Posted on 01/10/2004 1:30:11 PM PST by JeepInMazar
Praying in Texas |
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George W Bush may be backed by Christian fundamentalists but in his home state of Texas, Islam is the latest big draw. The Bible belt is transferring its allegiance to the Quran because, for many erstwhile Christians, believe it or not, the church is too liberal.
Eric was a Baptist preacher before he became a Muslim 14 years ago. Now he prays five times a day even in the middle of watching a football game. His wife, Karen, also a convert, is covered from head to toe in the traditional Muslim burka. Islam, says Eric, is everything I wanted Christianity to be. His mother has found it hard to come to terms with her sons conversion and believes he will return to the Christian faith: Then he will be a dynamic preacher. Eric says: Maybe some day shell embrace Islam.
Women are also becoming followers of Muhamed. Yasmine (previously Mindy) arranged a marriage for herself and has three children. Islam, she says is the solution to a lot of the prevailing evils: drugs, adultery, fornication Converts often see the religious laws more clearly than those who have been brought up as Muslims and Yasmine can spot a mistake at 20 paces. She believes that she has a unique opportunity to help people who are born into the religion get back to the fundamentals.
Catherine has been a Muslim for two weeks. She came from a privileged background private school followed by a career in PR. Now the established Muslim women guide her through the purification rituals as she washes before prayer and removes her nail varnish.
David is the only white Muslim in his little town on Route 66. He believes his new religion makes him a better American and, far from undermining liberties, gives the individual more rights. He had an arranged marriage and his wife, who was born a Muslim, was shocked by the strictness with which he insists they live their lives. His family a white man with his wife and daughter dressed in their hijabs (headscarves) are stared in the streets and supermarkets of their one-horse town.
There are 400,000 Muslims in Texas alone and Islam is the fastest growing religion in the USA. Since 9/11 there have been more converts to Islam than ever. Eric believes that people are trying to understand Muslims and want to learn about their religion. Yasmine says: America should not be afraid. If it would be better Muslims were the majority. If a child asks me: Who made this leaf? I say, Allah. Allah made everything.
I was really talking about the author of the article when I said Moron, but it seems to apply to you nicely as well.
Why do you say that? Your attitude demonstrates very little attempt at understanding my point or communicating your point effectively.
Don't presume to lecture me about what being a CHRISTIAN means you infidel.
Why do you say I am an infidel? What reasons bring you to this conclusion? Why do you say I would lecture you about being a Christian? I have merely pointed out that your use of the term "moron" against me and now the use of the word "infidel" when you know nothing about me has nothing to do with the attitude of Christ.
I agree.
These share all of the same characteristics of theistic fundamentalism-blind, unquestioning faith, based on the literal interpretation of ideas instead of any basis in fact, and yet vague enough to resist being refuted in the face of overwhelming evidence. Now do you all see where I was coming from when I said all forms of fundamentalism are the same?
Ok, you finally made your point clearly. I agee with you! I wasn't skirting the issue but missing your point when I misunderstood you calling me a moron and then an infidel!
There is no reason for name calling, however, even if I disagreed with you!
On the other hand, there are Americans who convert to Islam and the value of the article is to point that out even though it is not happening on as large of a scale as the Muslims or the BBC would lead us to believe. That is my only point. For Christian pastors in America to hide from that reality makes no sense to me. Some people in our churches are attracted to Islam, period. The church should try to do a better job at retaining such people but they can't if they deny the issue.
I'm sure Muhammad existed...there is quite a legacy of death in his name as well as a fair amount of written evidence of his life.
Muslims claim he wasn't literate, and therefore, the Quran was written down in various bits over a many year period of time. There are more than 1 version of the Quran, contrary to Muslim claims to the contrary, and there are also issues, such as the "Satanic Verses" made famous in the West by Salman Rushdie. The essence of those is Muhammad thought he was possessed by Satan. One can imagine why that wouldn't be a popular bit to leave in the Quran.
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