Question to Nicola and other Christians

[Eric H]

Greetings and peace be with you Aprender;

Interesting. I've heard a few Christians say something similar to this. But more so that they would rather become an atheist than think of embracing Islam.

I grew up a Catholic and left the church when I was 17, because the temptations of the world were too strong for me at that age. It took another 30 years in the wilderness, before God led me back again. I just hope and pray I don’t loose my faith again due to temptations.

I have been a Street Pastor for the last four and a half years, this involves walking the streets until 3-4 am, and coming into contacts with drunks violence, troubled and angry people, as well as lots of wonderful people. We don’t go out to preach but sometimes drunks will ask us about God at 2 am.

I can only say that I have found profound moments of peace that surpass all my understanding, and they have been in times of anger and violence when I should be feeling afraid and worried. The peace comes from knowing that there are Christians of many denominations praying for us, and we know that God responds to these prayers, we have so many reasons to thank God.

I have stood up a couple of times at interfaith gatherings, to ask if an interfaith version of Street Pastors would be possible. To make it work we would have to pray for each other, and possibly with each other.

I don’t want to talk about my beliefs on an Islamic forum. I have learnt much about Islam from some wonderful people on this forum during the last seven years. I have a great respect for everyone here, but it is not a religion that I could embrace for myself. I pray that we all find salvation despite our differences.

In the spirit of praying to One God

Eric

 

[جوري]

I cannot convert to any other faith because of the way I understand the Bible.

That's unfortunate- You're the only practicing Christian I have ever encountered that I sincerely like. There's genuineness to you that doesn't exist in any other that I have come across on the board or outside except when they stop practicing and act normal .. reminds me of a sahabi who once grieved for a Christian man seeing how committed he was to his faith and knowing how erroneous those beliefs are.
I'll be truly sad should the chariot come for you while you remain worshiping a middle eastern man. I can only make du3a that you seek and find truth before it is too late.

best,

 

[MustafaMc]

I firmly believe that God wants salvation for everyone on Earth, despite all our differences.

Peaceful greetings to you Eric H. I disagree with this statement even though I am not the one to say who deserves punishment. I will have to say though that at the very least Abu Lahab and his wife will not achieve salvation. If Allah (swt) wants something, then surely it will come to be.

Beyond any doubt whatsoever, I believe that God has given me a chance for salvation through the Catholic Faith, this I believe to be the absolute truth. If I lost my Christian faith I would be an atheist, I cannot convert to any other faith because of the way I understand the Bible.

As I suspected, you have had life experiences to give you confidence that your faith is true. I am puzzled by your statement about being an atheist if you were not a Catholic. My overall faith changed relatively little when I became a Muslim. As a Christian I had believed in the Trinitarian God, Bible as the Word of God, angels, prophets, resurrection, Judgment Day, Heaven and Hell. The biggest change for me was my belief about Jesus being the Son of God and God Incarnate, but my concept of God as the Father (meaning the one Jesus prayed to) provided a smooth transition to faith in Allah (swt). Perhaps, your life experiences so intertwine Jesus with your concept of God that you can't imagine a distinction or separation of Jesus from the Father.

I look at your faith in Islam, Allah has chosen a path for you through Islam, and if Allah has chosen you, then who am I to oppose the will of Allah.

I apologize, Eric H, if I put words in your mouth, but I am trying to understand. If you see Allah (swt) as having chosen Islam for me, then did Jesus or the Father choose Christianity for you? It seems illogical to me that if there is only One God that He should choose contradictory beliefs for different people.

My intentions on this forum have always been to strive towards greater interfaith friendship, understanding and cooperation.

As my Sister in faith said, I find you are a very likeable person and a model for what I would consider to be a follower of Jesus. Sadly, though I have little understanding of your faith. Perhaps you are reluctant to share your faith as it may be seen as promoting another faith besides Islam.

Truth is a tricky subject, because it leads people to do things based on their truth. I am reminded of the Spanish Inquisitions when people believed that they should spread their truth to all people because it was the only way to eternal salvation. Torturing people into believing was a valid option because they would then gain salvation.

We all believe that we have the Truth, else we would change our faith where it was in error. I agree that we should not force others to change their faith, but I don't see that it is wrong to hope for others to adopt your faith if you believe it is the Truth.

I believe that God has given each of us scriptures to change ourselves, when we use our scriptures to try and change others we tend to fail.

I agree that our scriptures provide guidelines for how we should live our lives. We are not responsible for changing others, but there is a possibility that someone may see the light of another's life and see in them something that is lacking in their own life. This may lead one to reexamine his own faith.

In the spirit of praying for Divine guidance to all those who are sincere and pure in heart.

 

[glo]

And if we can love one another - as if they are our brothers and sisters - then we would want to scream out these differences, in calling them to Islam - because we can not bear the thought of the consequences.

I understand what you are saying, Zaria, and I have heard this argument many times from Muslims as well as Christians.
'If we are convinced that our faith is the true way to salvation and we love our non-believing friends/neighbours/colleagues/family members, then should we not want to try our hardest to convert them to our faith?'

However, what happens when people feel that way, is that they start to think of themselves as better or superior to those non-believers. I often hear people speak of themselves as 'being chosen' or 'having been guided' ... and consequently pride sneaks in.
Pride, instead of humility and an awareness that we are all in God's hand and that GOD will be the final judge one day. (And how will he judge us for our pride??)
And people forget that God indeed gave us all free will to choose, and that there is no compulsion in religion ...

I would argue that the reason Eric is so very much loved and respected here I exactly because he is one of the most humble and peaceful and gentle people I have ever met.
He does not force his views and beliefs onto anybody, indeed he is very hesitant to talk about his faith, even when asked. And he is always respectful of Islam.

Yet, he is firm in his faith.
Eric demonstrated what Scimitar mentioned earlier in this thread: by his fruits of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control should be apparent to all of us that God is at work in our friend Eric; and that he has a calling to be amongst people of other faiths.

Interfaith working requires the ability to put aside one's own convictions for the sake of loving and relating to the person who holds different beliefs. There may be times of discussing one's differences for the sake of understanding and learning ... but there also has to come the time to put those aside, embrace each other and say "I love you, may God bless you" whole-heartedly. And to put our trust in God.

I understand (after many years of struggling with it) that this is as Islamic forum, not an interfaith one. Therefore our Muslim brothers and sisters here may not display the same interfaith heart, which is present in Eric.

However, I pray that more and more people will develop such a heart.
I believe that there are more ways to represent one's faith than preaching, and that often action (and attitude) speak louder than words!
Like Scimi said, people will be able to tell by our fruits if God is at work in us!

 

[Insaanah]

Know the line: "By their fruits ye shall know them" - this is in the bible. Don;t think for a second that Christians don't know truth when they see it... what they wanna see if it is possible to live that way. Unfortunately, in these times - Muslims paint a bad picture of our faith.

Maybe some do, and Muslims aren't perfect, but I think this for the most part, doesn't hold.

For some Christians (not all), they cannot give up their salvation through accepting Jesus (peace be upon him) as their saviour, in favour of what they perceive as the uncertainty of salvation in Islam. They don't want to give up their ticket to heaven and somebody else bearing the burden of their sins.

Many Christians accept Islam because they recognise Allah's guidance, and don't let the behaviour of a few Muslims behaviour put them off doing what is right for them.

Look at the enmity shown by people to the best of human beings. That in itself, is witness to the fact that it is not the case that if people's characters were perfect, people would accept the truth. That is, unfortunately, just an excuse.

Acceptance of the truth doesn't come from other people's behaviour being good, but from your own heart being willing to to open to the truth and accept it when you hear it, regardless of any other factor, and of course, ultimately Allah's guidance. You will not be able to offer other people's behaviour as an excuse on the day of judgement if you knew the truth when you saw it, yet didn't accept it.

