format_quote Originally Posted by
believer
I wouldnt be surprised... are you performing ablution before reading it?... before I first read the qur'an I was advised to wash myself first and pray for guidance. It is believed that one who reads it without cleaning himself and asking for guidance will never really understand it or will simply lose interest.
Ablutions, eh? Well, I do wash my hands pretty compulsively but no, I must say I've never performed ritual ablutions before reading any holy book. As for praying, I'm not sure who I would be praying to for guidance, since I'm an atheist. :)
I don't know what sides you are referring to.... I am not siding with anyone except what is for the common good... everything is a cause and effect... I don't judge an effect to be the cause. Effects are just tips of the ice berg. It seems to me you are jduging many things by looking at the trees and not the forest.
Oh, the sides in the mind vs. matter battle, in my opinion, can be identified through the theory of evolution. Whereas religious people tend to view it in terms of spirit vs. flesh or God vs. evil human nature. (I'm worried we're getting a little too discussion-y for an introduction thread!)
I also have the impression you are not here to be convinced of anything whatsoever... and don't expect me to do that anyway. You are free to agree or disagree to anything... just leave your prejudices outside this thread. AGREE?...
Well. I don't think anyone goes anywhere with the
intention of being convinced.
I doubt very much that anyone is going to change my mind about religion, as it's something I've thought about and studied quite extensively. But I try to keep an open mind, and my mind has changed many times about many things. I am here to learn and discuss, and if anyone would like to try to "convince" me, I would always welcome such a discussion!