Sarah Sullivan, religious studies senior, was raised in a conservative, Southern Baptist family. In high school she was known by her peers as a strong Christian leader.
The process of Sullivan’s religious conversion began with a conversation she had with a Muslim friend during an idle night on campus, she said.
“I was just hanging out, and this guy asked me why I wasn’t going out and partying,” Sullivan said. “I told him it was because I didn’t do that. He said ‘I don’t either.’”
Sullivan mistook her friend for a Christian, and when the student informed her that he was Muslim, a dialogue began between the two about the similarities and differences in Christianity and Islam. Intrigued by the similarities, Sullivan began to actively seek out information about Islam.
With another Muslim friend, she began to compare the Bible with the Quran. Many times, her friend would ask her questions about the Bible she could not answer.
“Having someone point stuff out to me in the Bible that I couldn’t explain was a rude awakening for me,” she said. “I felt like a fool.”
After an intense period of searching for answers, Sullivan said she finally reached her breaking point.
“I finally broke down to God one night and just said ‘guide me to what’s best for me,’” she said.
Sullivan said she believes God guided her to Islam.
“There were answers in the Quran that I just couldn’t find in the Bible,” she said. “To me, the Quran was undeniable truth.”
Adam Wilkey, Arabic studies junior, said his conversion process began earlier than Sullivan’s, although it wasn’t until his sophomore year of college that his religion became a focal point.
Growing up, Wilkey attended Catholic schools throughout his elementary and secondary education. He also went to weekly Mass with his parents.
He said he was first introduced to Buddhism through a world religions class he took in high school that inspired him to gain as much information as possible about the religion.
“It got to where I was so amped I couldn’t go to sleep at night,” he said. “I was excited to wake up and go to school and get more information on the religion.”
After he felt he had exhausted all of his own resources, Wilkey said he decided to go outside of himself to learn more about the religion. He began attending the Buddhist Center in Oklahoma City, and there he met a woman named Kelsang Namdrel who left an indelible impression on him.
“It was so revolutionary to me that I met a person that had all the attributes that Jesus had talked about,” he said. “I hadn’t really seen those attributes in myself or in some of my peers.”
After Wilkey met Namdrel, he said he devoted most weekends of the rest of his high school career to spending time at the center.
When he went to college, Wilkey said his freshman year left him with little time for his fledgling faith, and as a result, his practice suffered.
Sophomore year, Wilkey pared down his activities so he could focus more on his faith, and that’s when Buddhism became most important to him, he said.
“Everything came back to Buddhism,” he said. “That’s what I wanted to be the main facet for my energy.”
Inevitably, both Sullivan and Wilkey said they experienced transitions that came along with changing religions, but Sullivan described a more painful transition to her faith than that of Wilkey. She said some of her family members had a difficult time adjusting to her conversion.
“I had one of my aunts tell me that I was going to hell,” she said.
Sullivan said she also lost the friendship of many of her Christian friends but has maintained a positive attitude.
“Did I lose friends? Yes,” she said. “Did I lose all my friends? Yes, but did I gain friends? Yes.”
She also credits the support of her father and mother with keeping her so strong, especially the support of her father.
“When I told my dad I converted, he said ‘baby girl, no matter what you do, I will never leave you,’” Sullivan said.
Wilkey said his transition was easy.
“My friends and family’s reactions were absolutely fantastic,” Wilkey said. “A lot of my friends had the same ideas I did, and my parents trusted me not to jump on board with anything that would make me lose sight of anything they had instilled in me.”
Religious studies professor Tom Boyd said he believes religious conversion is often a part of an individual’s spiritual journey. Boyd is a professing Christian who admittedly wrestles with some orthodox aspects of Christianity.
“People have to work out their own salvation,” Boyd said. “If you are wrestling with your faith and someone comes along with an alternative that seems to address the answers to those questions, I can see why converting would be very attractive.”
For Sullivan and Wilkey, converting to different religions has simply been a part of their individual spiritual journeys. Sullivan now prays five times a day, wears the traditional headscarf and said she hopes to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca someday. Wilkey is OU Buddhist Association president and is actively involved in the Buddhist Center in Oklahoma City.
Both students said they have found peace and joy in their new religions, something Boyd said he wants more than anything for students.
“Real conversion is deeper than moving from one formal religion to another, it is awakening the sensitivity and sensibility of the religious consciousness,” Boyd said. “I just want people to find a place where their spiritual life can flourish.”
