In the name of God - A Common Word Between Us and You

[Sher Khan]

Recent topics that have involved Islam and Christianity have mostly spiraled off into confrontational throw-downs. A lot of furious tempers, and even a few bans are all we can be proud of after wading through such things for the twentieth time.

And so, I offer a change of pace.

Muslim scholars reach out to Pope

More than 130 Muslim scholars have written to Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders urging greater understanding between the two faiths.

The letter says that world peace could depend on improved relations between Muslims and Christians.
It identifies the principles of accepting only one god and living in peace with one's neighbours as common ground between the two religions.
It also insists that Christians and Muslims worship the same god.

Source.



This act has a few important points, the first being the number of signatories. Without a spiritual grand leader or universal hierarchy, the Muslim community is theoretically led by its very people - and currently its educated scholars, mystics, and spiritual leaders.

And as the past several decades have shown, there was little cohesion between the Muslim community on one matter or another - the worst outcome of this has allowed extremist and rogue imams to supposedly speak for Islam. Reading through the list, however, one can see that the number of signatories spans the Muslim community worldwide. It's most powerful rulers, its most distinguished academic-theologic circles, and its most eminent imams, ayatollahs, and muftis. By definition this is the Muslim community with its moderate voice, its legal rulers and leaders. Perhaps it will start to undermine the fundamentalists by going back to fundamentals itself.

The relevant letter.



The second, more important to the scope of this thread and forum, is the idea of reconciliation, friendship, and brotherhood that extends beyond the borders of sect and religion. We, in secular nations, are obviously kind neighbors and live together already, but is such a thing possible on the spiritual, religious level and not just on democratic values?

We can discuss just what makes us truly different, discuss what these differences mean to us, and perhaps discover some new territory on how to view each other instead of the common thought that both faiths are impossible to reconcile according to thousands of years of bloody exchange and dialog.

The Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali, himself born into a Muslim family, pointed out that Christians' view of God - containing Jesus in a divine trinity - is very different to that of Muslims.


Dr Nazir-Ali said: "Dialogue should be on the basis of that difference. They appear to be saying 'this is what Muslims believe... if you agree, then let's have a dialogue'."

The bishop is very right in this case. This topic will be unavoidable, but that's what this forum is meant for. So, at least this once, let's discuss interfaith-religion and actually enjoy it. I can't quite prevent confrontational posturing, but I'd like to personally request we avoid such stances. I'm, quite frankly, tired of it all, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[Dayman]

Well, if there is peace between them, than nothing but good can come out of it, but when they start discussing theology, it's like two kids talking about why Superman is better than Batman and vice-versa.

[Irishman]

Well, if there is peace between them, than nothing but good can come out of it, but when they start discussing theology, it's like two kids talking about why Superman is better than Batman and vice-versa.

SUPERMAN OF COURSE! (jk)

I agree though, it would be nice for them to accept one another, but they are both dogmatic faiths which believe they have the ONE TRUTH. There will never be an understanding theologically speaking between the two, because of the nature of their faiths.

It would be nice to see them stop hating each other though.

[Thanatos]

As long as we don't have anymore Crusades, we should be good.

[HansDuet]

Well, only good can come from this.

[Sher Khan]

I guess I'll jump start the thread with a bomb of a question.


1) Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2) God is one, and begets nor is begotten.


Irreconcilable? Or are we looking at it the wrong way, much like we in religion have done for centuries?

[Sosobra]

I guess I'll jump start the thread with a bomb of a question.


1) Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2) God is one, and begets nor is begotten.


Irreconcilable? Or are we looking at it the wrong way, much like we in religion have done for centuries?

Yes they are Irreconcilable , if ether side changes its few it would cease to be the base reglion and become something else. Not a bad thing but unlikly to happen especially with Islams inability to cope with religions that spring from it .

[CyberFist]

1) Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
2) God is one, and begets nor is begotten.


Irreconcilable? Or are we looking at it the wrong way, much like we in religion have done for centuries?

Irreconcilable? IDENTICAL

Most Christians don't care what muslims have to say.

[The Prophet]

Most Christians don't care what muslims have to say.

Do you always say stupid ****?

[CyberFist]

Do you always say stupid ****?

Why stupid ****? Look, when some desert jack-in-the-box decides to pop up his ugly head after the party is already over, who notices?

Not me.

People need to grow some balls, and call a spade a spade. If the jack-in-the-box is offended, well I guess he has a right to be. But I have a right to listen to his grievances with scorn.

[The Prophet]

Why stupid ****? Look, when some desert jack-in-the-box decides to pop up his ugly head after the party is already over, who notices?

Not me.

People need to grow some balls, and call a spade a spade. If the jack-in-the-box is offended, well I guess he has a right to be. But I have a right to listen to his grievances with scorn.

Wow. That literally made NO ****ing sense.

[The Prophet]

I think one problem is that Muslims address Christians. But the west is not purely about christians. What about atheist, agnostics, and other non-believers? Inter-faith dialogue is great. But its largely irrelevant when relating to Europe.

But I think the real challenge is how Islam deals with the principles of free speech, human rights, womens rights, freedom of religion and other issues. Thats what really matters.

[Sidmen]

I agree prophet.

I don't much care how Islam treats Christians, All I care about is how islam will react to me and my faith. (which has no name other than Sidmen)

[Ummon]

The document is a step in the right direction.

[Sidmen]

Do you always say stupid ****?

Sorry, but hes right. Most Christians don't care what anyone says TBH. Heck, they don't even care what other Christians say. However, so-called leaders do like to whine and moan about everything.

[The Prophet]

Yes, aside from the fact that it has no relevance to the thread. Cyberfist is just a racially charged little boy whose getting out some emotional baggage...

He's officially in the Mansa Musa Hall of Unreason

[Ummon]

Yes, aside from the fact that it has no relevance to the thread. Cyberfist is just a racially charged little boy whose getting out some emotional baggage...

He's officially in the Mansa Musa Hall of Unreason

Quite likely.

[Sidmen]

For real... I have no Idea what he was talking about.

It went from jack in the boxes to spades and back again...

[Ummon]

Even the most pointless dialogue always teaches a few things, I am afraid.

[The Prophet]

"Ya little good for nothing you"? Yaaa I thought that one up all by myself.

Gotta jerk it and then head to bed. Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate.