Posted on 11/15/2008 6:19:35 AM PST by reaganaut1
Up to some time ago I was convinced that Muhammad was a historical figure. Although I always based my thinking on the assumption that the Islamic historical narrative regarding Muhammad was very unreliable, I had no doubts that at least the basic lines of his biography were historically correct.
I have now moved away from this position and will soon publish a book in which I will, among other things, comment on this question and explain my arguments in more detail. This essay is only a short summary of my most important arguments. It also deals with the question of what implications historical-critical research has for the Islamic theory and how I deal with my research results as a theologian.
With regard to the historical existence of Muhammad ... I consider my position simply as a continuation of the most recent research results. It appears so spectacular only because it has been said by a Muslim ... Most Western scientists turn down such an hypotheses out of respect for Islam or because they are afraid of the reactions of their Muslim friends or because they think it is speculative nonsense.
The word "respect" sounds wonderful but it is completely inappropriate here because one really refers to the opposite. Whoever thinks that Muslims can't deal with facts puts Muslims on the same level as small children who can't think and decide for themselves and whose illusions of Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny one doesn't want to destroy.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Most religious scriptures are mythology. They are not historical. they are used to power the imagination to create a Deity in the realm of the imagination and give it power connecting it to the mind of the universe through the power of symbolism which is the language of the sub and super conscious. In this way we create divinities and other structures (prophets, apostles,saints etc)that are a gateway between the subconscious and the conscious. The literal meanings of these scriptures are but starting points on the way of understandings. the truths are buried as the ancients hid their truths in mythologies. By delving deeper into them we become deeper persons and connect with our deeper selves. That is we connect without own spirituality which is the real issue.
LOL!
The author will be a dead man walking.
Talk to the Obama people. I’m sure they could find a certificate of live birth, draft registration, etc. /S
Certainly a mistake having his picture published on the front page of the WSJ.
“The mind of the universe?” Sound likes a mythology to me.
Is this the best you guys could do? Gee, I really thought I was going to bring down a firestorm with my post. I am very disappointed in you guys (grin)
I'm sorry but I've heard this cocktail party tripe from so many "spiritual" but not "religious" people who believe they are expressing some profound truth, I really wasn't expecting it here. I thought you were trying to be funny.
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Just adding to the catalog, not sending a general distribution. |
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