I am for a wall between church and state, protecting both.
I am also not in favor of extremism when it is used to rationalize violence.
However, I also don't think that the extremist response of the right to condemn all of Islam is appropriate either.
It is one of the major religions, period.
Now, do I think that it is being followed according to Mohammed's wishes?
No, very few take the Koran and other writings as they were intended, which is spiritual, not material or political. I have said this before, I believe that when Mohammed refers to the infidel, he is talking about that part of the mind of a follow of Islam who puts worldly pleasures before the love of God. (Mohammed may have been speaking in a material manner to his close associates as to what to do in their own lives and the political process...but that message was for THEM, not all future Muslims. The true teachings of any Saint or real prophet are 100% spiritual and about God, not about making things happen in this world.
The same essential teaching is the foundation of all major religions, i.e. the Kingdom of God is within, not to be found in this world, nor is it any concern what others do in the world as long as they are not harming others. Each Said and prophet come for specific group of people, and they speak to the level of understanding of their audience.
Anyone killing in the name of God, or non God (that means the atheists) is not someone I support in their behavior, especially when it is not necessary for them to practice their spiritual program.
I see fundamentalism and extremist thinking on both sides of this coin, as both sides make it their business to tell others how they should live their lives, what beliefs to hold, etc. I see tremendous expressions of hate toward all Muslims from the right wingers. What I don't see is tolerance and acceptance of others in their own personal belief systems.
Moderate Christians, Moderate Muslims, now that's more like it, you know, the live and let live type.
Do I support a movement within Islam to reform Islam to return it back to a truly inner and spiritually based practice, that cares not about politics or what others do as long as they don't keep Muslims from the practice of their own religious beliefs peacefully?
Yes, 100%...
As Christians you are supposed to love the sinner, and not be supportive of the sin but that is a rare point of view coming from the right, if ever. The right thinks their view of God is right and the only right view, so do the Muslims...so there is no room for any tolerance and acceptance. We as Americans have a right and a duty to show the world we are good and loving people first, not just as extreme in our thinking as those whose actions we oppose.
I am also not in favor of extremism when it is used to rationalize violence.
However, I also don't think that the extremist response of the right to condemn all of Islam is appropriate either.
It is one of the major religions, period.
Now, do I think that it is being followed according to Mohammed's wishes?
No, very few take the Koran and other writings as they were intended, which is spiritual, not material or political. I have said this before, I believe that when Mohammed refers to the infidel, he is talking about that part of the mind of a follow of Islam who puts worldly pleasures before the love of God. (Mohammed may have been speaking in a material manner to his close associates as to what to do in their own lives and the political process...but that message was for THEM, not all future Muslims. The true teachings of any Saint or real prophet are 100% spiritual and about God, not about making things happen in this world.
The same essential teaching is the foundation of all major religions, i.e. the Kingdom of God is within, not to be found in this world, nor is it any concern what others do in the world as long as they are not harming others. Each Said and prophet come for specific group of people, and they speak to the level of understanding of their audience.
Anyone killing in the name of God, or non God (that means the atheists) is not someone I support in their behavior, especially when it is not necessary for them to practice their spiritual program.
I see fundamentalism and extremist thinking on both sides of this coin, as both sides make it their business to tell others how they should live their lives, what beliefs to hold, etc. I see tremendous expressions of hate toward all Muslims from the right wingers. What I don't see is tolerance and acceptance of others in their own personal belief systems.
Moderate Christians, Moderate Muslims, now that's more like it, you know, the live and let live type.
Do I support a movement within Islam to reform Islam to return it back to a truly inner and spiritually based practice, that cares not about politics or what others do as long as they don't keep Muslims from the practice of their own religious beliefs peacefully?
Yes, 100%...
As Christians you are supposed to love the sinner, and not be supportive of the sin but that is a rare point of view coming from the right, if ever. The right thinks their view of God is right and the only right view, so do the Muslims...so there is no room for any tolerance and acceptance. We as Americans have a right and a duty to show the world we are good and loving people first, not just as extreme in our thinking as those whose actions we oppose.