Understanding Islam

In the last several years, and especially since the initiation of the “war on terror” that the United States has been waging, I have heard many things said about Islam and Muslims. Some of what I hear is true. For instance, Muslims are not Christians. That is true, however typically I hear this statement in the following form: “They aren’t Christian.” Much of what I hear is at least partially, if not wholly, false. Often, I am unable to contradict falsehoods with fact. So, I have dedicated a group on the faith- and family-based social networking website, tangle.com, to answering questions about Islam based on historical fact, rather than presumption, assumption, and hearsay.

My hope in doing this is that quality questions are asked and answered in an environment that is readily accessible to people of the Christian faith. The goal is to try to bridge enclaves with understanding, regardless of belief -- to eliminate the “They”. Through this ‘de-Othering’ process, my goal is to point out particularities, regional differences, and the multiple interpretations in the Islamic faith. In part, this is an exercise for my benefit as well. I am not a scholar of the Islamic faith, and I know very little compared to those who study Religion, South Asia, or the Middle East. However, I hope that the process serves all well and those who graduate it will do so with more love in their hearts for all humankind.

So, please join me: tangle.com/understandingislam

Message me anytime with a question that you think needs to be answered.