Merry Magdalene

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Posts by Merry Magdalene

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  29

  Will the wts face a Muslim backlash over the new tract?

  by fullofdoubtnow in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  they do, after all, classify all religions apart from theirs as false, and we've seen in the last few days that it doesn't take much to inflame the more militant factions of islam.

  there's a large muslim community around here, and i can't see some of them taking kindly to being labelled a false religion.. this may not be the best time for the wts to be distributing such "information", but i expect they will go ahead, oblivious as to the sort of reaction it may provoke.

  i hope that nothing much comes of this campaign, but in the sensitive times in which we all live, i can't help wondering....

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  Merry Magdalene

  I doubt the WTS is perceived as much of a threat by anybody, but I would be happy to burn a few tracts and maybe an effigy if it would boost my rep around here

  ~Merry
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  78

  Muslims demonstrate that they are not violent by firebombing churches

  by Elsewhere in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  as i said in another post: actions speak louder than words.

  muslims were angered by the pope's quoting a 14th century writer who said that muslims are violent in nature.. in order to disprove this statement many muslims took too the streets shouting violent slogans and burned an effigy of the pope.

  still more muslims demonstrated that they are not violent by firebombing random churches.. yup... actions speak louder than words.

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  Merry Magdalene

  Now check out what al-Qaeda is saying in an attempt to demonstrate that this statement is false: "We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion (to Islam) or (killed by) the sword."

  I hope you don't think an "al Qaeda-linked extremist group" is the voice of Islam now? If over a billion Muslims were following this, well...do I even have to finish this thought for you?

  I also notice the article quoted said:

  The authenticity of the statement could not be independently verified.

  And as to non-Muslims having to pay a special tax that Muslims don't have to pay in an Islamic state, I believe this is also supposed to make them exempt from military service. And you didn't mention the tax Muslims pay that non-Muslims don't.

  I don't mind protests, but for things to turn violent is just wrong.I'm afraid they feel threatened and under attack in much the same way as many of you here feel threatened by them. And yes, I am glad you are not violently rioting when you feel threatened...but I do worry about what is going on beneath your calm exteriors, reflected in your words agains Muslims, and how that may be externalized in the future...

  The article Mary shared was interesting. Yes, there are reasons people turn to violent protests and terrorism, however wrong it is to do so. And all too often the rest of us would rather overlook these reasons than do anything to solve the root problems which, imo, is far more political than religious.

  "Participants in terror tend to be men in their twenties or thirties who are ferociously angry because of powerful feelings of humiliation" (emphasis mine), he wrote. He identified a few potential sources of such humiliation, such as a lack of political and economic opportunity, then added that terrorists strongly identify with a group, society or culture they perceive as oppressed or exploited.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqbDiN2uYcQ

  ~Megan
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  21

  Does the Pope have to apologize to the Muslims?

  by free2beme in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i heard today that the muslims want the pope to apologize, and at the same time i have heard muslims say that even an apology would not be enough.

  a world leader of a country, has certain diplomatic concerns about what they say and do.

  however, does a religious leader have these same concerns?

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  Merry Magdalene

  Oh, and to answer the original question: I think people should only apologize if they are genuinely sorry.

  ~Merry
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  78

  Muslims demonstrate that they are not violent by firebombing churches

  by Elsewhere in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  as i said in another post: actions speak louder than words.

  muslims were angered by the pope's quoting a 14th century writer who said that muslims are violent in nature.. in order to disprove this statement many muslims took too the streets shouting violent slogans and burned an effigy of the pope.

  still more muslims demonstrated that they are not violent by firebombing random churches.. yup... actions speak louder than words.

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  Merry Magdalene

  Elsewhere, I hope you didn't miss my point entirely, and I want to let you know I'm not missing yours.