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episcopal_andrew 1 year, 2 months ago
sskai- 1 tim 2:12 "I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man, she must remain silent."
mustafa 1 year, 3 months ago
The thrill of rebelliousness drives some liberals to extremes. To convert to Islam in a post 9/11 America is the mark a real America hater. Her parents must be so proud.
I spit on her.
NormanIconoclast 1 year, 2 months ago
Looks like another kid trying to get back at her parents. Would've been a lot easier to just dye her hair green. At least then she wouldn't have to worry about an honor killing.
ahmed1381 1 year, 2 months ago
@JamesD22 ".I might also switch to a religion that creates less arrogant people" you will see ignorants and arrogant people everywhere you go.
Arafat 1 year, 3 months ago
Here are a few differences between Christianity and Islam:
A). Christ was a man of peace. B). Mohammed was a warrior.
A). Christ treated others as he would have them treat him. B). Mohammed raped, robbed, enslaved and killed others.
A) Christ lived a life of piety. B). Mohammed got rich by stealing and lived a life of debauchery.
A). Christ preached peace. B). Mohammed preached and practiced violent jihad.
edamommy 1 year, 3 months ago
Seems like a silly thing to post, "Arafat." The bible has repeated references condoning "wrong" behavior. At the very least - look at Lot giving his children to the mob.
Without substantiation, this is meaningless strawman building.
I am sorrowful for your anger. May you find peace.
SHERYL500 1 year, 3 months ago
I am so saddened by the fact that those who call themselves Christian would torment this precious girl as "Going To Hell"!! Jesus would not have said that. Our Loving HeavenlyFfather would not have said that! So many Christians have not studied the bible to show themselves approved and we get a world full of Christians who listen to anything and everything from local church to local church when all the while we are the temple of God and the answers are within us and we are told that the Holy Spirit within us is the ONLY one to teach us as he does not lie. These Christians need to do know this and find the real truth about our Loving Heavenly Father instead of rebuking the brethren.
I beseech each Christian that would think she is going to hell to get on your knees before God and tell him to forgive you for your "Dull of Hearing" condition that you so easily judge the brethren with. There is more to God's word than what you hear from a feeble interpretation in a local church,. You need to ask God for a Hunger to search that bible which I myself once did and 17 years later recorded all I had discovered that the local churches had no clue of.
Our Father is LOVE, not to be pointed at and say: "There He Is". He is that spirit of unconditional love within us that would look at that child and say: I Love You Child" no matter what confusion (confusion is the flesh and flesh is satan)has lead you to. In no way would he yell at her: "Your Are Going To Hell!" She is NOT going to hell. Once we have accepted Christ, no way can the confusion of this world take her away from him. Would you actually send your own child to hell? I would not and neither would our loving heavenly father!!
We need to keep her in prayer and ask our Father in Heaven to guide her back to his teaching by his Holy Spirit and cut away all winds of doctrine that is so readily available in a religious mindset that Jesus died on the cross to end.
If this precious child would ever read my meek and humbled statement I would beseech her to go to that private place within her and ask God, The Father, to give her a hunger for his word that so many local Christians have no idea about. Those Christians who are in no way qualified to tell her the answers only God can give each one of us in revelations during the day. There are answers to everything in life and it is to a Christians shame that they would doom one another and not have researched those scriptures to see that their response to that child is NOT from God.
Whether she strays or does not stray she still remains a Child of our Almighty Heavenly Father and with her heart searching for his answers from the Holy Spirit within her, she will one day see him face to face.
kRaZyXmAn 1 year, 3 months ago
Nice Try on distorting Islam and the Prophet, but all your information is wrong and distorted there.
By the Way, Jesus and Muhammad both are prophets of the same God. Stop worshipping the man and start worshipping the one Jesus prayed to, and he wasn't praying to himself.
Violinbaker 1 year, 3 months ago
Everything the above commenter says about Christ is true. The sad fact that those "Christians" of the middle ages used the religion as an excuse to commit horrible sins is irrelevant to who Christ really was and is, and what He taught.
At the same time, I believe that islam can also be a religion of peace.
