Progressive Islam, or how to accept it's time to start a-changin'

The Beirut Daily Star ^ | June 10, 2005 | William Fisher

[Shortwave]

By William Fisher Commentary by Friday, June 10, 2005

In the United States there is an impression that no internal struggle exists within Islam between reformers and more rigid conservatives. The truth is, however, that such an internal debate, centering on how to interpret the Koran, has been going on for centuries. It is also true that today the debate has risen to a new level, fueled by the emergence of a small but rapidly growing branch of the faith known as Progressive Islam.

[Shortwave]

The Muslim community as a whole cannot achieve justice unless justice is guaranteed for Muslim women. Gender equality is a measuring stick for the broader concerns of social justice and pluralism.

I've been saying this all along. Unless Muslims change the way they treat women, the face of Islam will remain the same.

[funkywbr]

It will be interesting to see how muslims go from treating their woman like less than a dog to a full and equal partner.

[tkathy]

Agreed. IMO polygamy as practiced by Islam contributes to the mistreatment and abuse of women.

[John Valentine]

Muslims need a reformation. What this guy is describing is Islam gone to an American University and put through liberal re-programming. MAybe that's a start.

The truth is that whenever I hear the words "social justice", I cringe, because I know somebody has a plan for me.

[telebob]

..."has been going on for centuries."

Yeah? Well it's taking too effing long.

[wideawake]

Muslims need a reformation.

The Reformation in Christianity began with a rejection of centralized authority and the adoption of a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Islam already has no centralized authority and is already predicated on the literal interpretation of a book.

The difference between Islam and Reformed Christianity is that the latter is based on a true book that does not advocate dangerous and immoral behavior.

The principle of organization in both is the same: local congregations, personal interpretation of the text in the light of the individual's favorite teachers, etc.

What Muslims need to do is to adopt the same sacred text as Christians.

[auburntiger]

>has been going on for centuries<

Less talk, more walk.

[John Valentine]

What Muslims need to do is to adopt the same sacred text as Christians.

Works for me!