in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia in particular, as well as Iran. There is a theory knocking around that perhaps Arab peoples are more different than western European peoples than we first realized. I mean when you consider how Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt etc, all fell apart under American and European rule, perhaps such hard ruthless methods are the only type of leaders that Arab peoples respect. They have been used to a hard line Govt stance as well as Sharia law for centuries and thus have not moved on to. IN a recent documentary by Adam Curtis he said that in an Interview with the Syrian president Assad( I mean his father who was also called Assad) he said that a hard line was the only way to keep Arab peoples in line. He as known to be ruthless but he actucally kept peace in the region for decades. Perhaps western culture moved on because of Jesus teachings, meaning he told us to have more empathy with each other. This would explain why the two cultures are finding it so hard to understand each other. One wants to move forward and be caring and empathic with each other as well as have freedom of thought and speech, while the other wants to go back and be more hard. If this is true then the Arab peoples must view the European as weak soft belly idiots.
Glad you liked my question, yeah I went straight to the core of the matter I guess.
I also liked you suggestion about what kind of conversation Jesus would have with Mohamed. There is book or a film there ha ha, that´s if anyone is brave enough to take it on.
I too was raised as a devout catholic. I lost my faith when my mother died when I was a child. I was angry at God I guess. I became a staunch atheist of a long time but then when I was in hospital for a while I had nothing to do but think and think. I also almost died. I do not believe in a God but I am open to some kind of cosmic intelligence. I follow Jesus not as the son of God but as an incredible teacher of advancing mankind. Recently I have come to a new idea that I hope can bring believers and atheists together. The idea is if we can all agree that the human being is "divine". Meaning that whether a God created us or evolution, there is no question that we are unique in the creature kingdom and (as far as we know) in the universe. For we are the only creatures who know the universe exists and that we ourselves exist. I think therefore I am---right. Thus we are "divine". And as divine creatures we should respect each others divinity meaning we all have the right to live how we wish as long as we respect others space. Anyway really enjoyed talking with you.
Happy New Year to you too @elduderino
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