Tuesday, August 09, 2011

The Subtle Domination Of Sharia Law, and How Freedom Can Win

The Subtle Domination Of Sharia Law, and How Freedom Can Win

Sharia Law is being integrated into some parts of U.S. communities much like it has in the UK, but is being fought back to some degree in countries like Australia.

A survey conducted by Mapping Sharia discovered that of 100 randomly selected mosques in the U.S., 51% had texts on site rated as severely advocating violence; 30% had texts rated as moderately advocating violence; and 19% had no violent texts at all.

Also discovered was that 84.5% of those mosques had imams recommending the reading of pro-violence texts. 58% of those mosques also invited guest imams to speak who promote violent jihad. Sharia-adherent mosques were more likely to recommend that a worshiper study violence-positive texts.

Nothing to see here, folks. Let's worry about the Tea Party terrorist grannies instead. Now, THEY're scary. Obummer et al said so, so it must be true!



Repeat after me, class... Islam is peaceful. We must not think ill of ANY Muslims, EVER! When we see inconvenient negative evidence connected to Islam and/or any Muslim or Muslims, we must look the other way and pretend it's not real. And always remember to hail Obama!

82 comments:

balbulican said...

Before we begin this discussion, Sentinel, let me set the context with two simple questions.

a) Did you read the study?

b) Do you unequivocally oppose clerics who suggest that students review text that may advocate violence?

Canadian Sentinel said...

I see you're putting ur adult education education to work.

Sorry, but I'm not your indoctrinee, nor your manipulee, Balbsy.

Either dismiss the evidence or examine it and realize that, hey, there's something going on with Islam...

Oh, how's your coffee, by the way? What's that, your third cup?

Canadian Sentinel said...

By the way, I'm not going to play your obvious games, Balbs. I know where it would lead if I did. To equivocation between Islam and Chrisitanity, even though we know that Christians aren't plotting to impose their ways as are Muslims. It's not the same thing at all.

Plus the Muslims have the state apparatus behind them whereas the Christians are being persecuted thereby.

Canadian Sentinel said...

Ok, fellows, have at Balbsy. I regret that I'm just too busy to play in the sandbox as much as I used to. Oh, and no throwing the buried kitty patties at each other! Hahaha!

balbulican said...

Thanks for confirming that you haven't actually read the article. No further comment required. :)

Canadian Sentinel said...

Oh? How did my ignoring your question lead you to the conclusion that I didn't read it?

That's not logical.

Then again, look who I'm dealing with...

Canadian Sentinel said...

As for no further comment from you... ok. :D

balbulican said...

I don't hate it at all, my friend. I enjoy it.

But seriously - it would help if you'd read the stuff you link to. Makes for a more interesting discussion. Otherwise you're forced into evasions and insult. (See above). :)

∞ ≠ ø said...

@ balbulican

http://shariahinamericancourts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Sharia_Law_And_American_State_Courts_1.4_06212011.pdf

Canadian Sentinel said...

For the record, folks, I do read the stuff to which I link.

I assume so does Balbulican.

I can only shrug and feel that perhaps his reading comprehension might be a tad wanting... Or perhaps he just wants to split hairs on some points in an attempt to reframe, to muddy, to create a bit of smoke... He's pretty darn good at that stuff. Dunno why he wastes his talents on me. It'd be better employed in going after the Obamacrats...

balbulican said...

Excellent, Sentinel.

So you can explain to the readers exactly what the phrase "texts severely advocating violence" means.

Canadian Sentinel said...

Sure, if you first do your impression of Robert De Niro juggling while telling a dirty joke.

∞ ≠ ø said...

Nah. What I netted from our last exchange was complete insincerity.
His views are willingly myopic and his elitism will not allow him to reflect, with any seriousness, upon what is said here.

So, I believe, the answer is unabashed silliness. Since his latest remark was about reading, I offered him a link to a 630 page primary research document. He can read it for all I care. But, he won't. Silly isn't it.

Brilliant Sentinel!
You beat me to it!

glacierman said...

Which brings me to the point that in today's Superstore flyer, in the top left corner is a 2.5" banner which shows the Crescent Moon & Stars (representing the 12 pillars of Islam), the Temple Mount in white and the words "Ramadan Kapeem" in Aribic style script.
Under the picture: In bright red letters in English script is "Ramadan (August 10-14)", second line: "Some items may not be available in all stores."
There are then 5 items which are on special for the Islamic holy fast (READ: FEASTING & GLUTTONY)!!!(but only a night-time!

The Islamic "mosque" in my city of over 100K is a former little Apostolic Church which holds less than 100 people. But Superstore advertises nationally, but the message is getting out there. Ramadan is equal to Christmas and Easter and will be treated the same.

∞ ≠ ø said...

Ooooh! Pick me! Pick me!

I think it means texts advocating violence severely.

balbulican said...

Scenty - so, you're not clear on what they meant by texts advocating violence?

Glacierman:

You're probably aware that in Canada, folks are allowed to practice whatever religion they want, and in fact several Members of Parliament, including Conservatives, are Muslim.

