ISLAM more than just a religion . . . . .

[Skipper]

And its different christianity.........how?

Christianity and it's political and controlling evil has had it's day, fortunately whilst still based on a pile of crap it has developed enough, for me at least, not to be seen as a threat to individual countries and their freedom from religion in the way they are run...in Europe at least. Islam however, still lives in the dark ages as shown by countries that run under Sharia law or heavily influenced politicised versions of the Quran. They run on fear and punishment, not accepting women, homosexuals or anyone seen as different as equal. Islam seems to see itself as entitled to everything without changing the way it is. It is so far from compatible with western ideals, of freedom, democracy and tolerance it's a joke. Thats not to say Christianity is a great religion, I also despise that and all the problems it continues to cause, but it's influence over governments has gone, it's interference in everyone's lives is no longer there (again, in Europe at least). Hopefully, one day we can say the same of Islam, but I feel we are a long hard struggle away from that day with plenty more wars and terrorist attacks until then.

[KichigaiNeko]

And its different christianity.........how?

I personally, have neither tolerance nor respect of any of these three heads of the single poisonous snake: The vipers name is "Judeo-Christian-Islam", also known known to history students as "Monotheism". It is the most potent curse Humanity has ever suffered under and has yet to do its worst damage.

And..you have just figured this out??? mk

And then there is politics...same horse different jocky

[Justtristo]

And this gives christianity a slight advantage over Islam on the grounds of adapting. A christian could easily say my faith is personal, I want to live my life as a true christian without bothering anyone but a Muslim is obliged to make Islam ruler of this world.

The Islamic world has not undergone anything like the Enlightenment which changed Western Civilisation profoundly. People in Europe during enlightenment challenged the primacy of dogma with reason and rational thought as opposed to dogma.

Hence today's Christians in the west unlike their medieval and early modern counterparts don't advocate burning heretics, banning books by scientists whose discoveries challenged dogmas and those suspected of being witches like they used to. Indeed much the same nasty stuff being committed by the Taliban and Saudi religious authorities were committed by both Catholics and Protestants in Europe 400 or 500 years ago.

If you are not already familiar with European history, please read at least the period from say 1500 to 1700, you would find that enlightening.

[Rayaan]

Christianity and it's political and controlling evil has had it's day, fortunately whilst still based on a pile of crap it has developed enough, for me at least, not to be seen as a threat to individual countries and their freedom from religion in the way they are run...in Europe at least. Islam however, still lives in the dark ages as shown by countries that run under Sharia law or heavily influenced politicised versions of the Quran. They run on fear and punishment, not accepting women, homosexuals or anyone seen as different as equal. Islam seems to see itself as entitled to everything without changing the way it is. It is so far from compatible with western ideals, of freedom, democracy and tolerance it's a joke. Thats not to say Christianity is a great religion, I also despise that and all the problems it continues to cause, but it's influence over governments has gone, it's interference in everyone's lives is no longer there (again, in Europe at least). Hopefully, one day we can say the same of Islam, but I feel we are a long hard struggle away from that day with plenty more wars and terrorist attacks until then.

Hoping the same but most likely it's not going to disappear completely.
I guess you guys have to deal with this "pile of crap" for a much longer time, then. What can you do?

[GANIMEDE]

This is the big difference between East and West:

"The Islamic world has not undergone anything like the Enlightenment which changed Western Civilisation profoundly. People in Europe during enlightenment challenged the primacy of dogma with reason and rational thought as opposed to dogma".

Thank U ziggystardust !

The Enlightenment is an ongoing process. It is long not complete.

In addition to benefiting from the French Encyclopedists, Western Europe benefited from Classical Revivalism: Politics is NOT the same as religion. The sober and scientific philosophies associated with democratic principals and the rights of the individual, began with the Athenian Greeks. Our civilization owes a great debt to this period in our history. And it was the invention of Movable Type Printing around 1500, and the spread of cheap and available books and pamphlets, that got the Enlightenment started. And it was the Merchant Class in Europe, (The Capitalists), which closely associated their cause with that of Indivual Liberty, the right to hold Private Property and the principals of establishing a classless society. (See "French Revolution: Liberté, égalité, fraternité"). It was they who went to war against the monopolies of the Catholic Church in Europe. The American Revolution followed on their heels. It is no accident that, even today, Islam forbids : "Usury and the charging of interest".

Today we enjoy the greatest democratization of information ever witnessed in human history: The Internet.

The ENLIGHTENMENT must continue. The Internet, and other high-tech means of universal free communication, is the best hope for true Liberty, Justice, Freedom and Individual Dignity. . . . . . Only the FREE FLOW of information can save us from the curses brought upon Humanity by the likes of Islam and Fundy-Christianity and by the lies, swindles and abuses practiced by corrupt governments: Thank you Julian Assange!

[Rayaan]

The ENLIGHTENMENT must continue. The Internet, and other high-tech means of universal free communication, is the best hope for true Liberty, Justice, Freedom and Individual Dignity. . . . . . Only the FREE FLOW of information can save us from the curses brought upon Humanity by the likes of Islam and Fundy-Christianity and by the lies, swindles and abuses practiced by corrupt governments: Thank you Julian Assange!

But see, the Muslims don't care about enlightenment because they care more about preparing for the next life. They believe that everything in this planet will be destroyed one day. And ultimately, all of us will have to return to the Creator to get back the result of our deeds. That's why the most important type of enlightenment for a Muslim is the enlightenment of the soul.

All this technology and great works of art will vanish one day but our actions will not vanish because they get recorded into our souls like the account information in a credit card.

[Darwinian]

But see, the Muslims don't care about enlightenment because they care more about preparing for the next life.

So you spend so much of your time worrying about the next life that you completely miss out on the fabulous gift that this life undoubtedly is? How very sad..

[Rayaan]

So you spend so much of your time worrying about the next life that you completely miss out on the fabulous gift that this life undoubtedly is? How very sad..

No, I think I'm enjoying the present life just like any other atheist.

My belief in an afterlife does make me very much concerned but still it doesn't take away a lot from my level of happiness (although that might sound a little strange).

[Thor]

But see, the Muslims don't care about enlightenment because they care more about preparing for the next life.

And what if there is no "next life"? Then you have wasted THIS life. Yeah, let's all remain ignorant dopes and reject knowledge because otherwise we won't get to party after we're dead!

They believe that everything in this planet will be destroyed one day.

And you're right! The sun will eventually swell up into a supernova and incinerate everything on this planet.

And ultimately, all of us will have to return to the Creator to get back the result of our deeds.

And if there is no "Creator"...?

That's why the most important type of enlightenment for a Muslim is the enlightenment of the soul.

Really? Show me a "soul". Because there is no evidence that such a thing exists.

All this technology and great works of art will vanish one day but our actions will not vanish because they get recorded into our souls like the account information in a credit card.

Our actions do not vanish so long as they are recorded or there is someone who remembers them. The actions of our prehistoric ancestors vanished long ago.

[Rayaan]

And what if there is no "next life"? Then you have wasted THIS life.

I won't lose anything even if this is the only life. But I strongly feel that there's an afterlife.

"Did you think that We had created you for nothing, and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?" (Surah 23:115)