Can't agree

Submitted by Kepha Hor (United States), Jan 9, 2014 at 19:40

Prashant, I cannot agree to a boycott of halal businesses.

I do not like Islam, for I am a Christian, and have studied enough of the Qur'an and Hadith to not like what I read.

But a lot of people are better than their religions, and that is true about Muslims, too. In Taiwan, where I have gone on many family visits, I have enjoyed halal food in restaurants, for there are some specialty items they do best. When living there, I taught Muslim as well as Buddhist, Daoist, and Christian students. I got to talk with Muslims in various places, too.

In parts of the eastern US, where I often go for family and friends, I have eaten a lot of kosher food, even though as a Christian, I do not believe that these laws hold since the coming of the Messiah. But people are hospitable to me, some kosher restaurants serve things that I think they do well, so I will eat in such situations.

I am not a Buddhist or high-caste Hindu. But, every so often, especially when in Chinese-speaking areas, I will have a vegetarian meal, because some places do vegetarian food really well.

Yes, I will fight for what I believe in against people who attack me. I certainly favor my religion over others'. But if I don't have to, I will not scorn someone who's simply trying to make an honest living.

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