Theology

[Caste]

Islam isn't intentionally unpeaceful, it's merely interpreted that way by fanatics. Much how the Bible is mis-interpreted by the fanatics that America has. Expect they haven't resorted to blowing themselves up to stop aboration yet

[Terminator]

If we examine history by the evidence left behind, in a forensic manor, we can all begin to paint a more accurate and complete picture of reality, with a minimal "coloring" based on our own opinions.

We need more scientists writing the history books.
Viva la Atheism!

[Caste]

I agree, which is why I love Bushido and the martial arts so much. Western society has done everything it can to abolish to good and love that spawned from such a lifestyle, and unfortunately, it has been nearly destroyed. It is time for a ressurection of these basic human virtues of respect, honor, and justice for all, regardless of status.

GI
REI
YU
MEIYO
JIN
MAKOTO
CHU

Live them, cherish them, lest they become extinct before the corruption of modern capitalism...

that sounds amazing coming from someone named Terminator.

[YokaI]

IF YOU WANT PEACE DONT WORSHIP A RELIGION instead GO HINDUISIM OR BUDISIH. WESTERN REGILION IS VIOLENT

Peace wont happen. Nomatter what you do.

[Caste]

IF YOU WANT PEACE DONT WORSHIP A RELIGION instead GO HINDUISIM OR BUDISIH. WESTERN REGILION IS VIOLENT

if you want peace, leave humans behind. Violence is in our makeup

[Terminator]

Islam isn't intentionally unpeaceful, it's merely interpreted that way by fanatics. Much how the Bible is mis-interpreted by the fanatics that America has. Except they haven't resorted to blowing themselves up to stop aboration yet

The difference is that the Bible does not instruct its followers to go out and kill non-believers, but rather to love everyone. Remember that bit Jesus said about what you should do if someone strikes you on the cheek? Turn and present the other cheek...

The Qur'an addresses a virtually identical situation, and while I forgot exactly which Surah, I remember that the wording is almost identical. However, the action it advocates involves beheading your attacker. Strikingly different perspectives...

[Caste]

Islam isn't intentionally unpeaceful, it's merely interpreted that way by fanatics. Much how the Bible is mis-interpreted by the fanatics that America has. Except they haven't resorted to blowing themselves up to stop aboration yet

The difference is that the Bible does not instruct its followers to go out and kill non-believers, but rather to love everyone. Remember that bit Jesus said about what you should do if someone strikes you on the cheek?

The Qur'an addresses a virtually identical situation, and while I forgot which Surah, the wording is almost identical. However, the action it advocates involves beheading your attacker. Strikingly different perspectives...

again, that sounds strangely misinterpreted
if we could get the actual section from the Quran that'd be nice

[Terminator]

I am looking for it, but it is a big book...
I will post it when I find it again. Fair enough?


On a side note, regarding the concept that the Qur'an is open to interpretation, I just found a verse that directly contradicts that. *clears throat*

Surah 3:7
He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.

[YokaI]

Islam isn't intentionally unpeaceful, it's merely interpreted that way by fanatics. Much how the Bible is mis-interpreted by the fanatics that America has. Except they haven't resorted to blowing themselves up to stop aboration yet

The difference is that the Bible does not instruct its followers to go out and kill non-believers, but rather to love everyone. Remember that bit Jesus said about what you should do if someone strikes you on the cheek? Turn and present the other cheek...

Whens the last time you have seen a christian "give love" to the poor? to the homeless? to the local small buisness? Never.

[Terminator]

Whens the last time you have seen a christian "give love" to the poor? to the homeless? to the local small buisness? Never.

Actually, I have on many occasions. I suspect your view has more to do with capitalism than Christianity...

[Caste]

Islam isn't intentionally unpeaceful, it's merely interpreted that way by fanatics. Much how the Bible is mis-interpreted by the fanatics that America has. Except they haven't resorted to blowing themselves up to stop aboration yet

The difference is that the Bible does not instruct its followers to go out and kill non-believers, but rather to love everyone. Remember that bit Jesus said about what you should do if someone strikes you on the cheek? Turn and present the other cheek...