Also remember, it was the supposed bad behaviour of "Muslims", that drew a surge of people to Islam post 9/11, after investigating what this religion was really all about.

I'm not saying that bad behaviour is correct in any way, shape or form, but that the assumption unfortunately for the most part isn't a strong one. We should however, try to have good character and behaviour always as the integral part of Islam that it is.

 

[~Zaria~]

Thank you for your response Glo.

While I agree with the following:

.....God indeed gave us all free will to choose, and that there is no compulsion in religion

I think it would be an assumption to generally infer the following:

However, what happens when people feel that way, is that they start to think of themselves as better or superior to those non-believers. I often hear people speak of themselves as 'being chosen' or 'having been guided' ... and consequently pride sneaks in.
Pride, instead of humility and an awareness that we are all in God's hand and that GOD will be the final judge one day. (And how will he judge us for our pride??)

Indeed, shaytaan whispers into the hearts of those who are striving in Allahs path.
And pride can certainly creep into the heart of the person - who does not rectify his intention <-- this is important in all matters of life.

Which is why, at the beginning of every action......in the middle of every action......and at the end of every action......we should STOP, and check our INTENTIONS.

Our intention (in all matters) should be solely for attaining the PLEASURE OF ALLAH.

So, the fear of Shaytaans influence on us (e.g pride), should certainly not be a deterrant in calling people to the way of Allah.

There are some among us who are/ wish to: Live, breathe and think Islam - 24/7.
There is nothing in their lives as important as submitting to Allah, striving to be reflections of their prophet (sallahu alaihi wasalam)......and they sincerely wish that ALL those around them can taste the sweetness and experience the beauty of this religion.

Interfaith working requires the ability to put aside one's own convictions for the sake of loving and relating to the person who holds different beliefs.

I disagree.

I love all of mankind.
And I only desire for the rest of humanity, what I desire for myself (in fact this is from a teaching of our beloved prophet (sallahu alaihi wasalam).

But there is no such thing as 'Interfaith'.

Where has this new age term arisen from?
And what does it really serve? Other than to confuse the masses.

Yes, there are similarities between the abrahamic faiths.

But there are differences too.....

These differences will matter the most.....not today......but oneday - when all of mankind stands before their Lord.


Glo, it is my duty as a muslim, as it is every other muslims duty, to invite people to the way of Allah.
Not to force....but to simply invite.

And not to the way of a confused 'Interfaith' dialogue......that often serves to only focus on our similarities......with a little bit of this.....and a little bit of that chosen according to our desires.
No - this was the way of our fore-fathers.
And it is due to this and our denial of the whole truth that has left most of mankind in confusion.

Instead - Our invitation is to the way of the Oneness of our Creator, our Sustainer - and the way of His final messenger Muhammed (sallalahu alaihi wasalam).

I trust that you may now understand where most of us are coming from.

Take care.

 

[glo]

Glo, it is my duty as a muslim, as it is every other muslims duty, to invite people to the way of Allah.
Not to force....but to simply invite.

I trust that you may now understand where most of us are coming from.

I totally understand where you are coming from, sister Zaria.
I have received many invitations to Islam by wonderful Muslim friends over the years. And I respect and appreciate their kind intentions.

And not to the way of a confused 'Interfaith' dialogue......that often serves to only focus on our similarities......with a little bit of this.....and a little bit of that chosen according to our desires.
No - this was the way of our fore-fathers.

I agree with that. Interfaith should not be about getting all woolly or wishy-washy, or even having to believe that 'all faiths lead to God' (although there are people who believe that).

It is healthy for us to understand our differences in beliefs and even to discuss or debate them amicably and as friends. But we also need to be able to step away and say "To you your faith and to me mine"
(Just my own thoughts. You don't have to agree with me. )

Take care.

And you too. God's blessings on you.

