lowing wrote:
CameronPoe wrote:
I'm willing to bet that not a single fucking soul on this forum has fully read either the Bible, Torah or Q'uran and yet we're all fucking theologians on the evidence of our posts. This is nonsense. How people can make 'expert' comments on three documents that contradict themselves every ten paragraphs I'll never know.
I am not a nexpert on anything, I simply know enough as to what is really happening when we want to "interpret" shit. It is not to seek truth, it is to bend and or justify the word to satisfy our own agendas.
There is only one word of Jesus, or Muhammad. Follow it or do not follow it. You need not be an expert to understand that. Even theologians will "interpret" to satisfy their own agendas. So are they any more crediable than anyone else?
Who on this planet is REALLY qualified to say what the truth really is about life after death?
come on. Both the bible and the Koran are full of contradictions, and inaccuracies; and if you look at the way these "fact books" came to pass, there is simply no way you could argue that the meaning is always clear, and needs no interpretation.
Moreover, if I recall correctly, there is not even a single theological authority who would form an "official" interpretation of the koran ( as the pope does for roman catholics, for example ). Hence why there are sunnis, ans shi'as, and countless other muslim sects, each claiming they follow "true" islam. That is also why with every imam and muslim scholar you put on TV, you'll get a different version of islam, and its teachings.
From my point of view, that is one, if not the biggest issue that is holding back Islam, and keeping it from developing into a modern religion.
Unclear interpretation, that leads to confusion among its followers.
The same is true for catholicism/christianity to a certain degree, although the catholic church has traditionally given the "official" ( i.e. canonical ) interpretation of the words of the bible. Why ? Because even they acknowledge that the "word" isn't always clear, and accurate, and that it is important that the followers get a clear message as to what it means, historically, and today.
Another reason is, of course, so that the catholic church may retain the power base and control over its followers. But they don't say that in public.
But even the catholic church, as powerful as they are, were not able to stop other christian religions from forming, people who would no longer subscribe to the catholic church's interpretation of the bible. Luther and the protestants come to mind.
Today, just as islam, and judaism, christianity is spread into many variations, from liberal protestants and lutherans, to traditional roman catholics, orthodox, evangelical christians, and even some "crazy" ones, such as the jehova's witnesses.
Did I say "crazy"? sorry, I meant "restorationist"....
Bottom Line ? When it comes to religious scripture, it's all about interpretation. This is true on all levels, be it the canonical version of the roman catholic church, the wild preachings of the evangelical christians, or your very own, personal version of the "word".
But regardless of the interpretation, you all share the same base, and thus, you're all members of the same religion.
And from my point of view, no single person or group of persons has the authority to claim the one true interpretation for themselves, and pass judgement on the others.
sorry for the derail. Now back on topic. anyone left to argue that Europe will be overrun by muslims shortly ?