As a revert, I absolutely, 100% disagree with this.
No sect. We are Muslim. That is all. All one has to do is read the Quran and you will see Islam for what it is. Clear, simple, pure monotheism. Truth stands out from falsehood.
How can you disagree with this? Look at the state of the Ummah today. How can you deny that there are many Muslims that follow different sects etc. Parents don't let their children marry outside of their caste, even if the other person is a Muslim. You're telling me that it is not confusing from an outside perspective? Yes I completely agree with you that the only things a Muslim needs to know about is the Quran to see Islam for what it is. However you cannot disagree that people do more than this, some people quibble about which Hadiths are authentic and which they should follow and not follow. Its easy for you to say "No sect, we are Muslim" but that is your perspective (and one that I completely agree with) however many Muslims in this world today do not and you cannot deny that I'm afraid.
I find it interesting that other members here, including myself, offered our perspectives to your questions as converts to Islam from another major world religion yet you completely ignored what we wrote to you. Converts to Islam aren't such a rare thing, really. It happens all the time. Maybe you would do yourself some good by taking a look at the convert stories posted on this forum.
What indication have I given you that I am ignoring what people are saying on this forum? I've read the comments about the person who studied various religions and kept coming back to Islam. This shows me that this religion made the most sense to him and he considers it the truth. I also never said that converts to Islam are a rare thing. I also appreciate that Islam is the fastest growing religion int he world today.
I don't think that. As humans we have no right to condemn anyone to everything. We don't know. Allah knows. It's not up to you to decide that or think that you're better than anyone else just because you're a Muslim and that you're going to paradise. None of us knows what will become of us in the hereafter. As I said before a lot of what you're saying is Christian rhetoric that I was taught in church and it's strange to me that you're so attached to this line of thinking.
You're telling me that none of us knows what will become of us in the hereafter, I agree, and yes we have no right to condemn anyone regardless of what they have done in their life. This is the point that I have tried to make. However some people are not of this opinion, and some of them have made that clear during this thread. You refer to it as "Christian Rhetoric" and I know what you mean. I've heard many Christians say that the only way to God is to accept Jesus as your Lord. I've heard them say that you can only find Paradise through Christianity. However, I have also heard many Muslims say this as well, growing up, in the Media and otherwise. Would you also be willing to refer to this as "Rhetoric"?
What I find interesting is why you're so concerned about the eternal home of present day Jews and Christians or non-religious people. Perhaps you should be spending more time working on being a better Muslim and maybe, just maybe you should get involved in dawah efforts to teach others about Islam then?
You find it interesting that I am concerned with this? Of course I am concerned. I am discussing the points that I want to gain a better of understanding of. I'm not discussing the points of view that certain people have which I wholeheartedly agree with. I'm referring to points and principles people have who are Muslim but do not make sense with my perception of Islam and I'm here trying to gain their perspective as to why, and yes I am arguing their points with my point of view because that is the reason I have started this discussion. I find your final sentiments somewhat condescending about me trying to be a better Muslim. What do you think I'm doing on an Islamic Forum asking questions if it is not to gain a better understand of Islam and to become a better Muslim?