You may also be aware that entrepreneurs and businesses, through the marketing process, direct advertising messages to potential groups of purchasers of their goods and services, frequently based on seasonal considerations.

May I ask why, then, you seem to take exception to a private sector vendor targeting a marketing message to a specific demographic based on their religious celebration?

glacierman said...

Balb, just like your religion?

No such thing as a god in your worldview, so why do you take exception to these posts?

Really curious!!!

glacierman said...

Balbs, so by allowing others to practice their religion, does that also include the woman punching David Menzies in the face when he was taking pictures of him...that kind of practicing their religion?

You are a religious lightweight, with no spiritual discernment; your lectures are tiresome and redundant.

If you would be so kind as to let the readers know what your family member, who married a Muslim, is, a man or a woman? I have some more questions for you when you answer this one. I will not be criticize, ridicule or demean the family member. I have some serious questions for you!

balbulican said...

"I had no idea that there was any freedom of religion in Canada!"

Glad to enlighten you.

Tell me something, and for once tell the simple, personal truth, instead of relying on this silly stuff you're coming to rely on more and more.

Tell me of one occasion when you, personally, have been constrained from practicing your faith. And be honest.

balbulican said...

"No such thing as a god in your worldview, so why do you take exception to these posts?"

Well, Glacierman, it's because in Canada, we believe that Hindus, Christians, Jews, Muslims and atheists are free to believe what they want, and you seem to be suggesting it should be otherwise. And when I ask you directly whether you are endorsing legal discrimination against Muslims - you duck. Sentinel, to his credit, has said that he does not. And this is a blog, right? A place where people discuss issues, right?

That's why.

"does that also include the woman punching David Menzies in the face when he was taking pictures of him...that kind of practicing their religion?"

Uh...nope. I don't believe that punching people in the face is part of Islam, any more than I believe screaming "God Hates Fags" at the funeral of American servicemen is Christianity - although both parties claim it is.

For a slightly more adult discussion of the Menzies event, you may wish to visit these two threads.

http://drdawgsblawg.ca/2011/08/how-to-get-assaulted-by-evil-muslims-win-friends-and-influence-people.shtml

http://drdawgsblawg.ca/2011/08/the-scopophilic-gaze.shtml

'I will not be criticize, ridicule or demean the family member.'

I'm sorry, GC, I don't believe you. You tend toward personal insults. If you have an issue you wished me to comment on without exposing my family or staff to your contempt, I'll be happy to do so.

balbulican said...

Glacierman, you haven't explained why a "conservative' feels the private sector shouldn't be advertising to a specific market. Why?

glacierman said...

Balb,
Once again, logic is lost on you.

We have the right in this country to believe what we want, but the kicker is that it must fall under the laws of the land. Practicing full-on Rastafarianism is not leagal, as it is only real if you are smoking dope all the time (felony). Just like the Eastern Asian religious folks are aborting their girls regularily at the abortion mills in favour of boys so they can keep their money and then get the dowry's of those who do choose to keep their girls alive.

You have the Trudeaupian La-La sense that all religions are equal, as religions can cross cultures but are not compatible with each other for the most part. Basic tenants of the major faiths are very similar, but the biggest differences are in the crossing of the "laws" and the punishment that is doled out for the "sins".

When stoning is a legitimate form of punishment within the Sariah laws of Islam, it is not compatible with the Jewish, Buddhist, or Shinto forms of religion. They do not practice these forms of barbarity like the fundamental Muslims do.

As for your enlightened threads, all you did was linked to what you have said here, which was nothing more than a opportunity to use "really...really" fancy words to say pretty much nothing about a man being assaulted in public, then having the police become judge & jury instead of upholding the laws of the land as they now stand. Nice try, but a waste of my time.

Talk about ducking and hiding regarding the family issue. I don't know you and you don't me. We will meet, eventually. But not likely on this plain. My intention is not to ridicule but to ask some pointed questions, food for thought and revelation into the world of Islam from someone who has ties to it, but not immersed in it. I really want to know your thoughts on the life they are now living and their relationship. No prying, just living stuff, from an outsiders perspective.

balbulican said...

"Once again, logic is lost on you."

Yeah, yeah.

"The kicker is that it must fall under the laws of the land."

Agreed.

"Practicing full-on Rastafarianism is not leagal."

Correct.

"Eastern Asian religious folks are aborting their girls regularily at the abortion mills..."

I don't think that's a "religious" practice so much as a cultural one, so I'm not clear on your point.

'You have the Trudeaupian La-La sense that all religions are equal, as religions can cross cultures but are not compatible with each other for the most part. Basic tenants of the major faiths are very similar, but the biggest differences are in the crossing of the "laws" and the punishment that is doled out for the "sins".

Not quite clear on your point here. I understand that different religions share both similarities and differences, and I have written about "religion" as the spiritual expression of a culture in response to a specific set of environmental, historical and geographic circumstances. So yes, I understand that all religions share certain principles, and that all religions differ in the expression of those principles.

(It's "tenets", by the way, not "tenants". You've misused that term a few times.)

