Praying in Texas
Posted on 01/10/2004 1:30:11 PM PST by JeepInMazar
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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 Qur’an 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 son’s conversion and believes he will return to the Christian faith: ‘Then he will be a dynamic preacher.’ Eric says: ‘Maybe some day she’ll 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.”’
2. They don't like Bush
3. Bush is from Texas
4. They allegedly found the only "Baptists" in the state to go Muslim
5. As a Texas Southern Baptist this tells me that the reporter may have found the weirdest bunch outside of Huntsville Prison, or else the reporter is going for the Jason Blair/Stephen Glass award.
Exactly. Muslims who convert to Islam in America have no idea what they are getting themselves into.
Bingo. Islam is the only world religion that has been established after Christianity. It really is a Christian cult which has grown into the size of a world religion.
I agree, but there are plenty of Christian theocrats around, including a substantial contingent on this forum
You are right. The argument from the Muslims is that the Jews and the Christians have changed the Bible.
On the other hand, there will be more extensive studies published this year about how the Quran that exists today is different from the original manuscripts which are finally being studied in a critical manner.
Do you know the guy? I'm curious how you know that
There is no objective evidence to back up these stats, which were likely obtained from CAIR, or the kook being interviewed.
Maybe public schools should not get involved in religion, but what is wrong with religious component to education. What is so bad about teaching children that there is a religious tradition and belief that there is one God who created the heavens and the earth? Why withhold information from children in the education process?
The ACLU is able to bring a school to court to prevent (Christian) prayer because they know that the Christians will not declare a fatwa that the plaintiffs should be put to death, nor will the Christians embark on a Jihad to level ACLU headquarters and the court building
Maybe so, but he was never a Christian.
Well, aren't Baptists Christians? Before you flame me with theology, I think I know where you are coming from. I am a follower of Christ, but I think it is a mistake for us to take on such a limited use of the word Christian as if it only applies to us or should only apply to us.
This guy was a Baptist and thus in the broad sense of the word, he was a Christian. Did he have a deep understanding of the person and nature of Christ as the Bible teaches? Probably not. But most people who call themselves Christians don't know the Bible very well.
What is? Care to explain what you mean?
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