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Christianity wouldn't be compatible with western culture if we followed the bible to the letter. Christianity has been effectively neutered by centuries of secular thought, other religions, not so much.
We know that Islam is not compatible with Western civilization, because we can look at nations where Islam is the majority religion and we see that - by accident or by design/interference of religion - that those societies end up being the polar opposite of what we value in the west.
- Poor outcomes for women
- Severe third class status for religious minorities
- No LGBT rights
- No sexual or expressive freedom of speech
- Racial and ethnic minorities tend to not fare well either
This really isn't debatable. There are basically NO progressive Muslim societies. And guess what kids, Islam is the only religion that's actually growing. So think about what THAT'S going to look like 100 years or so from now if you're actually a progressive/liberal --- or even libertarian --- person.
Islam is also a "revealed" religion. It is different fundamentally than Buddhism and Hinduism - and even Christianity - in many ways. Not least of which the fact that its founder was NOT peaceful. He was a violent warlord. Again, this is not debatable. Also, unlike the Bible, the latter portions of the Koran are actually more violent than early portions, and the latter parts abrogate the earlier parts. The "peace" in Islam only comes when the entire world is Muslim and there's a worldwide caliphate. THAT'S the part that apologists always leave out.
Christianity wouldn't be compatible with western culture if we followed the bible to the letter. Christianity has been effectively neutered by centuries of secular thought, other religions, not so much.
But it's a paradox, no? Because the enlightenment and secular thought process grew OUT of the experiences of Western peoples (including Latin America) reacting to and against the church.
And there was enough leeway in the church and Christianity to accept secularism. Islam has no tradition of that. It is 2017 and we still debate whether it's acceptable to even draw Mohammed as a CARTOON.
We don't have several hundred years to wait around for Islam to go through its reformation. What value does it bring to western society otherwise?
None of the above prevents women in Christian-dominated societies from being independent of men.
Interestingly enough, before the extremists took over Muslim-centric regions in other countries, PLENTY of women were independent of men. Look at Afghanistan in the 60s. Perhaps the problem isn't the religion itself but the application and interpretation of religious law by people already given to extremist attitudes. See: Quiverful movement, Duggars, Mormonism, anti-evolution education stance.
That's really hard with Islam because it is more than just a religion. It is a system of laws and governance. The non observant Muslims are just like everybody else, but the devout raise some problems. There was a devout Muslim that worked in the same building as me on my last assignment. He looked at his feet when I walked by and refused to speak to me because I am a woman. Now how do you reconcile that with a country where you can be sued for sexual discrimination?
And that's just a start...
Conservative Islamic and Orthdox Jewish tradition share many viewpoints as it relates to men's interactions with women.
Islam teachings are NOT compatible because I know of no Americans that want their heads chopped off ,driven over,blown up or shot at.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finn_Jarber
Yes, lethal injection is the American way.
+1. I find it amusing that people such as Taratova conveniently forget all the incredibly violent teachings in the Bible that Christians ironically call the "Good Book." Not only that, the Quran has many passages discussing love, acceptance, and caring toward others. But many Christians, instead of actually reading the Quran or meeting Muslims to discuss their religion, simply declare the entire religion to be a violent one based on the actions of a few people. And let's not forget how many homicides occur in the US on a regular basis by people who aren't Muslim. Some of these people are even members of the Christian clergy
Buddhism is compatible because it is not strictly a religion so much as philosophical belief. Buddha made it clear that he taught a way of living, of achieving inner peace, practicing the Dhamma (understanding and healing one's own nature or one's own quality or character) to overcome Dukkha ("suffering", "pain" or "unhappiness".)
While Christ taught much the same, his was as a savior, a path to God. Buddha taught a path to understanding ones self. I see no reason why they cannot compliment each other. Hinduism is much the same, however I'm not familiar enough to form an opinion.for their religion, race, or sex. I only hate, literally hate, hypocrites... which I guess is my shortcoming.
In basic theory, a Buddhist should not pick up arms and harm another human (or any life)....
Christians seem to glorify in it if you look at certain parts of our armed services.
I know the real world differs from theory - but Christians are many times more violent in the real world than their actual philosophy should make them. Bad translations I guess. Or, a good way of wiping out other religions.
Islam is not my personal fave. However, if it has a different name (Christian) and "stood up for itself" we might have different views on it. I think that is what turns a lot of people off to Islam - the followers are pretty smart and good warriors.
On the other hand, that small % of Muslims who still believe in the "enslavement" and "convert" thing need a little updating. Islam needs it's own reformation. It seems other religions have done this in order to fit into the modern world.
Christianity wouldn't be compatible with western culture if we followed the bible to the letter. Christianity has been effectively neutered by centuries of secular thought, other religions, not so much.
Same is true about Buddhism and Induism. The Buddhism and Induism some Westerners adhere to (yoga, meditation and all that) are just watered down versions, made palatable for the Western audience. Real practices of the Oriental religions: the Indian set-in-iron caste system with not a chance of social mobility, the worship of the cow or the Buddhist strict ascetisism would not go down well here.
Liberals don't care who, or what Religion or ideology is allowed into this Country or any Western Country. They all live in Disneyland, where everyone lives happily ever after. Adding Islam to a Western Society is like adding oil to water. It doesn't mix. The other do mix, and do not try to force their beliefs on others or don't have "Infidels." Sharia Law is worse than Barbarian Laws in History. Those who believe in it and/or practice it, are a threat to humanity and life.
First mosque in the US was created in the 1920's by Syrians in North Dakota.
Majority of Sharia Law covers financial and family disputes.
Like many religions, Islam is none too keen with homosexuality. The Quran does not however, prescribe punishment.
Plenty of countries ban Sodomy and they are not all Muslim majority countries. Conversely, some Muslim majority countries do not have such laws.
Closer to home, in 1960, every US state had a Sodomy Law on the books. Punishments included heavy fines and/ or imprisionment with some states denying voting rights and/ or driver's licenses to anyone convicted of the crime of Sodomy.
It was not until 2003 that SCOTUS ruled that state and municipal Sodomy laws were unconstitutional. Nonetheless, the laws remain on the books in 13 states and do so as a stand for Christian values.
No shortage of countries in the world that have laws rooted in religion and it's certainly not limited to Islam.
Several of the original Puritan colonies banned acknowledgement of Christmas or celebrations. In other words, the original War on Christmas was waged by Christians. Immigrants refused to assimilate and eventually laws were changed.
Politicians have used religion as a tool to control the masses, since forever.
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Interestingly enough, before the extremists took over Muslim-centric regions in other countries, PLENTY of women were independent of men. Look at Afghanistan in the 60s. Perhaps the problem isn't the religion itself but the application and interpretation of religious law by people already given to extremist attitudes. See: Quiverful movement, Duggars, Mormonism, anti-evolution education stance.