  I do get the irony of what is happening (the irony just knocks me out!) and I do understand the importance of dealing with the reality of a situation and protecting oneself from danger. I'm not advocating that people pretend these things aren't happening nor saying that it is justified. I am just saying it's wrong to judge an entire religious group on the words, actions and beliefs of some when these are neither encouraged nor condoned by their most fundamental teachings. (I'm also not accusing you of doing that, but it is happening and with alarming frequency.)

  ~Merry
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  21

  Does the Pope have to apologize to the Muslims?

  by free2beme in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i heard today that the muslims want the pope to apologize, and at the same time i have heard muslims say that even an apology would not be enough.

  a world leader of a country, has certain diplomatic concerns about what they say and do.

  however, does a religious leader have these same concerns?

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  Merry Magdalene

  As far as I can tell, some Muslim leaders want the Pope to apologize for something he said, not something some other Catholic(s) did so this doesn't quite seem to fit:

  Never heard a Muslim apologize for 9/11

  Those who were directly responsible for 9/11 are dead and cannot apologize even if they were so inclined, and I don't think those who helped plan it are likely to apologize, but there were and are many Muslims who condemned it and don't want anything like that to ever happen again:

  http://www.islamfortoday.com/terrorism.htm

  http://www.unc.edu/~kurzman/terror.htm

  ~Merry
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  78

  Muslims demonstrate that they are not violent by firebombing churches

  by Elsewhere in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  as i said in another post: actions speak louder than words.

  muslims were angered by the pope's quoting a 14th century writer who said that muslims are violent in nature.. in order to disprove this statement many muslims took too the streets shouting violent slogans and burned an effigy of the pope.

  still more muslims demonstrated that they are not violent by firebombing random churches.. yup... actions speak louder than words.

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  Merry Magdalene

  I know it's difficult, people, but IMO it is important to come to a more accurate understanding of what Islam is and what it teaches seperately from what some Muslims say and do. Then you will be able to determine if various individual and group actions are actually Islamic or not. (This was something I also found to be necessary when exploring Christianity. Although I initially rejected Christianity completely when leaving JWs, I eventually had to return to a deeper exploration of it. I could not reconcile all groups, teachings, or behaviours that were labeled "Christian" as being Christ-like.)

  There is an Islamic religion which is a way of life, but I don't think there is an Islamic "culture" as Muslims are a part of many different cultures. Over a billion people consider themselves to be Muslims and they are of various races, nationalities, and cultures. About 18% live in the Arab world. The largest Muslim population is in Indonesia. Substantial populations in Asia and Africa are Muslim, with significant minorities in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe. There are about 7 million in the USA.

  As in Christianity, you will find differences in opinion, understanding, belief, and activity. And, as with any other group, it is the "radicals" who generally get the most attention and who can colour peoples opinions of the religion as a whole.

  But here are some of the core, basic beliefs, as I understand them:

  *There is One Unique, Incomparable God who created and controls everything, good and bad. No one and nothing else is worthy of worship.

  *There are angels, life after death, and a day of judgment.

  *God has sent prophets to every people in every time to guide them in the way that is best. Not all of them are known to us, nor has the guidance sent down through them been preserved and followed as it was originally given but has become corrupted. Muhammad (pbuh) was sent to mankind as a final prophet and the Qur'an is God's final message of guidance. All are invited to learn of it and embrace or reject it as they see fit. "Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error...." (Qur'an 2:256) "Say: O unbelievers! I do not serve that which you serve, Nor do you serve Him Whom I serve: Nor am I going to serve that which you serve, Nor are you going to serve Him Whom I serve: You shall have your religion and I shall have my religion." (Qur'an 109:1-6) "God forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for [your] faith nor drive you from your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for God loveth those who are just." (Qur'an 60:8)

  *The 5 Pillars of Islam are Faith, Prayer, Purification of Wealth through giving a portion to those in need, Fasting, and Pilgrimage.

  In regard to violent rioting, this quote from the Prophet seems fitting: "Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger."

  In regard to war: "Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors." (Qur'an 2:190) "If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things." (Qur'an 8:61) "Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman." "Do not kill the monks in monasteries." "Do not kill the poeple who are sitting in places of worship."--Instructions from the Prophet (pbuh). There are also instructions not to destroy crops and trees.

