Can We Coexist?

Hi Snakelges,
Thanks for your post. I agree with most of what you've said. Yes the political situation can cause people to take up the methodology of deviants groups like the khawarij.

Regards

Can we coexist? What a great question.

I think we can coexist once our world becomes more secular.

format_quote Originally Posted by syilla

that is why...we muslims are trying hard to make them understand what is islam...and making them understand we do not support any type of terrorism.

We are trying our best...but it seems no one can see that.

In all honesty, I took a break from this forum because many of the views expressed here are anything but peaceful. Notice I said many, not ALL views. I have found the articles from Load Islam peaceful, intelligent, and respectful.

What disturbs me is the interpretation of Islam from many Muslims. Of course Christian extremists disturb me as well. But the question is can we coexist? Since we seem to have a good number of extremists from both faiths then I tend to think that we cannot coexist.

format_quote Originally Posted by abdmez

There are extremists everywhere.

I agree. This is why I lean toward the notion that we can't coexist.

format_quote Originally Posted by searchingsoul

What disturbs me is the interpretation of Islam from many Muslims. Of course Christian extremists disturb me as well. But the question is can we coexist? Since we seem to have a good number of extremists from both faiths then I tend to think that we cannot coexist.

well both religions claim a monopoly on The Truth and both are proselytizing.
there is an inherent problem in this, is there not?
living in the u.s., i have to admit that the christian extremists scare me more than their muslim counterparts.

format_quote Originally Posted by snakelegs

well both religions claim a monopoly on The Truth and both are proselytizing.
there is an inherent problem in this, is there not?
living in the u.s., i have to admit that the christian extremists scare me more than their muslim counterparts.

I think that there is a problem with both religions claiming that they are the only true religion. Such inflexibility creates tensions and hatred throughout the world. We will not be able to live as a peaceful world until the foundations of all organized religions are altered.

format_quote Originally Posted by searchingsoul

I think that there is a problem with both religions claiming that they are the only true religion. Such inflexibility creates tensions and hatred throughout the world. We will not be able to live as a peaceful world until the foundations of all organized religions are altered.

I don't think that's the problem. I believe that Islam is the true way of life ordained by God to the exclusion of all other ways, but Islam has likewise commanded me to respect people of those other ways and be good to them and share my beliefs with them in a gentle manner. My belief that Islam is the true path of submission to the one God does not in any way negate peaceful coexistence. Besides, saying that all religions are equal is the same as saying they are false. If one religion says there is 1 God and another says there isn't 1 God, they can't both be true. If one says there is no hereafter and another says there is, they can't both be true. In reality, what you are asking for is for people to abandon all such religions, not in the interest of truth, but in the interest of futile assimilation. I say futile because people are only deluding themselves when they think that once all religions are gone the world will be in peace.

format_quote Originally Posted by Ansar Al-'Adl

I don't think that's the problem. I believe that Islam is the true way of life ordained by God to the exclusion of all other ways, but Islam has likewise commanded me to respect people of those other ways and be good to them and share my beliefs with them in a gentle manner. My belief that Islam is the true path of submission to the one God does not in any way negate peaceful coexistence. Besides, saying that all religions are equal is the same as saying they are false. If one religion says there is 1 God and another says there isn't 1 God, they can't both be true. If one says there is no hereafter and another says there is, they can't both be true. In reality, what you are asking for is for people to abandon all such religions, not in the interest of truth, but in the interest of futile assimilation. I say futile because people are only deluding themselves when they think that once all religions are gone the world will be in peace.

I think that religious people such as yourself are able to co-exist peacefully. You are well read, intelligent, and seem to be a caring individual. I do not find these traits in most highly religious people. Instead, I find a lot of people who are unwilling to examine the history of their religions and formulate their own beliefs. Let's face it, it is far easier to let others determine what we believe and tell us why we should believe it. I find people with this mentality to be incapable of providing unconditional love and mutual respect. I fail to see how such people can co-exist with people of different beliefs.

