Comments on Naut on Religion…XXXI (Islam)

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Re: Nautikos, I didn't say that right.

TAPS, I would be interested in a more detailed description of their reactions...

posted by Nautikos on February 19, 2008 at 3:42 AM | link to this | reply

Nautikos, I didn't say that right.

What I meant was that your answer to my question was interesting.  LOL

posted by TAPS. on February 17, 2008 at 5:00 PM | link to this | reply

Interesting question to my answer, Nautikos.  I asked because I personally know a few who have converted to Islam.  I've noticed that they are a bit touchy about the matter.

posted by TAPS. on February 17, 2008 at 4:59 PM | link to this | reply

Re:

Thanks, sam!

posted by Nautikos on February 17, 2008 at 2:16 PM | link to this | reply

TAPS

That's a very interesting question. I think the nature and process of 'conversions' is highly complex. In the most general sense, I would say that few believers of any religion fully understand their faith, because to do so requires a degree of objectivity which they, as believers, almost by definition are rarely if ever capable of.  

I am convinced many Muslims have no idea what Islam is all about, even if, and especially if, they have memorized the Koran, to this day still regarded as a great 'achievement'. Christians tend to have a better idea, even if it's a somewhat nebulous one.

Off the cuff, I would suspect that many people who convert to Islam are in some way (or see themselves in some way) as marginal. You get people who are imprisoned. Even in the wider society, it's more the marginal and alienated who gravitate to the sense of community Islam undoubtedly provides...

posted by Nautikos on February 17, 2008 at 2:16 PM | link to this | reply

I am following along!  sam

posted by sam444 on February 17, 2008 at 1:53 PM | link to this | reply

'...that Islam is a religion which can only be understood if one recognizes that an adversarial, even out-and-out hostile attitude towards Christianity and Judaism is part of its innermost core!..."  Does this mean that converts to Islam (say from Baptist or AME) do so because there has been some hostility in their previous religious experiences.?  Or, do they convert not understanding the core of Islam?

posted by TAPS. on February 17, 2008 at 1:44 PM | link to this | reply