tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922219471401146297.post5859667546282237089..comments2010-06-22T14:29:27.388-04:00Comments on The Blue Anchor: What Makes a Religion Good?W. O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00973935431341584934noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922219471401146297.post-81125841193480644572009-07-17T09:02:30.924-04:002009-07-17T09:02:30.924-04:00Brian-you are really well spoken. I think its time...Brian-you are really well spoken. I think its time to move beyond blogging and start one of your own satirical columns in the NY times....for real.Gabriel and Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15020994693972475365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922219471401146297.post-81797076948782394762009-07-06T15:17:54.817-04:002009-07-06T15:17:54.817-04:00There are two sides to religion:
1) true religion...There are two sides to religion: <br />1) true religions, i.e. the Catholic Church and, to some lesser extent, Christianity and Judaism<br />2) religion in general, the response to the natural desire for God, all authentic expressions of this response.<br /><br />Therefore, I agree with everything you said as regards religion in general but true religions by their nature are held to different criteria.Brandon Jalowayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17467675780212523820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922219471401146297.post-25563875983010654052009-07-02T14:40:11.259-04:002009-07-02T14:40:11.259-04:00I enjoy the whole post*I enjoy the whole post*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922219471401146297.post-12910315174220185912009-07-02T14:39:43.560-04:002009-07-02T14:39:43.560-04:00I the whole post, but especially the last paragr...I the whole post, but especially the last paragraph...very strong stuff.<br /><br />To me, as you stated Brian, Religion is a way of expressing love in its deepest form, or a way of living with a true hope that love will triumph over all. It gives us a sense that there is more to every situation; that there is an opportunity to love in every choice, every movement of our day. When we act in and out of love for our fellow man or woman, we are moved to build up, not tear down. We are moved to serve, not destroy. We are moved to seek the greater good in every situation, not inspired towards anger or hate of others...even if we are wronged by another, or if we do not share the same beliefs.<br /><br />Your final comment struck me in the above way. Good post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922219471401146297.post-78479715873863653352009-06-30T11:01:28.436-04:002009-06-30T11:01:28.436-04:00Brian,
"I doubt Islam is the problem, but u...Brian,<br /><br />"I doubt Islam is the problem, but unless its doctrine consistently inspires true self-giving it is hardly the answer"<br /><br />This is a good and powerful quote. I think religions in general do not last long unless they have a core selfless doctrine.<br /><br />Time is a great crucible for many things, including selflessness.Michael Babbishhttp://www.michaelbabbish.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922219471401146297.post-87218381331276363542009-06-29T19:39:23.115-04:002009-06-29T19:39:23.115-04:00I also highly recommend the movie it is rough to w...I also highly recommend the movie it is rough to watch at parts (the stoning scene) but worth it.<br /><br /> From the studying of Islam I have done, one semester only, I have learned a couple of key things concerning the religion. <br /> <br />1) First of all, why is Islam confusing to Westerners?<br />For one, to understand the religion it is necessary to understand the history, the Quaran and the Hadith (the two books containing the teachings of Islam), as well as the life of Muhammad the prophet of Islam. Many simply do not have the time to study in depth a religion that for some seems far away and unimportant.<br /> A second relevant point is that unless one reads the Quaran in Arabic, according to Islamic tradition, he does not receive the full meaning of the teachings of Allah. <br /> Finally, the Islamic concept of Allah(God) is much different from the Judeo/Christian perception of God (which is a God who is Father). As you pointed out, the Muslim often views God as distant, cold, and even harsh.<br /><br />2) Many write off the violence and abuses attributed to Islam as solely coming from radical Islamic extremists. Many will state that the majority of Muslims and the true Islam is a peaceful religion. Even Muslims will argue this point and I concede, this does have at least some truth. However, the history of Islam claims contrary to this modern idea that Islam is a religion of peace.<br /><br />3) Now it can also be said of Christianity that this faith's history is also filled with terror, destruction, abuse, and conquest. This too contains a grain of truth. However, in the same way that Christian living is supposed to be based of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, a Muslim bases his life, off of the teachings and life of Muhammad. Herein lies the major difference that further points to Islam not necessarily being a religion of peace and goodwill. Muhammad, throughout the Quaran, acts in ways which would certainly be called into question in our modern world. His marriage to a nine year old girl, the taking of nine wives, the attempt at exterminating is old tribe because of their contempt of him and the list goes on. Actions such as these are found throughout the Quaran and in fact the acts of violence increase as one progresses chronologically through the book. When people were not receptive of Islam, Muhammad would try various means of converting tribes and peoples and he would often go as far as conquest.<br /><br />I could go on, but I just wanted to give a brief summary of some things I've learned in regards to the Islamic faith. From what I've read and heard it is easy for me to see where such horrible atrocities have been committed in the name of religion. I am not convinced Islam is a religion of peace because the Prophet of the Religion was the majority of the time not a man of peace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2922219471401146297.post-9067290214076199272009-06-29T16:08:00.088-04:002009-06-29T16:08:00.088-04:00I'm not positive I understand what you think t...I'm not positive I understand what you think the ultimiate goal of relgion is. Tell me if I'm wrong, but what I gathered is that you think religions is the belief in any God or gods that will ultimately lead to love, understanding, and general well-being towards others. It seems to me that you can accomplish all those things, to some degree at least, without the company of religion. <br /><br />Please don't get me wrong, I have a religion and I believe in it strongly. I just simply wanted to state that if the reason for religion to some is to help in secular goodness, I feel that would be blasphemous to whatever the chosen religion is. <br /><br />I liked the post, and now I want to see the movie!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com