I don't feel that there is one true religion. I do understand that many people believe this, but I think that this type of thinking causes more harm than good. Why does this cause more harm than good? Because I see it creating hatred, discrimination, war, etc... Like I mentioned above, most people are too lazy to examine their religious beliefs and understand how such beliefs affect people unlike them.

I agree that it is naive and delusional to think that eradicating the world of all religions would lead to peace. Humans are spiritual beings. They need a spiritual connection. So I'm not suggesting that we do away with religion. I'm suggesting that we do away with the highly structured institutions of religion. I'm also suggesting that a world in which religious institutions held little political influence would be more peaceful. Personally, I see secular governments being a positive for this reason. I see us possibly being able to co-exist if such actions are taken. But in reality, I don't see this happening in our lifetime which is why I say we can't co-exist.

format_quote Originally Posted by searcheroftruth

the west and islam can coexist but the west needs to get out of the middle east and not get invovled in countries which they have no business in

We now have a global world. Why does the West have to get out of the Middle East? I think it's fair to say that the Middle East is greatly influencing and enjoying the liberties of the West.

Coexisting is not only possible, it is what we have been doing. What we have not always been doing is Peacefully Coexisting.

Peacefull coexistance can come through tolerance of each other or total isolation from each other.



Edit note: I just noticed I had "We we" instead of "What we". Corrected it.

format_quote Originally Posted by searcheroftruth

the west and islam can coexist but the west needs to get out of the middle east and not get invovled in countries which they have no business in

As long as there is a quid pro quo - Islam has to get out of the West and not get involved in countries where they have no business.

(And they should build a big wall between the two)

I think we have a basis for agreement here.

format_quote Originally Posted by HeiGou

As long as there is a quid pro quo - Islam has to get out of the West and not get involved in countries where they have no business.

(And they should build a big wall between the two)

I think we have a basis for agreement here.

I agree with you. But I don't find a lot of people willing to accept this fair plan.

Out of curiosity, can anyone explain to me why the West should get out of the Middle East but the Middle East shouldn't get out of the West?

format_quote Originally Posted by searchingsoul

I agree with you. But I don't find a lot of people willing to accept this fair plan.

Like me. I think people just need to be tolerant of others. That could solve a number of problems.

Although, your point is valid.

Out of curiosity, can anyone explain to me why the West should get out of the Middle East but the Middle East shouldn't get out of the West?

Cus the West has no reason to be in the middle east other than oil purposes. There are no other economical advantages save cheap employment. Those from the West that are in the middle east for purposes other than those stated are there either for escapism/vacation etc or to help fund charity. Other than that, no reason for the west to be in the middle east.

Now, i'm assuming someone will innevitable reply "what aboot the middle east in ze west?" - well, the west is pretty dang good to live in in terms of education and finance, so that's probably the only reason the middle east is in the west.

Please feel free to add to the discussion or what-not.

format_quote Originally Posted by aamirsaab

Like me. I think people just need to be tolerant of others. That could solve a number of problems.

Although, your point is valid.


Cus the West has no reason to be in the middle east other than oil purposes. There are no other economical advantages save cheap employment. Those from the West that are in the middle east for purposes other than those stated are there either for escapism/vacation etc or to help fund charity. Other than that, no reason for the west to be in the middle east.

Now, i'm assuming someone will innevitable reply "what aboot the middle east in ze west?" - well, the west is pretty dang good to live in in terms of education and finance, so that's probably the only reason the middle east is in the west.

Please feel free to add to the discussion or what-not.

The oil purpose is a legitimate business practice. What has Western business in the Middle East done for the economies of Middle Eastern countries? I think many people in Middle Eastern countries can appreciate the affects the oil business has brought.

I agree that the West offers a nice lifestyle. I'm happy to share such a lifestyle with Middle Easterners. Since Western societies are open to the Middle East it is only rational for the Middle East to be open to the West.