Wakeup 1 year, 3 months ago
@ Arafat:
I suggest you do some research before speaking out of ignorance. Here are a few verses from the Bible to start with:
You must kill those who worship another god. Exodus 22:20
Kill any friends or family that worship a god that is different than your own. Deuteronomy 13:6-10
Kill all the inhabitants of any city where you find people that worship differently than you. Deuteronomy 13:12-16
Kill everyone who has religious views that are different than your own. Deuteronomy 17:2-7
Kill anyone who refuses to listen to a priest. Deuteronomy 17:12-13
Kill any false prophets. Deuteronomy 18:20
Any city that doesn’t receive the followers of Jesus will be destroyed in a manner even more savage than that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Mark 6:11
Jude reminds us that God destroys those who don’t believe in him. Jude 5
JamesD22 1 year, 3 months ago
OK wow, First of all your anonymous which means your a Coward and don't backup your claims!
second:
You have proof of these you claim?? I'm not sure you got your facts correct.
Both Prophets were from the SAME Blood line and Jesus has said in old testament of Mohammad's coming.
Mohammad Never started a war! He was always defending. Also in Shia Islam I read that their Khalifa Ali has talked about this in his book:
"Never start a war unless they start it first."
Also Mohammad was Never rich, He married a rich lady named Khadija and she donated all her money in his path so dont talk with out facts.
And People like you make me sick that I'm a Christian...I might also switch to a religion that creates less arrogant people...
Peace,
mrmarsala 1 year, 3 months ago
Muslims embrace Jesus Christ (pbuh). In His day, religious and secular leaders said many horrible things about him and even conspired to have him killed!
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.w.s.) was all that and more. thank God
l_ordinateur 1 year, 3 months ago
I think Arafat's comment is not in the spirit of constructive discussion, clearly demonstrating an attitude of intolerance. I am surprised that the Daily would allow someone to detract from the conversation in such a way.
noonespecial 1 year, 3 months ago
Where are the stories of Muslims converting to other religions?
Oh, right.
Muslims cannot convert to other religions. It is against Islamic law and they can be killed for leaving Islam - at least according to all the schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
Arafat 1 year, 3 months ago
Just the facts, Jack.
www.thereligionofpeace.com/Pages/Quran-Hate.htm
Arafat 1 year, 3 months ago
You can accuse my comment to not be "in the spirit of constructive discusssion" but you cannot deny its truth.
The Koran, Hadiths and Sunna are filled with verses and descriptions of exactly what I wrote in my comment.
Since when did honesty become a crime?
mll14 1 year, 2 months ago
“Having someone point stuff out to me in the Bible that I couldn’t explain was a rude awakening for me,” she said. “I felt like a fool.”
There are many things in life that can't be explained. That is where true faith comes in. Apparently, this girl was not as strong a Christian as she claimed. If she had been, the doubts (that everyone experiences within a religion, Christian or not) would be quelled by her belief in God.
This story saddens me.
Madcow 1 year, 2 months ago
Mustafa's comment was not "in the spirit of constructive discusssion" and was frankly scary.
Arafat just expressed his view
To the point of the discussion, I don't think religion will ever come to the point of being a real force for peace. Think about Christianity in America right now for example. Even if its not causing alot of violence there will always be social significant pressures and tensions, like Sullivan experienced in this article. It doesn't take long on this site to realise how divided we are and religion is a big part of that.
The violence associated with Islam is, in my opinion, much more related to sociodemographic circumstances than the teachings of the Quran.
rmatambo 1 year, 2 months ago
ok.... so this conversation is getting so out of hand, this is about a guy and a girl deciding to change their faiths. Truly they are not under any obligation to stay Christian. The first experience you learn about man in the bible, is of God giving free will to choose. On another note, me and m friend are Christian(me) and Islam(him) and he is one of my closest friends. So I don't really understand why we are attacking religions here. If Christ is the Son of God, every knee will bow in the end, and explain themselves before God. It's not our position to fight for God, he is not a God made by man that he cannot contend for himself. I've said my peace, I hope it sheds light. -r
actuashley 1 year, 2 months ago
I am sickened and disgusted at the lot of you. You really need to educate yourselves on the true message of Islam before distorting it to fit your own racial stereotypes. Terrorists existed before 9/11. Anyone here remember Timothy McVeigh? He was also a terrorist, but we didn't make judgements about 20-something Caucasians and attempt to distort Catholicism to fit our own twisted interpretations.