  In regard to freedom and democracy, a Discover Islam brochure has this to say: "While many so-called Muslim nations are not, Islam is democratic in spirit. Islam advocates the right to vote, the right to self-governance and the right to self-determination. The Qur'an enjoins Muslims to rule themselves through consultation and concensus. Muslims believe that each person is responsible for his or her own deeds; and that all stand equal before God."

  ~Merry
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  48

  I Was in a Bad Collision

  by Amazing in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  last night, i was struck nearly head-on by a person attempting a left turn as i passed through the intersection.

  i was injured, as well as the other driver.

  the police told me that he broke his arm, and was in shock.

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  Merry Magdalene

  Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery!!!!!

  ~Merry
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  78

  Muslims demonstrate that they are not violent by firebombing churches

  by Elsewhere in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  as i said in another post: actions speak louder than words.

  muslims were angered by the pope's quoting a 14th century writer who said that muslims are violent in nature.. in order to disprove this statement many muslims took too the streets shouting violent slogans and burned an effigy of the pope.

  still more muslims demonstrated that they are not violent by firebombing random churches.. yup... actions speak louder than words.

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  Merry Magdalene

  They like fundy christians hate women and treat women as non-humans, very ignorant.

  Panda, I do not hate women...and Muhammad (pbuh) said that paradise is at that the feet of mothers and that the best Muslims are those that treat their wives well.

  But I will agree with you that ignorance is a huge problem. Corrupt leaders take advantage of those who have less access to information as well as those who have access but think they know more or better than they actually do. We must all do our best to educate ourselves and inform others, and keep peaceful dialogues open, whatever our religion or belief system.

  I don't know a lot but I'm trying to learn and I support others in doing so as well. Cheers, Skyking

  ~Merry
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  9

  Was you like this when you was a little child?

  by skyking in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  .

  3 min long video watch and see if you can remember back as a little child, could you of made your parents happy?.

  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8136172464983968081&q=%22obsession+the+movie%22&hl=en.

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  Merry Magdalene

  ...sad...sickening...

  If you're wondering where the pigs and apes idea comes from here is a little blog I found on it:

  Jews are NOT apes and pigs

  posted by Aziz Poonawalla at 10:27 AM permalink I was unsurprised to read in NRO's The Corner the entry by Kathryn Jean-Lopez about the MEMRI "analysis" which purports to demonstrate that the Qur'an calls Jews "apes and pigs".
  
  The verse she is referring to is 5:60 - while I do not deny that the verse has been deliberately misused to justify calling Jews "apes and pigs" - it has nothing to do with Jews. This is a group of ayats that are a kind of dialouge. It is confusing to follow but here is the general gist:
  
  5:57 - (addressing Muslims) - do not choose as *guardians* (actual word
  used) those people who follow earlier Revelations but not Islam (ie, Jews
  and Christians), and people who are outright disbelievers (in Allah). The
  issue of Guardian goes back to 5:55, which has an extensive history in and
  of itself, as relates to Ali.
  
  5:58 - Some ignorant Jews and Christians mock you (as a muslim) and your
  Azaan (call to prayer) because they do not understand what you are doing
  (they do not see it as a form of worship). This should not dissuade you from
  doing your actions (duties to Allah).
  
  (personal comment: I have been ridiculed while praying in parking lots. My
  wife and I used to go to movies before Baby arrived, and sometimes the
  only time we could catch a show was right around sunset. So we would do our
  obligatory prayers in the parking lot. To be honest, we are reluctant to do that
  nowadays, but this verse demands that we persevere despite that paranoia)
  
  5:59 - addressing Jews and Christians - "is the only reason you hate us
  (Muslims) because we believe in Allah, and the revelations that came before
  (which you also believe in)? Is this because most of you do not follow your
  own scriptures as well as we follow them (the same scriptures) ?
  
  at this point the Muslim understands that they are inheritors to the same
  scriptures that Jews and Christians follow. However, they are a target of
  ridicule by some in these groups for adherence to these scriptures.
  