Whens the last time you have seen a christian "give love" to the poor? to the homeless? to the local small buisness? Never.

hm, yeah, well not only has my own parish held numerous charity events over 2005, but we also run our own soup kitchen.
I'm not supremely religious, and don't participate in these, but I go to church every Sunday and know about them. I've dropped by one or two

and here's a list of catholic/christian organsations made just for helping people
http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/links/other.htm

On a side note, regarding the concept that the Qur'an is open to interpretation, I just found a verse that directly contradicts that. *clears throat*

:S
http://answering-islam.org.uk/Shamoun/sura3_7.htm
it's a pretty intersting read

[compy905]

At Least I Know I'm A Sinner

Lift up a stone and you will find him,
Cherish the beauty in the world around us
Not in buildings or crosses made by man
Judge me, fuck you, stop playing god,
Your forked tongue prophecies,
Carelessly caressing the wounds of the weak
People like you should be crucified,
Then maybe just maybe you would have an idea
Of what you are talking about.
My only solace is that one day,
Judgment will come for the wicked, then we will see who burns
Raise up your head, unclasp your hands,
Your weakness makes me tremble
True strength comes from within
And we were given this life to live,
Not exist under standards, set by some bullshit rule book
What prayers of yours, were ever answered, by degrading others
Spare me your biblical back peddling nonsense
For the people that you've hurt, and the being your dishonor,
Your fall from grace, will finally justify my means
Judge me and now you are me and what's worse
You are now a traitor to your god
Tell me Judas, how does it feel to be looked down upon
Sinners like you, should be stung up from the highest tree
You judged me and now you are me, stop playing god

Good song. Anyway, all religions have their extremists that kill for their religion and all religions think that their religion is the "only" religion. I am religious but don't associate myself with any organized religious group. Religion is a very personal thing to me. It is between me and God only and no one else.

[Athlete{UK}]

Islam isn't intentionally unpeaceful, it's merely interpreted that way by fanatics. Much how the Bible is mis-interpreted by the fanatics that America has. Except they haven't resorted to blowing themselves up to stop aboration yet

The difference is that the Bible does not instruct its followers to go out and kill non-believers, but rather to love everyone. Remember that bit Jesus said about what you should do if someone strikes you on the cheek? Turn and present the other cheek...

The Qur'an addresses a virtually identical situation, and while I forgot exactly which Surah, I remember that the wording is almost identical. However, the action it advocates involves beheading your attacker. Strikingly different perspectives...

I say again. OLD Testiment dood.

[Capt. Obvious]

For the western world the stereotypical islam has a bomb strapped to his chest. That's all the media ever seems to show, but i have an islam friend, and he and his familiy are one of the most peace loving lot I've seen. he get's branded as a terrorist only because of the few people blowing stuff up.
My religeoun (christianity) hasn't got a clean slate either. Theres heaps of those christian cults around the world the do stuff just as bad as the islam terrorists, but it doesn't make the news because its NOT WHAT PEOPLE WAnT TO HEAR!

[Terminator]

Religion divides people. Belief in something unites them.

At the very least, everyone should find something that fits their personality and their own set of virtues. This is why I have chosen Atheism (for my scientific nature) and the code of Bushido (literally translated as "The Way of the Warrior") for my love of combat.

To each his own.

...i have an islam friend, and he and his familiy are one of the most peace loving lot I've seen. he get's branded as a terrorist only because of the few people blowing stuff up.

Is he a "moderate Muslim"? Someone who claims to be a Muslim, but has never really read the Qur'an, and only recites the traditional chants from memory with not understanding of what they actually mean? Hear me out...

Polls have placed the number of such people at anywhere between 1 and 70% of the Muslim population, which currently numbers about two billion. Political idealists and Islam apoligists place the number in the high spectrum, while jihad advocators and Muslim preachers place it much lower. Nevertheless, there is that possibility, in which case approching your friend with your new knowledge of what Islam really means, could be dangerous for him. You could easily do exactly what terrorist recruiters do: they go out and talk to these "moderate" Muslims, and offer to enlighten them into the true nature of their religion. The poor gullible people agree and are swept into joining the terrorists when they hear about "Paradise" and all the virgins they desire, if only they kill nonbelievers. They are told that this is the greatest gift Allah will bestow upon only those who sacrifice themselves to kill Allah's enemies. Before you know it, they run into a market with a bomb and blow themselves up.

Now either this scenario is true, or your friend really does know everything about his religion. This is much worse, as it means that if you are not a Muslim too, then he is playing you for a fool, just as his religion tells him to. (Read these Surah for why - 3:28, 3:118, 5:14, 5:51, 5:55, 5:57; and that is just the beginning...) A hyperlink to the Qur'an can be found a few posts back. Check it for yourself...

I am not trying to bash you or your friend, he may be a really nice moderate Muslim, but either way, you should remain cautious as long as he claims Islam as his religion. I respect your decision to claim him in your group of friends. Were I you, I would get inside his head and try to steer him gently away from the realitiy of his religion, and even try to get him to leave it. It would be for his own good, your safety, and the safety of all those around him. Think about it, and please, use good judgement and caution...