 

[~Zaria~]

^ Im having problems loading this page (and others), but I 'LIKE' the above comment Glo : )

"To you your faith and to me mine"

Reflect on the following: Surat-al-Kafirun (The Holy Quraan: 109)

Say, "O disbelievers,

I do not worship what you worship.

Nor are you worshippers of what I worship.

Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship.

Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship.

To you be your religion, and to me my religion."

​

You may or may not realise this Glo - but indeed, you speak our language : )

 

[glo]

You may or may not realise this Glo - but indeed, you speak our language : )

I knew that I was quoting from the Qu'ran, Zaria.
You may not have been around, but 'Lakum dinukum wa-liya dini' was part of my forum signature for quite some time.

 

[glo]

I have been a Street Pastor for the last four and a half years, this involves walking the streets until 3-4 am, and coming into contacts with drunks violence, troubled and angry people, as well as lots of wonderful people. We don’t go out to preach but sometimes drunks will ask us about God at 2 am.
I can only say that I have found profound moments of peace that surpass all my understanding, and they have been in times of anger and violence when I should be feeling afraid and worried. The peace comes from knowing that there are Christians of many denominations praying for us, and we know that God responds to these prayers, we have so many reasons to thank God.

I have stood up a couple of times at interfaith gatherings, to ask if an interfaith version of Street Pastors would be possible. To make it work we would have to pray for each other, and possibly with each other.

To me this is what interfaith working is really about.

Assuming that both Christians and Muslims have a heart and desire to go out and protect/care for/pray for the needy members of society, can they join forces and do so together?
Can they lay aside their religious differences and work together to help those who need help (as required by their religious teachings)?
In addition, street pastors typically pray for each before before they go out, and whole teams continue to pray whilst the pastors are out on the street - for safety, for guidance, for wisdom. Can Muslims and Christians pray together and for each other in those circumstances?

We need to weigh these things individually and come to our own decision on this. Some of us may feel we could, others that we couldn't.

I get very excited when I see people overcome their differences and work together ... excited, because it gives me the hope that in a world of so much strife and hatred, there is the possibility to work and live together peacefully ...:statisfie

 

[Scimitar]

I get very excited when I see people overcome their differences and work together ... excited, because it gives me the hope that in a world of so much strife and hatred, there is the possibility to work and live together peacefully ...

totally.

This is one example (Shaikh Habib Ali Al Jifri gives a lecture in a Church in order to promote inter-faith understanding) :

Scimi

 

[glo]

I really like Shaikh Habib Ali Al Jifri, Scimi.
Incidentally, I met the female vicar at 0:55:00 last month at an interfaith talk.

 

[Scimitar]

now that, is something eh?

We need more people like you on these boards sis. And bros like Eric H.

I always maintained that despite the major differences between faiths, we have soooooo much more in common. And it is this commonality which will help to bridge the gap - in the spirit of praying to One God (thank you Eric for the line)

Scimi

 

[Insaanah]

Greetings of peace, Eric.

I firmly believe that God wants salvation for everyone on Earth, despite all our differences.

It's like a judge saying that he wants every criminal to be found not guilty, and to escape punishment.

We believe that God not wants but will administer, absolute justice for everyone on earth. Just as a judge, the victim (and society) would not wish to see hardened criminals escape due punishment, and nor is that befitting, we believe that God also will give justice to everyone, even if that justice does not involve salvation. For everyone (killers and saints) to achieve equal salvation, is injustice, just as it would be if God gave contradictory doctrines for people to follow.

And while God can, and will, forgive whomsover He wishes, He will also punish, as we know, and there are people He has said will stay in hell forever.

For us to say God wants salvation for all, despite wrong beliefs/deeds, is to say that we know better than God, or that God has got it wrong.

It would be better to say we wish to see as many people as possible guided to the right path.

If I lost my Christian faith I would be an atheist, I cannot convert to any other faith because of the way I understand the Bible.