To the first poster, you said something about "Mohammad preaching violent Jihad?" Do you even know where the concept came from? In the HEBREW BIBLE. Furthermore, jihad means "to struggle." Not to bring holy war to other nations.
In the Hebrew Bible, God says, “When you approach a town to attack it, you shall offer it terms of peace. If it responds peaceably and lets you in, all the people present there shall serve you…[if it] would join battle with you, you shall lay siege to it…and you shall put all males to the sword.” (Deuteronomy 20:10-14.)
God advocated that if the people didn't respond to Judaism and serve Jews, that they were to be slaughtered. The Christian Bible reverses this idea, saying only to "turn the other cheek." However, I'm pretty sure there was this thing called The Crusades in which Christians not only attacked and killed Muslims, but also Jews. Go figure. In the Qur'an, God says, “Fight those who believe not in Allah…until they pay the jizya… and feel themselves subdued.” (Quran 9:29) Jizya is a tax. Essentially, God says fight the ones who do not believe in the one true God, unless they pay a tax to you. This is essentially the same concept revealed to the Jews in the Hebrew Bible.
God also tells all Muslims not to debate with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) because they are "chosen."
Just because a few bad men did extremely horrible things, does not mean we get to place blame on a faith or a people. We do not blame every German for the Holocaust, nor every Japanese for Pearl Harbor. We do not get to blame all Muslims for the act of a few rotten men.
servant 1 year, 2 months ago
Hi, Not to delve into the semantics of this overarching debate, but I did want to make a correction to "wakeup"s comments. That actually is not what Mark 6:11 says (though your version does sound scary, it's patently incorrect). Mark 6:11 is in the midst of Jesus giving his disciples instructions about going out to spread the Gospel. It actually says:
"And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” Mark 6:11
Also, the broad stroke with which you paint the entire book of Jude, is pretty weak. Could you give some more specifics?
I don't mind a discussion about the Bible versus the Qu'ran, but let's make sure we quote each correctly. Also, the other "violent" verses mentioned in the Bible are from the Old Testament in a time before the redemption established through Jesus' death and resurrection. We can discuss that more if you'd like. Thanks.
mustafa 1 year, 2 months ago
NormanIconoclast makes a good point.
Now that she is an Islamic if she tries to leave the religion she can be killed.
Now that she is an Islamic she'll have to marry an Islamic or she can be killed.
When her children begin showing too much Western-ism, she can help with their killing.
ThunderFan 1 year, 2 months ago
To the people who try to advance a negative picture of Islam, I ask: Have you ever actually met a Muslim? It is a lot easier to be judgmental when you lack any firsthand knowledge. And who are you to judge???????????
Now we're in the 21st century, and our interdependence is greater than ever. We can't afford smallmindedness. Act with integrity, for a better future here in the US and on Earth.
I don't share their religious outlooks but I applaud the individuals in this article for having the courage to explore and pursue their beliefs.
rmatambo 1 year, 2 months ago
So.. I'm getting the picture Actuashley is painting because truly enough the bible says all of that but I would like to say that using the Old testament as the basis of what you say may not be the best idea because true Christians believe they are not under the law but GraceRomans 6:14.Grace is also the reason why they believe one must turn the other cheek. It is important to know that the killing and such was to first to show respect to God when they were under the earthly covenant (Hebrews 9:1) and now Christians believe that they are under a heavenly covenant where the riches are in heaven so WE DON'T HAVE TO FIGHT FOR ANYTHING ON THIS EARTH(Hebrews 9:15). Also, the Crusades were by Catholics and while it is widely known that Catholics, in that day, believed themselves to be the church of God , but Christians believe that they were not the true church because God NEVER forced people to follow him. p.s(not bashing the state of the Catholic Church today). Also, I don't want to bash Islam at all and would like to give a fair account of the main differences between the two religions. First, Christians believes that man can do nothing to save himself and that's why Jesus came down to live a sinless life to die in our place and by faith in him we may be redeemed and anyone who truly believes that he is able to redeem as the Son of God can go to heaven. And in Islam, every good work is rewarded. In fact, Allah (Most merciful and most gracious) loves those who do good things to their brother and do not worship any false or wooden God. Essentially all those who live doing works for Him will be rewarded with Heaven. What's sad is that some people pervert the Qu'ran and go out to become terrorists saying they are doing it in the name of Allah thinking their actions are justified(end justifies the means) and THAT IS NOT TRUE ISLAM. To sum it up :Christian - by faith, Islam - By works. I would like to challenge all of you to go out and read the Bible and Qu'ran and not be lazy by just going to some anti-religion website, know what you believe in yourself because if you are wrong, you are risking your ETERNAL salvation due to ignorance. Hosea 4:6 starts," my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" and the Qu'ran talks about how God loves those who seek his knowledge( please tell me if anything i said is a misrepresentation).
episcopal_andrew 1 year, 2 months ago
Since some would argue theologically then let's do so.
