I have been reading the Qu'ran slowly so I can soak it in and so far it agrees quite well with me. The first part deals a lot with all three religions and their co-existence. According to the Qu'ran there is nothing wrong with being Christian or Jewish. In fact, if you are Christian, Jewish or anyone else that submits yourself to the one true God you have a chance of going to Heaven, Jannah etc. Which is exactly how I have always felt it's just really nice to have one of the holy books finally agree with me. Now, of course, the Qu'ran brings up issues within the other religions like Judaism's refusal to recognize some of the prophets since they believe The Prophet has not come yet or the Christian view on Christ being a literal son of God (never could get my head to agree with that one) but it never bashes these views only suggests that they may be slightly askew. Although it does down right say Christianity might be wrong about Jesus. But if the Christians didn't believe he was the son of God then the basis of Christianity would disappear...but that is another post.
So this brought me to a rather entertaining thought. I'm sure you have all seen them, especially if you live in a big city. You know, the bible pushers that yell about Jesus and the Hell fire and everyone needing to be saved. They are especially annoying at 8am on the way to work. These people drive me insane. I HATE when people try to force their religion down my throat. It is wrong and disrespectful to that religion.
But it got me thinking. Why do you never see annoying Islamic preachers out and about? I've certainly never seen one. And I think this may be because Muslims feel they have less to prove. They don't need to prove their way is the right way or else because, according to the Qu'ran, you can be saved even if you aren't a Muslim in an Islamic sense.
Or maybe, it is because it is down right rude to preach and attempt to force someone to listen about your beliefs. You believe that, great, but I don't want you to shout in my face about it as you shove your little flyers into my hand (yes this has happened). AH Can't stand it!
Anywho, I could be wrong but it sure makes sense.
Salaam
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I think that could be part of it. I think as well that it could be because preaching in the street like that isn't all that effective, and for Muslims in the west, may get them arrested. :P
ReplyDeleteAnother difference (in my opinion) is that from the Islamic viewpoint, religious knowledge is inborn and primordial and can be accessed by reason. I'm sure you've seen how the Quran invites people to use their reason to work out the truth. This means it's everyone's individual responsibility to reflect on life and decide for themselves. The Christian gospel on the other hand cannot be worked out by reason alone; people need to be told about it. This calls for all sorts of aggressive evangelism tactics.
Like you, I am reading the Quran for the first time at the moment. It's taking me ages!
Wow Sarah I think you hit the nail on the head! Christianity does need to be explained and often involves "Blind Faith" as my mother calls it. Islam is rational and does put a lot of responsibility on the individual.
ReplyDeleteLOL they could get arrested here for sure!
The ones who do that sort of thing are usually Pentecostal Christians, at least, they are where I'm from. That is the church my dad and his family come from -- they're all about speaking in tongues and being "saved" and hellfire and brimstone. Although we initially went to the Episcopal church (which, surprisingly, is what I call "watered-down Catholicism", since the two churchs are surprisingly similar), by the time I was in preschool we were attending the Church of Christ, and did so for the next 13-14 years.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I like about the Church of Christ is that they aren't "shove the religion down your throat"-type of people, and they are all about forgiveness and the grace, mercy and love of God. No fire-and-brimstone shouting from the pulpit here. ^_^
There is a church, just down the street from me, called "Xtreme Faith Church" or something like that, and they do set up speakers on the sidewalk next to the road, which is busy during peak traffic hours. They also have left flyers at my door, but I haven't gone. Not interested. : )
LOL Heather they sound like the people with the speakers and the signs in the subway. We see people of all Christian faiths here preaching loudly. One of my favorites is the Bible Crusade that is Korean Catholic :). They sing at you lol. And you can't forget the Jehovah's Witnesses.
ReplyDeleteI actually kinda liked the Episcopal Church. It was much more laid back and not in your face. Yes it is really similar in structure to Catholicism especially the mass. But I felt a little more comfortable with them.
I think it's just not part of the tradition to do it in that way. It is part of Islam to teach Islam to non-Muslims if you can, and it is definitely a good thing to do it, but it's not done in the same way.
ReplyDeleteI also thing that Islam is maybe a bit more confident... The straight way is in everyone and they only need to be told about it to "get it". They don't need to "join the Church". They could be going to any other mosque, or doing it at home, and it would be just as good for them.
very true Candice. It is not the tradition of muslims to preach on the streets. They are confident in their beliefs and do not feel it is necessary to have everyone believe exactly the same as they do.
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