That is very sad to hear Eric. Some would say there are verses in the Bible which actually point to the truth of Islam and of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) being a prophet who God requires to be listened to and followed. Perhaps you feel there are verses that say that if you renounce your faith, then it is better to reject God, your Creator and Sustainer, altogether. I find that troubling.

I can empathise with what brother MustafaMc has said here:

As a Christian I had believed in the Trinitarian God, Bible as the Word of God, angels, prophets, resurrection, Judgment Day, Heaven and Hell. The biggest change for me was my belief about Jesus being the Son of God and God Incarnate, but my concept of God as the Father (meaning the one Jesus prayed to) provided a smooth transition to faith in Allah (swt). Perhaps, your life experiences so intertwine Jesus with your concept of God that you can't imagine a distinction or separation of Jesus from the Father.

Interestingly, all reverts from Christianity that I know of, say that they feel closer to Christ (peace be upon him) than they ever did as a Christian, but that they only only realise that in hindsight.

Truth is a tricky subject, because it leads people to do things based on their truth. I am reminded of the Spanish Inquisitions when people believed that they should spread their truth to all people because it was the only way to eternal salvation. Torturing people into believing was a valid option because they would then gain salvation.

Where did they get this truth from? Is this something that the Bible teaches, that torturing people is acceptable if as a result they achieve salvation? If it doesn't teach that, then their belief was not based on what is perceived as a scriptural truth, and we can't use that here in this discussion. That was a belief they held, much like a robber might think it's ok to rob, as it will count as the victims having given charity - it was a belief, but not a truth.

I believe that God has given each of us scriptures to change ourselves, when we use our scriptures to try and change others we tend to fail.

Our scripture itself invites people to change themselves, so we don't need to "use" it ourself in that fashion. It invites readers to ponder, consider, and reflect, poses searching questions to them, gives analogies to make things easier to understand, and invites people to re-evaluate their beliefs and reconsider the basis for ther own beliefs and doctrines.

We do not view the Qur'an as a scripture for us by means of which we try to change others, but it is a scripture for the whole world, by means of which people are invited to change themselves.

We merely convey the message and share it with others.

Peace.

 

[MustafaMc]

'If we are convinced that our faith is the true way to salvation and we love our non-believing friends/neighbours/colleagues/family members, then should we not want to try our hardest to convert them to our faith?'

Peaceful greetings, glo. We can have the desire for others to be guided to the Straight Way, but it is not our place to do the guiding. We may be an instrument of sharing the Message, but it is God who changes hearts toward guidance or to leave astray.

However, what happens when people feel that way, is that they start to think of themselves as better or superior to those non-believers. I often hear people speak of themselves as 'being chosen' or 'having been guided' ... and consequently pride sneaks in. Pride, instead of humility and an awareness that we are all in God's hand and that GOD will be the final judge one day. (And how will he judge us for our pride??)

If arrogance is in our hearts for 'having been guided', then surely we are in grave error. I do in fact feel as though I have been guided through the grace of God because so many of my fellow Americans and all of my family except my wife are yet astray. I know also, "There but by the grace of God, so go I." If I have behaved arrogantly toward you or others, I ask for your forgiveness.

And people forget that God indeed gave us all free will to choose, and that there is no compulsion in religion ...

Yes, we are free to worship the god of our choice and each of us are responsible for our own lives.

I would argue that the reason Eric is so very much loved and respected here I exactly because he is one of the most humble and peaceful and gentle people I have ever met.
He does not force his views and beliefs onto anybody, indeed he is very hesitant to talk about his faith, even when asked. And he is always respectful of Islam.

Yet, he is firm in his faith.
Eric demonstrated what Scimitar mentioned earlier in this thread: by his fruits of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control should be apparent to all of us that God is at work in our friend Eric; and that he has a calling to be amongst people of other faiths.

