Allah or Jesus?

[Azier the Swordsman]

I recieved this in my email today... it's pretty interesting.

Allah or Jesus?
By Rick Mathes

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for
maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training
session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman
Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief
systems.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The
Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a
video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and
answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked:
"Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and
clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the
infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a
command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's
the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he
replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers
of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so
they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to
that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the
cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope
John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or all the other ministers
ordering Protestants and Jews to do the same in order to go to Heaven!" The Imam was speechless.
I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and
your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask
you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill
me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because
I am going to Heaven and wants you to be with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.
Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years
of prison ministry. He said to me, "Rick, remember that the truth will
prevail."
And it will! " " "

[Technomancer]

There is not much about the encounter that is believable. Muslims are not directed to kill non-believers, nor to forcibly convert them (this is in fact forbidden). Moreover, they are also directed to respect other "peoples of the book" (i.e. Christians and Jews). The current disturbances have more to do with historical, political and economic resentments against the west, some of it justified, and some of it not.

A more interesting, and cogent criticism of contemporary Islam might be found in Irshad Manji's new book "The Trouble With Islam", which is written from the author's point of view of trying to reconcile her Muslim beliefs with her liberal Canadian values. Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for my hold to come in from the library, so I can't tell if it's any good (I expect it will be, Manji has always been very articulate and intelligent).

[Bobtheduck]

I've heard some passages out of the Koran that show they're not "forbidden" to forcibly convert... Or that they're forced to "respect" other "people's of the book" but I also heard that Muhammed had the authority in his religion to rewrite and change his own commands, so that may be early in the Koran while the more peacefull things are later in the Koran... I'm not sure about that, but the violent conversions are most definately in the Koran.

It is true that most western muslims don't believe in forceful conversion or Jijad, but they do exist in the muslim scriptures, even if in an outdated form.

[Gypsy]

While I think the question at hand is a very important one to know the answer to, this thread is considered to be "holding a flame near highly combustible material." I highly encourage those who are curious to check it out and exchange information either through email or PM. Obviously, no harm was meant by the posting of this thread, but according to our theology debate rules, it has to be closed. Feel free to contact the staff with any questions. Thanks!