  5:60 - addressing Muslims again - Do you want to know who is worse (than
  such ignorant Jews and Christians. Note, not ALL, see 5:58)? Those who are
  worse are those who Allah has cursed, had wrath upon, had damned to be apes
  and swine.. etc . these are far, far worse than Jews or Christians (who mock
  the azaan, etc.)
  
  5:61 - The group that is discussed in 5:60 is here revealed to be those who
  say (on the surface) I believe in Allah but who actually do not, and seek to
  cause dissent and turmoil within the community of believers.
  
  Clearly, the average Jew or Christian who follows their own scriptures, or
  who at least does not ridicule Muslim belief, is clearly not the target of
  5:59, let alone 5:60.
  
  5:61 is taken by Sunnis to be generally aimed at evil people. Shi'a consider
  it aimed at very specific groups of Muslims who subverted the Prophet's
  wishes, especially against Ali. This entire section has very little to do
  with Jews and Christians per se and has everything to do with the internal
  struggles of the followers of the religion against the Hypocrites. These
  Hypocrites were a significant threat to Islam at the outset, and saw the
  best way to destroy it by trojaning it and working at cross purposes from
  within.
  
  Verse 4:91 also has been used by detractors of Islam and by politically-motivated psychotics like OBL. It is commonly represented as enjoining the believer to "kill all the infidels".
  
  But for a full contextual understanding, it is necessary to read 4:88 onwards to 4:91. Also note that 4:91 has been short-quoted by critics, the full verse is:
  
  "Ye will find others who desire that they should have security from you, and
  security from their own folk. So often as they are returned to hostility
  they are plunged therein. If they keep not aloof from you nor offer you
  peace nor hold their hands, then take them and kill them wherever ye find
  them. Against such We have given you clear warrant."
  
  This is clearly referring to people who keep attacking you, in which case you are
  justified in waging war out of defense.
  
  Verse 4:91 itself has no justification for global war against infidels, it is self-contained in discussing other groups who just wont leave you alone. But the entire thread from 4:88 up to 4:91 is worth reading for even more subtlety.
  
  I also sent this explanation to NRO editor John Derbyshire,whom I consider honorable in distinguishing the misuses of Islam by evil people like OBL from the inherent message of Islam itself. MEMRI and Mrs. Lopez have failed to make such a distinction.
  
  UPDATE: Mr. Derbyshire wrote back:
  
  

  I shall certainly do my best, Aziz. It is shameful that honest Muslims have
  to keep explaining their way out of these insults. Most of the shame
  belongs to extremists like OBL, but some is shared by my colleagues at NR,
  and I shall do my best to speak up for the other side.
  
  Best wishes,
  
  John Derbyshire

  ---

  << Home

  ~Merry
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  78

  Muslims demonstrate that they are not violent by firebombing churches

  by Elsewhere in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  as i said in another post: actions speak louder than words.

  muslims were angered by the pope's quoting a 14th century writer who said that muslims are violent in nature.. in order to disprove this statement many muslims took too the streets shouting violent slogans and burned an effigy of the pope.

  still more muslims demonstrated that they are not violent by firebombing random churches.. yup... actions speak louder than words.

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  Merry Magdalene

  so what was the Islamic respone - to commit violence in the name of religion

  I know you must think what you say is true, but please reconsider. None of these actions, the actions of some Muslims, should be considered THE Islamic response.

  I forgot to say I will die to protect one Muslin I will put my family lives at stake to protect one Muslin. It is something you had better think about now it is happening because we let our Christian nations policy make us the big bad Evil in their eyes..

  Skyking, it looks like you've already chosen sides.

  Why would you think he was "choosing sides" just because he is willing to protect an innocent Muslim (like me) from mob mentality?... just as he would have protected that Catholic family he mentioned earlier, or any other innocent life.

  ~Merry