We can tell some of what must be in another person's heart by what he/she writes. I have never read a single word by Eric that could be perceived by anyone as offensive toward Islam, or as promoting his Christian faith. I do not agree with everything he writes, but I believe that he has the best intentions along the lines of 'Live and let live'. He strikes me as a person who is as sincere in trying to follow what Jesus taught as any I have ever met. You, he and I will stand separately before our Judge on that Day to give an account for our lives in the manner of, 'Here I stand before my Creator. I did as my faith and conscience led me. May God forgive me for my frailty and mistakes.'

Interfaith working requires the ability to put aside one's own convictions for the sake of loving and relating to the person who holds different beliefs. There may be times of discussing one's differences for the sake of understanding and learning ... but there also has to come the time to put those aside, embrace each other and say "I love you, may God bless you" whole-heartedly. And to put our trust in God.

I can appreciate this perspective, but there is something about interfaith dialog that bothers me and that is the sense of, 'There are many acceptable paths that lead to salvation and who are we to think ours is the only acceptable one?' While realizing there is no compulsion in matters of faith, I am not okay with the attitude of "I'm OK, you're OK." I can have feelings of affection toward you, Eric, or my son, but it is not the same as the love I feel for my brother and sister in Islam. My faith is in Allah and in what He has revealed in the Qur'an through Prophet Muhammad (saaws). The Qur'an gives me hope for Paradise and to see others who share my faith, but it also says, 'They disbelieve who say Jesus is the Son of God.' I believe that faith in Allah and submission to His will is essential for salvation while realizing that forgiveness or dam_ation is for Allah alone to decide. I will not contradict the Word of Allah for the sake of earthly friendship.

I understand (after many years of struggling with it) that this is as Islamic forum, not an interfaith one. Therefore our Muslim brothers and sisters here may not display the same interfaith heart, which is present in Eric.

However, I pray that more and more people will develop such a heart.
I believe that there are more ways to represent one's faith than preaching, and that often action (and attitude) speak louder than words!
Like Scimi said, people will be able to tell by our fruits if God is at work in us!

We are to follow the example of Muhammad (saaws) in our interactions with others, but admittedly we often fall short. I hope you can appreciate my perspective on interfaith dialog and the manner of my interactions with you, Eric and other Christians on this forum.

 

[MustafaMc]

For some Christians (not all), they cannot give up their salvation through accepting Jesus (peace be upon him) as their saviour, in favour of what they perceive as the uncertainty of salvation in Islam. They don't want to give up their ticket to heaven and somebody else bearing the burden of their sins.

Assalamu alaikum, sister. I am not sure that it is as much a reluctance to give up their 'Get out of Hell, Free' card as it is clinging to their concept of God and the paradigm of '"For God so loved the world..." One's belief about God and the Unseen is often a fundamental cornerstone of their personal identity. I assume that others remain true to what they feel in their hearts is true and that they have not had an 'Aha! moment' that I did when I first became a Muslim after reading the Quran. Matters of guidance are from Allah and although one may strive sincerely for guidance it is not something he can will upon himself to achieve. Even after having the 'Aha! moment', it was still unsettling to admit that I held erroneous beliefs my whole life and what I had been told was true is really false. In effect, one's world is turned upside down with up becomes down and down becomes up.

 

[Insaanah]

Greetings of peace

Interfaith working requires the ability to put aside one's own convictions for the sake of loving and relating to the person who holds different beliefs.

I disagree with your understanding of interfaith.

Here are some definitions:

"involving persons of different religious faiths" http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interfaith

"of, operating, or occurring between persons belonging to different religions" http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/interfaith

"involving people who belong to different religions" http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/interfaith

It in no way requires putting aside ones own convictions. And nor should it ever.

It seems the type of interfaith you're talking about is the one mentioned below as the minority pursuit, putting one's own convictions aside, joining up with all the parts seeming to be common, which results in something quite different.

`inter faith` tends to indicate some attempt at positive interaction between and among them. [...]