Luke 8:21 "But he said to them, 'My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it'"
Sarah has been given a call to follow God in the path that she now walk on. The Qur'an is what holds spiritual weight to her. She feels convicted of God's message to her, and in that way she is a sister in the eyes of Christ.
Luke 6:32 "If you love those who love you, hat credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them."
Christians have become exclusionary towards the world making a seating chart and reservation spots for heaven. Jesus taught that those who followed them were those who radically loved all. At the table when he broke bread he did not just eat with his disciples; Jesus broke bread with the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the publicans etc. And now we can't even think to love on someone who doesn't adhere to a High-Christological doctrine of belief? I think that it was the openly self-righteous who were condemned. I believe this conversion to be genuine if not for her words and actions then by how she has been apparently treated since. A southern baptist in Oklahoma is comfortable but to convert to Islam means social derision.
Jesus taught a message of the kingdom of God. An era of righteousness brought about by the children of light (mentions in 1 John). Unfortunately the evangelical community no longer wants to share the good news by showing it in actions. The Good News is something to attack with. Paul says that the double-edged sword we have is the word of God. Some forget the Christ is called "The Word" made flesh. It is by the actions of being in open relationship with God and showing radical love towards others as God loves all of us that allows for evangelism to happen.
Finally I just want to say, I believe Sarah is not being attacked as a person. She is being attacked as a symbol of something which we project our phobias onto, and that's unfair to her. She is without a doubt the most committed person I've seen to a faith and I have seen no stronger follower of God or to the teachings of Jesus. Because she lives a life of righteousness by what God calls her to do I consider her a sister in the faith. I am a person of the book and I am proud of all that she does to help enlighten the blind about her faith.
Blestman 1 year, 2 months ago
I've read the Bible and the Quran, Hadiths and Sunna. Currently, I'm on my eighth reading of the Bible and feel that, unlike most, I can speak with some authority.
First, Allah is not Yahweh. The only place where God has revealed His name to anyone is in the Old Testament and it was certainly not "Allah". The word "allah" is derived from "al-illah" which meant "a god". It is not a name. In fact, it referred to a moon god worshipped by Mohammad's tribe.
Second, Islam specifically teaches that Jesus Christ was not the Son of God, was not crucified, and was not resurrected. Since this forms the basis of the Christian faith, Islam is, by definition, antichristian.
Third, comparing the Quran to the Bible is a fool's game. They are incomparable. Both the Old and New Testaments were written by numerous authors over a period of at least two thousand years starting in the Bronze Age. There is an absolute plethora of examples of both to establish their authenticity as a reliable sources. The same cannot be said of the Quran.
Islam requires one to accept that an illiterate man went into a cave and the archangel "Gabriel" spoke to only him, while in a trance which turned out to be more akin to epileptic seizures based upon eyewitness accounts of those closest to him. The Quran was never written down when Mohammad was reciting and its authenticity and reliability are based upon, at best, hearsay.
Finally, the Quran completely lacks consistency. Initially, Mohammad's recitations are gratuitous to Jews and Christians when he needed their help. When they withdrew their support of him, his entire tenor towards them changed and they were to be killed or humiliated.
Mohammad would have everyone believe that the Quran contains God's actual words EXCEPT for that time when Satan "posed" as Gabriel and gave him the infamous "Satanic verses". Hmmm . . . begs the question, doesn't it?
The ultimate Quranic absurdity is the "doctrine of abrogation" which states that if something is said later that directly contradicts what was said before, then the later statement abrogates and replaces the earlier statement. And then there is "taqqiyah" wherein it is permissible to lie about being a muslim until you gain someone's confidence and loyalty to Islam and then tell them the truth. Sadly, the truth is if you try to leave Islam, you are to be killed. The last time I checked, no one was losing their heads for not walking down the aisle at a Billy Graham crusade.
