Free Nichiren Buddhism
A friend of mine sent me this link:
http://usa.mediamonitors.net/content/view/full/3772/
It contains an article by a Muslim scholar which, I believe, confirms much of what I've been saying in previous articles. You have to read it to the end to get the whole impact. Scary stuff. Enjoy (or not).
Andy
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Comments
Well, just more evidence for my viw that theism in all forms is evil, and the Islamic form may well be the worst. Basing "civilization" on the irrational and evil dictates of an imaginary, invisible friend -- if it didn't travel under the name of religion, we'd call it by its right name: psychosis. - Brian
Well, just more evidence for my viw that theism in all forms is evil, and the Islamic form may well be the worst. Basing "civilization" on the irrational and evil dictates of an imaginary, invisible friend -- if it didn't travel under the name of religion, we'd call it by its right name: psychosis. - Brian
Hi Andy. Thanks for the article. I read through it twice. Found nothing scary or evil in it. Help me out here.
Richard, I fear I cannot help you out, as you ask. Sorry, but I'm pretty confident that I could write another essay or three, and find other sources to quote, but that none of that would "help" you to agree with me on this issue (or a few others).
But you knew that.
Not to worry. I'll continue to post my thoughts and views on these and other matters here, and you can continue your quest for understanding. Hey, life is long. It's possible that you, too, could come to understand the world, and the human critters in it, in a realistic way. Call me an optimist.
Cheers!
Andy
Andy,
Not trying to set up another argument. I truly saw nothing whatsoever "scary" or "evil" in that article you referenced. The only thing I can think of is that readers bring to the article their preconceived "scary" and "evil" notions and interpret accordingly. For myself, you might want to check out an article on my own blog that pertains to this subject. I'm the HBS representative to an Interfaith Coalition for Peace in my area. We meet with our local Congresscritters from time to time to urge a peace agenda with one voice. Very impressive group. Most Protestant denominations, the Catholic Church, Jewish Community, B'ahai's (I always forget where their apostrophes go), Quakers, Muslims and me, the token Buddhist. One local Muslim leaders on the committee wrote an Islamic view of peace that I posted up on the blog. It's right here: http://www.rtorgerson.blogspot.com/
I found it neither "evil" or "scary", but rather inspirational.
Kind Regards,
Richard
Hi Andy.
What I found "scary" about this article was that an obviously well-read, knowledgeable, intelligent, muslim could penetrate the issue so insightfully yet still be totally convinced of the absolute righteousness and inevitability of his cause. There is no room for doubt or discussion here. Islam is God's truth revealed and will triumph over all. The west is a haven of godless humanism. End of discussion.
Thanks, Michael
Andy,
I agree with much of your premise. If our actions to create peace are to be effective, we must understand the people who want us dead.
I recommend "Longitudes and Attitudes, Exploring the World After September 11" by Thomas L Friedman to anyone wanting to learn more about the Sept 11 terrorists, their history and how they're viewed (now) in Saudi Arabia. You'll be shocked.
The fact that our philosophy or religion shapes our capacity to do good or evil cannot be suspended in the name of 'political correctness'. Even though most Muslims are peaceful folks, the 'Muslim doctrines' are being twisted to justify horrendous acts of violence and death.
As Friedman says, "(There are) people ready to destroy us as well as themselves and civilization. They hate us more than they love life itself."
Singleminded fanaticism is the root of this hatred of life.
Just a few thoughts, Patty
Richard, see Michael Stewart's comments, above. That might help you out.
I read the article on your blog. Interesting, and I printed it out to read again when I have a bit of time. Thanks for that.
Cheers!
Andy
"...you won't find such activity put forth as a litmus test for faith, today, or referred to as being next best "in goodness," and you find that modern Jews and Christians have evolved their religious beliefs and texts, to a greater or lesser extent, and modified their behavior accordingly. The Crusades and the bloody Protestant Reformation are over." Andy 12/24/03
Re your remarks on Muzaffar Iqbal's essay...
Pot...meet kettle.
Kind Regards,
Richard