Islam and UU (minority, blood, mission, doctrine, churches)

[Nozem]

I am pleased that Cisco has started this thread. Here in the UK the events of 7th July 2005 have made us aware that there is a danger from a small number of Islamic fundamentalists who are committed to acts of horrific violence. One can focus on the terrorists, the people who have aided them, and those who justify them. Yet there were many Muslim organisations and individuals who were horrified by the bombings and made this clear, there were Muslims who were casualties of the bombings, and there were Muslims in emergency services and health service who did their utmost to assist those who were suffering whatever their background. I think that is important for Unitarians in Britain to have no illusions concerning the risk to our safety and security from a tiny demented band of extremists but also to ensure that we help to realise that Muslims generally are appreciated as being part of our society in 2006. Ideas on how we can do this are welcome.

[Green Gaia]

We had a Muslim speaker at our church a couple Sunday's ago. He talked about why he loves Islam and the ways UU and Islam is similar and different. But I think most importantly he talked about how we should be reaching out to each other UUs and Muslims in this culture of extremism.

[Ciscokid]

Originally Posted by Maize

We had a Muslim speaker at our church a couple Sunday's ago. He talked about why he loves Islam and the ways UU and Islam is similar and different. But I think most importantly he talked about how we should be reaching out to each other UUs and Muslims in this culture of extremism.

What were some of his suggestions? To be candid, I think the Islamic community [the positive portion] needs to be louder than hell about how they feel. I think the Islamic community should be [if they're not already] putting together humanitarian aid and resources to help those who have been victims of terrorism.

I normally would frown upon self recognition of charity, but in the case I think it would be good to subtly inform people of how "real" Muslims feel.

Right now as it stands...I honestly believe there are "good" Muslims....but I get the impression that they have no vocal leader(s).

From what I've seen, UU's are proud of their "stop talking and take action" attitude. What ACTION is the Muslim community taking? The idle statements like "We do not condone the violent actions of the terrorists" don't cut it.

[Green Gaia]

He said that "real" Muslims need to be educating other Muslims about what it means it be Muslim. That violence of any kind is not on the menu. "Let there be no compulsion in religion." He also stressed that interfaith dialogues between religions who may not believe the same but all want peace is essential to bringing about peace.

I'm sure he has more thoughts and ideas on how to change the perception of Islam from not only the outside but the inside as well, but this was not the main topic of the discussion and only mentioned the above when asked a question about how he felt about what was going on in the Muslim world.

[flysky]

Anyone who leaves in Boston check out the Open House in Islamic Center for more info
http://icne.net

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Ciscokid

I have been thinking about something for a while now and wish to have other thoughts and opinions. One can make a case that the religion of Islam is one that supports terrorism and killing non-believers.

If this is true, If a case can be made then should Muslims be allowed to join UU churches?

It's not true.

Originally Posted by Ciscokid

I have been told that peaceful Muslims are not "pure" or "orthodox" Muslims...meaning they are not obeying the Koran when it comes to defeating the infidels etc.

And why do you think that these people have more authority than the peaceful Muslims?