I don't hate muslims. I pity them. Nothing I do as a Christian can earn my way into heaven. But, I don't have to lie about my beliefs to get others to come along. God loves me so much that He gave his only begotten Son to die for me and that makes it worthwhile. Notably, in the "99 attributes of Allah", none of them say that Allah is love. The Bible says over and over that Yahweh is love. Ever wonder why?
Blestman 1 year, 2 months ago
Episcopal_Andrew: First, I take issue with your assertion that "Christians have become exclusionary making a seating chart and reservation spots for heaven". While that may be your impression based upon the actions of some, that is not true of all Christians. On the other hand, the very faith of Sarah that you defend, Islam, is unquestionably the most exclusionary faith ever formulated on this planet. Simply put, if you are not muslim, or even "muslim enough", you are to be killed by someone who is a "real muslim".
Is it loving someone to behead them or fly an airplane into a building or opening fire on innocents in a crowded room because you perceive them to be infidels? I'll bet you're one who buys into that farcical notion that those are only "radical muslims" who have "hijacked their religion", right? If you believe that, go read the primary Islamic sources in the Quran, the hadiths and the Sunna. You will find that they are following Islam to a tee. You will also find that those who are not following that are considered apostates within Islam and are no better than infidels and deserving of the same fate.
While I agree that Christ essentially reduced the "law" into two commandments - Love God and love one another - what he most emphatically did NOT do is disavow his position as the Messiah or the Son of God, which is precisely what is espoused in Islam. So while it's very nice that Sarah "feels convicted" of what she perceives to be God's "message" to her, there is no question that Christ announced, unequivocally, that he was "the Way, the Truth and the Light and no one gets to the Father except through me". Please note - that doesn't include Mohammad who expressly denounced Christ's divinity as "shirk".
So, tell me, if you can, how exactly is telling her that she is in error regarding her faith not loving her? Do you believe that it's not a greater sin to allow her to be deluded and trapped in a "religion" that will treat her as a second-class person? Do some homework before you start speaking "theologically".
sskai 1 year, 2 months ago
Blestman. You my friend has hit the nail on the head. It is shame that we have so many naive American non muslims who are not aware of Islam or don't know enough about it. This is from Quran Surs 5:51 " Believers ,take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends and protectors,for they are friends and protectors of one another.Whoever of you seeks their friendship and supports them shall become one of their number.Allah does not guide the wrong doers" Quran is full of hate towards Jews and Christians non believers. " Islam especially teaches that Jesus was not the Son of God,was not crucified....." Lot of muslim websites say that and muslims believe it. I pity the poor girl ,to me she was like a lost cow. www.danielpipes.org>
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sskai 1 year, 2 months ago
actuashly, " ..you really need to educate yourselves on the true message of Islam before distorting it to your own racial stereotype." From your Quran Sura48:13"And if any believe NOT in Allah and His Messenger,we have prepared for those who reject Allah,a Hell Fire for the disbelievers".." terrorism existed before 9/11 anyone remember Timothy McVeigh? He was also a terrorist..." He may have been ,but neither he nor his followers ever went outside US to commit terror as do muslims all over the world in the name of Allah/Islam.Name me a day when Muslims have NOT killed their own[muslims] or non muslims? " Jihad means ' to struggle' not to bring holy war to other nations" Oh,Ya? From Quran Sura 2:216 " Jihad (holy fighting in Allah's cause)is ordained for you(muslims) though you dislike it.But it is possible ,that you dislike ,a thing which is good for you,and like a thing which is bad for you.But Allah knows and you know not(warfare is ordained for you)".. " thing called Crusaders in which Christians not only attacked and killed muslims but also Jews ...." You don't tell us why the Crusaders were necessary at that time to go to ME,Jerusalem? Come on give us the facts please...." jizya is a tax.." You don't tell us that non muslims [dhimmis] have to pay heavy Tax being in Muslims countries. And they still do. I suggest you read your Quran properly.
