what REALLY needs to change

Submitted by Jim (United States), May 18, 2006 at 02:32

It seems that the real problem with Islam is not necessarily what it says. After all, Christianity says a lot of questionable things in texts, that seem to conflict with modern society-- but in Christian societies, thinking has EVOLVED. Christians rarely use the Bible as the sole guide in living their lives. Instead, the Bible is a general guide, while the changes in modern times have resulted in many Christians openning to other religions, and more accepting of other views. For example, many Christians are becoming more culturally accepting of gays, even though it's not accepted in a strict Christian interpretation.

The problem with Islam is the strict way in which its followers adhere to the words. For example, in attempt to justify Islam, some people will point to exact quotes from the Koran that promote peace. WHY DO THESE PEOPLE NEED TO POINT TO QUOTES?!?! Other major religions have generally grown to incorporate an element of "Common Sense" into their religions. For example, other religions have become more tolerant of each other, not necessarily because of writing in their texts, but probably moreso because of societal interactions with other schools of thought.

Muslims need to stop looking at the Koran for every single aspect of their lives. They need to start observing the world a bit, interacting with other religions, and realize how the rest of the world has progressed mainly because of ideas like freedom of speech, freedom of religions, and freedom of expression. They need to address how the Koran, a text written more than 1,000 years ago, in a very different time and society, does and does not apply to our modern lives. This is what Christians, Jews, and Hindus, as well as others have done. While many religious texts speak strongly against atheism, modern religions realize that it is a way of thought, and while people may disagree, atheists and non-believers of a religion should not be criminalized for their thoughts. It's time that Muslims stop regarding every word of the Koran as absolutely true, and instead adapt its thought to a very different society, and in the process realize that not every word of the Koran should be followed dogmatically....

in a couple words, they need to WAKE UP.

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