Alongside one form of inter faith – which overall may be a minority pursuit – where inter faith indicates the joining up of the parts seen to be held in common across the religious divides – most mainstream approaches work with the differences represented by the various religions and traditions

Source: London Interfaith

As an example, Muslims and Jews meeting to discuss proposed laws on circumcision and ritual slaughter, that may affect them, do not cast their convictions aside in order to be able to discuss such matters. And nor should they feel the need to. Even if the meeting was to understand the other better, there is no need to cast ones convictions aside.

There may be times of discussing one's differences for the sake of understanding and learning ... but there also has to come the time to put those aside, embrace each other and say "I love you, may God bless you" whole-heartedly. And to put our trust in God.

I understand (after many years of struggling with it) that this is as Islamic forum, not an interfaith one. Therefore our Muslim brothers and sisters here may not display the same interfaith heart, which is present in Eric.

However, I pray that more and more people will develop such a heart.

Nor does it require saying to the person, "I love you". This is not a romantic relationship, but a working one. My colleagues are of different faiths. I like them and respect them and get on with them. None of us has ever felt the need to say we love each other, and it would be completely inappropriate to do so, and highly embarrassing to all concerned. And most importantly, it would be untrue, even if within a different context i.e. the interfaith context described above.

This stems from a fundamental difference in our beliefs. Christians believe that God loves everyone and so they must love everyone, and proclaim that love loudly.

Islamically, our relationships with people must be based on respect and justice, and being balanced, as per the community of the middle way we are supposed to be. Not hating people, and not declaring love for everyone on earth. These are two extremes, neither of which we belong to. Allah has never said that He loves everyone, and He does not expect us to, nor did the Prophets teach us to do so. It is not a standard for us to follow or aspire to in any way. We do not declare love for everyone on earth, though of course we sincerely wish guidance for those who are not yet Muslim. When we do love, it must not be a proclaimed love, but one put into practice by action, as shown in the Qur'an and hadeeth.

I get very excited when I see people overcome their differences and work together ... excited, because it gives me the hope that in a world of so much strife and hatred, there is the possibility to work and live together peacefully ...

People are already working and living peacefully together up and down the country, with their differences, neither feeling the need to put them aside or somehow overcome them, and have been, for decades. People just get on with life and don't feel the need to proclaim it or shout from the rooftops. For them it is a normal part of life, just the way it should be.

Peace.

 

[جوري]

It seems the type of interfaith you're talking about is the one mentioned below as the minority pursuit, putting one's own convictions aside, joining up with all the parts seeming to be common, which results in something quite different.

This is a very important statement and it is actually the crux of everything going on in the Muslim world right now including all the concessions we make that have completely changed our identity, our goal and directionality.
Tolerance doesn't mean acceptance nor finding a common 'ecumenical' prayer or snippets of agreement so that we can all join in and clap hands. Especially with a sin as major as shirk!

 

[observer]

I always maintained that despite the major differences between faiths, we have soooooo much more in common. And it is this commonality which will help to bridge the gap - in the spirit of praying to One God

Now, I'm an atheist but this kind of sentiment must surely be the best way forward for everyone? Gaps need bridging - the world is so mixed now that even a single faith country of any kind, let alone a single faith world, is impossible. People need to accept their neighbours' ways of thinking. This attitude of "You're wrong, one day you'll see the light. I hope my god will forgive you" comes across to me as deeply disrespectful.

I don't believe the Bible, but the idea that there are some contradictions in it so it and Christianity must instantly be proved false seems pretty unreasonable to me.

 

[glo]

Insaanah, dear sister, I have a feeling that our positions are not as different as they may appear.

"Stand firm in your own faith, but be respectful, fair and kind to all others."
Do you think you can agree to that?

Everything else seems to be arguing semantics and finer details of our terminology.
I am not really interested in circular discussions, so I hope you don't mind if I don't further engage in this one.
I have said pretty much all I wanted to say on the topic.

Salaam and God's peace and blessings upon you.