sskai 1 year, 2 months ago
James D22"..and people like you make me sick that I'm a Christian,I might also switch to a religion that creates less arrogant people.." .What is holding you back? I'm sure not your Christianity,like this girl's? I would say you do, and see if there are any less arrogant people in your newly adopted religion?I was a muslim until I realised who evil it was and I had to escape from my country to US. Free at last. I don't have to pray 5 times a day. I_ordinateur," I think Arafat's comment is not in the spirit of constructive,clearly demonstrating an attitude of intolerance." Just because some one is expressing his views of reality or what he believes in, becomes 'attitude of intolerance' for you. Isn't there some thing we call 'free speech?' .." I'm surprised that THE DAILY would allow some one to detract from the conversation in such a way." I think if you have your way you would GAG every one who's views differ from your. I take my hat of to THE DAILY for giving people such opportunity to express their opinions ,not matter how bitter it may sound,as long it is not abusive. just see www.blip.tv/file/1382254 Peace be upon you all.
sskai 1 year, 2 months ago
Blestman " Do you believe that it's not a greater sin to allowed her to be deluded and trapped in a 'religion' that will treat her a second class person?" From Quran Sura 4:34" Men have authority over women because Allah has made the one superior to the others and because they spend their wealth to maintain them good women are obedient.They guard their unseen[parts] because Allah has guarded them.As for those from whom you fear disobedience ,admonish them to beds apart and BEAT them.Then if they obey you ,take no further action against them.Allah is High,Supreme" Women in Islam are not respected as muslims have us believe. In Sura 2:223 women are considered as 'fields' episcopal.." she is being attacked as a symbol of something which we project our phobias on to ." There is 'infidel- phobia' in every muslim country.So what is the difference? see www.compassdirect.org>
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episcopal_andrew 1 year, 2 months ago
I think the greater sin is on the part of those who follow Christ who will only love those that love them. Your views of Islam are narrow and directed in a socio-political way. Those who think Muslims are commanded to commit atrocities forget it is not just them, but the Jews were commanded to commit genocide in Canaan, the Christians committed murder in the 30 years war, the execution of the pagans etcetera ad nauseum. The problem is not the religion or the texts in any of these monotheistic faiths. The problem is with the people. Look at movies like Deliver us from Evil or Jesus Camp. I am devoutly Christian yet as I have said, Sarah exemplifies all that is good in her faith and what it means to follow God. Unfortunately someone pointed out that in the judeo-christian scriptures God is called love unlike in the Qur'an. Yet it seems these comments do not reflect them. I'm disappointed to see such disregard towards human dignity. Read the creeds, read the council decisions, and read what the red letters say. Jesus is the way the truth and the life, but paul states that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess. Everyone is given the chance to accept the grace of God. In Isaiah it says, "“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Your claim to knowledge of right and wrong is the neo-gnostic jargon that leads more people astray. Only God will know what will happen. Until then though, we are told to give up all our possession, we are told to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We need a radical faith with radical love. It's the only counter to extreme zealous anger. I'm sorry you think so poorly of a child of God.
sskai 1 year, 2 months ago
episcopal." 1 tim 2:12"I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man,she must remain silent" Muhammad had lot of writing copied from Bible and Torah,Talmud.No wonder Christianity and Islam are equally evil. They are the only two religions in the world which went beyond their borders to colonise and subjugate people,approx over millenium.Some of the practices in Bible may have been evil as in Quran, but the Christians have stopped them and where as Muslims carry on ,saying Bible have been corupted over the period of time and Quran has to NOT been corupted and muslims carry on those evil practices of 7th century to this day.If you would like to know what muslims are up to each and every day,just see www.thereligionofpeace.com and also www.compassdirect.org to see how you Christians are treated every day in Islamic countries. I will lay bet with you or any one out there that witin 100 years or maybe less USA will be a Muslim country. www.blip.tv/file/1382254 I was born a muslim and I know what I'm talking. See what happened to Sweden? and what is happening in EU. If you are a true christian,would you kindly read a Book by Bat Ye'or " The Decline Of Eastern Christianity Under Islam" Even your God will NOT be able to help us here.
synesthesia 1 year, 2 months ago
I feel like I should say something negative about buddhism to even up the numbers:
What is the deal with the Buddha being bald?? Is this what happens when you reach true enlightenment? Go bald... Maybe its like showing your defiance to the confines of the world. 'Hey, mom-earth, i've reached a new level of knowing and you can't hold me down anymore. I'm gonna shave my head. peace out. and you just float away with your head looking all shiny....like an enlightened ball-bearing...
And where do they get all that gold from to make those statues? Maybe theres more than monks in them there hills...Shaolin 49's.
episcopal_andrew 1 year, 2 months ago
sskai- Sources or it didn't happen