Posted on 01/26/2011 2:09:52 AM PST by Cronos
The First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford has partnered with the Interfaith Dialog Center (IDC) of New Jersey to present a unique educational opportunity for the community to read the Qur'an in an environment designed to promote respect and mutual understanding of all faiths and cultures.
Participants will read the Qur'an from cover to cover over a period of 10 weeks and are invited and encouraged to attend weekly one-hour discussions led by IDC experts on the assigned surahs (or chapters).
The sessions are designed to review the week's readings, explore similarities and differences with the Bible and foster meaningful discussion. The program will begin with an introductory session on Sunday, Feb. 6, at 1 p.m. and is currently scheduled to complete before Easter.
There is no charge for the course and enrollment is open until Friday, Jan. 28, through the Church website, www.fpcrutherford.org, or by contacting the Church office at 201-438-3569. For more information on the Interfaith Dialog Center, visit www.idcnj.org or e-mail the Church at fpcor@fpcrutherford.org. The program is open to everyone in the community. One does not need to be a member of the Church to participate.
To Muslims it’s a sign of weakness and a foot in the door to destroying Christianity and furthering their goal of infecting the US with Sharia Law. There is no “mutual understanding”. It’s our way or the hiway with muzzies.
heh, heh, yes. Or better, let’s name your little piglet “Moe” day :)
“to promote respect and mutual understanding of all faiths and culture”
From the pure muslim perspective this is to deceive and falsely ingratiate the host culture.
The evil tenets of Islam are contrary to common sense and decency.
I do think it would be more fitting to have a “Read the Bible” series and invite the community.
Perhaps the people doing this have good intentions (though we should remember something about those). In all honesty, I cannot see this as a good thing. If this were an islam 101-type class, taught by Robert Spencer, indicating the dangers therein, or if perhaps the individuals holding this reading were pointing out, say, the sword verse and what the koran claims about Jesus, that’d be one thing. Aside from that, I must agree with Cronos - it cannot be good.
Having knowledge of what the koran teaches those who follow islam is good and important for any Christian, especially as regards those verses pertaining to their figure of Jesus (Issa), or perscribed treatment of Christians.
But in light of those things, I doubt many will feel “respect and mutual understanding.”
Abby — you must know your enemy as well. We hear too much of how Izlam is the “religion of p**” — which any cursory or deep reading of the Qur’an shows as a lie.
You are right, Cronos. My only fear is that some people might indulge only in attempts at ecumenism, where, as you say, awareness is the most important thing. That was why I mentioned the illustrious Mr. Spencer. I suspect that there are many of the more fervent (or perhaps a better word is zealous) members of the religion-of-pieces who would love an end to those standing up and shouting the truth of their positions back at them. It is my sincere hope that any who attend these readings are told what abrogation is, in the islamic sense, and that they pay special attention to what that means, in the end. (And once again, I’m too wordy - sorry ;) )
The course sounds interesting, but I would be concerned that the truth would be glossed over.
The only thing I can say in favor of reading it I hope the discussion leader is really good. I attended a six part series on Islam and it left you knowing that Islam is at war with all other faiths.
Here's hoping any christians who might attend this are well fed and Spirit led.So any so-called experts (ie apologists) don't get a free pass to waltz in amongst God's own children with some other gospel.
"which cannot be good"
You said it!
I heard someone on the radio from an organization called www.theird.org (Institute for Religion and Democracy) saying that there is a strong movement within and supported by the PCUSA to support Palestine and criticize Israel.
Why should any Christian have a respect for "all faiths"? Certainly any Christian should repsect all men, Christian and reprobate alike, as having dignithy in that they were created in God's image. Love thy neighbor. But why in world wold anyone have "respect" for a faith they know is false and will lead its followers straight to hell? It demonstrates to me a fundamental lack of belief and constitutes a clear fruit of apostasy which Jesus warned us to know them by.
In other words,to walk in lock step with the UN which isn't far from being in lock step with the god of this world.
Jesus' sheep hear His voice and sooner or later ALL that are His will "come out from among them"
I wonder if this Presbyterian Church has ever had a “read in” of the Westminster Confession of Faith. For most Presbyterians that would be a REAL radical act!
mo’s word ain’t gospel, it ain’t good news, it is “kill and you’ll get 72 virgins and 18 young boys” (no info about whether those virgins are male or female...)
Your statement is absolutely right, and it definitely does demonstrate a fundamental lack of belief.
“There is no charge for the course”
We were warned about false gospels.
...and oh but there will be a heavy price to pay.
I’m actually all for this. I’d start with the sword verses and then wait for the esteemed Imam to explain them to the assembled infidels.
I bought a book called “Who Speaks for Islam”. I waded through the first 30 or so pages of the book, and then I got to the bit about the sword verses.
Bottom line: “They are there, it’s part of what we believe, so deal with it.”
In other words, “Islam is responsible for most of the world’s deadly conflicts because we believe that if we can’t convince you to join, some of us will kill you, and the great majority of the rest of us, while not having the guts to do the same thing, applaud the effort of the rest.”
There’s no defending it. There is every provocation in the world to launch a brand new crusade against Islam. Alas, most of the rest of the world hasn’t had their ‘Van Gogh’ moment yet as Holland has.
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