I just wanted to say hello and say that I look forward to learning from everyone.
Some background.. I was raised in the deep south, had pentacostal holiness values beaten into me from as early as I can remember. Something about it didnt seem quite right, so when I got old enough to get away from it, thats what I did.
I have always made money as a musician and a voice over actor, so from age 18 until age 24 or so, I did just that, indulging in the pleasures of the world until I was so burdened with addiction and lust that I scarcely had time for anything else. How I managed to secure a college degree in that time remains a mystery. I was also burdened down with college loans so when the opportunity came to join the military I did that as well, thinking it would be an easy way to pay off loans and whatnot. I joined as an infantryman because they offered me a 25,000 dollar bonus. This was in July 01. We all know what happened in September, but in March of 03 I found myself in Iraq and Afghanistan, wondering why I was there.
It was during that time that I became acquainted , or should I say very good friends with my room-mate, Rafik, who was from Pakistan, and who was obviously a devout muslim. I learned as much as I could from him, putting a lot of stupid notions that we americans have been conditioned to think by Dubya and the terror brigade aside. Rafik stayed in Iraq, but I got my discharge papers. He made an impact on me that was profound, and this is what brings me here.
I am white, country, and southern. I dont fit the stereotype of a "redneck" I dont think, as I am educated and not racially motivated, I dont listen to country music and I dont drive a pickup truck. I do have a large farm , but thats not anything too bad I dont guess.
I do have a copy of the Qur'an , but I would like to maybe be pointed to some books that accompany it, or maybe something that explains Islam in ways that someone that has been living outside of the faith can understand? I am seeking knowledge and an open mind.
Also.. and this is a stupid question, I know.. but is Islam for non-whites only?
I also hope to make friends here and to get to know yall better.
thanks for any resources, and Bless yall
trb
Some background.. I was raised in the deep south, had pentacostal holiness values beaten into me from as early as I can remember. Something about it didnt seem quite right, so when I got old enough to get away from it, thats what I did.
I have always made money as a musician and a voice over actor, so from age 18 until age 24 or so, I did just that, indulging in the pleasures of the world until I was so burdened with addiction and lust that I scarcely had time for anything else. How I managed to secure a college degree in that time remains a mystery. I was also burdened down with college loans so when the opportunity came to join the military I did that as well, thinking it would be an easy way to pay off loans and whatnot. I joined as an infantryman because they offered me a 25,000 dollar bonus. This was in July 01. We all know what happened in September, but in March of 03 I found myself in Iraq and Afghanistan, wondering why I was there.
It was during that time that I became acquainted , or should I say very good friends with my room-mate, Rafik, who was from Pakistan, and who was obviously a devout muslim. I learned as much as I could from him, putting a lot of stupid notions that we americans have been conditioned to think by Dubya and the terror brigade aside. Rafik stayed in Iraq, but I got my discharge papers. He made an impact on me that was profound, and this is what brings me here.
I am white, country, and southern. I dont fit the stereotype of a "redneck" I dont think, as I am educated and not racially motivated, I dont listen to country music and I dont drive a pickup truck. I do have a large farm , but thats not anything too bad I dont guess.
I do have a copy of the Qur'an , but I would like to maybe be pointed to some books that accompany it, or maybe something that explains Islam in ways that someone that has been living outside of the faith can understand? I am seeking knowledge and an open mind.
Also.. and this is a stupid question, I know.. but is Islam for non-whites only?
I also hope to make friends here and to get to know yall better.
thanks for any resources, and Bless yall
trb
