Originally posted by siam
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I used to be in an Islamic forum but had left....I was looking for it again when I found this forum. Islam is generally pluralistic and with a 1400 year history, there are many opinions, nuances and perspectives. It was interesting discussing with other Muslims...but then the forum became dominated with the Wahabi types---the ones that think their opinion is the only correct one...so I had left.
I am from the East and the discussions in the other threads are very Western-Centric---but that is ok, they are very interesting. Since the premises are based on Western thoughts/philosophies I am uncertain of my contribution to the conversations....but I do enjoy them.
I am not sure what to make of the "New" Atheists...the ones I had conversations with were Old (?) Atheists...the ones who were knowledge seekers. My conversations began because they were interested in the Quran/Islam (as knowledge---not for conversion)and were asking questions. They asked hard questions and I found it fun to explore for answers together... I don't know how they behaved towards Christians but there were a few Atheists/Agnostics who were ex-Christians but had gone back to re-explore their scripture from a non-Christian perspective. Conversations with them about their understanding on the subject were interesting. Being ex-Christians they were not interested in the crucifixion/salvation theme and were exploring Christian scriptures from various different angles.
My previous conversations with Christians were frustrating because Christianity is very difficult to understand---to someone exposed to Christian concepts all their lives it may not seem so, but those who were not, it can take time to puzzle all the pieces out.....when this happened...the Christian response was to bombard me with bible verses, so as to prove their point and/or explain. But when a non-Christian has to wade through a pageful of unfamiliar bible verses...the point kind of gets lost.....here people have been understanding and patient.
I think it is time for interfaith action rather than interfaith dialogue....I think dialogues are important to get to know one another, but at some point differences have to be accepted and respected. However, everyone of faith and non-faith can agree that the disadvantaged need help, the earth needs solutions, and humanity must strive to do, and be, better.....these common goals can also bring us together.
I think Atheists can make Theists be better people. We all have the tendency to take our faiths/religions for granted which can lead to stagnation of thought. Atheists can spur us into revitalizing our faiths/religions. Diversity is important for progress.
I am from the East and the discussions in the other threads are very Western-Centric---but that is ok, they are very interesting. Since the premises are based on Western thoughts/philosophies I am uncertain of my contribution to the conversations....but I do enjoy them.
I am not sure what to make of the "New" Atheists...the ones I had conversations with were Old (?) Atheists...the ones who were knowledge seekers. My conversations began because they were interested in the Quran/Islam (as knowledge---not for conversion)and were asking questions. They asked hard questions and I found it fun to explore for answers together... I don't know how they behaved towards Christians but there were a few Atheists/Agnostics who were ex-Christians but had gone back to re-explore their scripture from a non-Christian perspective. Conversations with them about their understanding on the subject were interesting. Being ex-Christians they were not interested in the crucifixion/salvation theme and were exploring Christian scriptures from various different angles.
My previous conversations with Christians were frustrating because Christianity is very difficult to understand---to someone exposed to Christian concepts all their lives it may not seem so, but those who were not, it can take time to puzzle all the pieces out.....when this happened...the Christian response was to bombard me with bible verses, so as to prove their point and/or explain. But when a non-Christian has to wade through a pageful of unfamiliar bible verses...the point kind of gets lost.....here people have been understanding and patient.
I think it is time for interfaith action rather than interfaith dialogue....I think dialogues are important to get to know one another, but at some point differences have to be accepted and respected. However, everyone of faith and non-faith can agree that the disadvantaged need help, the earth needs solutions, and humanity must strive to do, and be, better.....these common goals can also bring us together.
I think Atheists can make Theists be better people. We all have the tendency to take our faiths/religions for granted which can lead to stagnation of thought. Atheists can spur us into revitalizing our faiths/religions. Diversity is important for progress.
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