"They do not practice these forms of barbarity like the fundamental Muslims do."

Yup. True.

"As for your enlightened threads...a waste of my time."

To be honest, I didn't post it for you. I was pretty sure you wouldn't get the point. I posted it for other readers who might.

"My intention is not to ridicule but to ask some pointed questions."

So ask. As I said, I will answer completely and honestly - despite the fact that you have twice ignored a fairly simple question. To refresh your memory, that was:

"you haven't explained why a "conservative' feels the private sector shouldn't be advertising to a specific market. Why should they not?"

You want me to trust you? So stop the ducking and answer.

glacierman said...

"you haven't explained why a "conservative' feels the private sector shouldn't be advertising to a specific market. Why should they not?"

Didn't say they should or should not, you are once again projecting my statements to say something I was not. Show the money to the advertisers and they will print almost anything.

Case in point. A local sex shop placed an ad in the local paper which comes to our door without subscription, a teaser. It promotes the arts and local events. This past Easter, the ad had looked like it was advertising chocolate bunnies, but upon more than a glance, the ad was a picture of a vibrator in the shape and color of a purple rabbit. We phoned the paper which published this and complained. The response was that it had slipped through, the regular editor was away on vacation and the fill-in did not catch the ad, as this business had been known, by the editor's admission, to constantly push the envelope. This is part and parcel of the advertising world.

This type of advertising would be better suited to an "adult" or "alternative" lifestyle publication, not a daily rag, which any child could look at right out of the mail-slot.

When the atheist get their shorts in a knot over Christmas and Easter advertising as much as they do about the Ramadan advertising, then you will have something to say.

Right now, all I hear are crickets.

glacierman said...

"So ask. As I said, I will answer completely and honestly"

Was the family member a female marrying into a Muslim family or vice-versa?

balbulican said...

"Didn't say they should or should not."

Well, I'm asking. You appeared to have a problem with it, and I'm wondering what that was. If not, what on earth was the point of your extended description of an ad targeted at Muslims??

"This type of advertising would be better suited to an "adult" or "alternative" lifestyle publication, not a daily rag, which any child could look at right out of the mail-slot."

I agree. What does that have to do with a superstore flyer?

"When the atheist get their shorts in a knot over Christmas and Easter advertising as much as they do about the Ramadan advertising, then you will have something to say."

I'm an atheist, and I don't care whether fliers are advertising to Christians, Jews, Muslims or Hindus. Why should I?

∞ ≠ ø said...

verisimilitude

Perhaps an unintended triple entendre.

Worth the price of admission!

“…they chose figures of speech that remained incomprehensible to the non-initiated…”
Iamblechos

∞ ≠ ø said...

My Niece Married a Muslim

I remember that one. Hank Williams I think;)

∞ ≠ ø said...

If there is any interest in my neck of the woods Google "ISA Fairfax County" Pick a representative sample.
Wiki is a fair place to begin.

This is very on topic.

Also visit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dar_Al-Hijrah

Perhaps after a peek here some seriousness will ensue.

glacierman said...

"Well, I'm asking. You appeared to have a problem with it, and I'm wondering what that was. If not, what on earth was the point of your extended description of an ad targeted at Muslims??"

Multiculturalism is the problem, not the ad, Balb!

The "brights" in our Liberal society believe that when people of the world all get together and play in the same sandbox and bring their own rules, that it is only the enlightened ones who will be able to get along with everyone else without any tension or conflict. It is impossible to do, but the social experiment is going very wrong, just look at England over the past 4-5 days, Philidelphia, Somalia, Serbia...
When a segment of society is growing and pushing into another society, there are changes just like the ad for Ramadan. I am merely pointing to the fact that the advertisers are acknowledging the increase in changing demographics. They are usually the first ones to recognize and try and capitalize on the emerging markets. I am merely pointing it out.

Do I like it, that our society is moving to Islamitization, not at all, but then again, it does allow me the opportunity to share Jesus with them without me having to travel to the other side of this beautiful world.

glacierman said...

"balbulican said...My niece married a Muslim."

Did she become a Muslim or is the faith not active...yet? Children? Are they involved in the Muslim community or in the "Canadian" community?

Canadian Sentinel said...

Did you ever ask him those things, Balbulican? Or would you never dare?

balbulican said...

Glacierman, my willingness to discuss my niece's private life is a bit constrained by the fact that I post pseudonymously and not anonymously,and I think a bit of respect is due their privacy. However, I'm comfortable telling your that:
- she converted in order to marry.
- they have children
- they self identify as Muslim. One of their children does not. No-one is particularly active in the faith, although he works as a volunteer with Muslim newcomers (in a program delivered by a Catholic organization, oddly enough.)

Sentinel, regarding your specific questions: he votes Conservative, and views some of the more traditional (or primitive, depending on your perspective) rather as I do - as cultural anachronisms that Islam needs to grow beyond, just as Christianity shed some of its anachronisms.

I have a funny feeling his views on gender equality are least as progressive as yours.


'Did you ever ask him those things, Balbulican? Or would you never dare?"

Heh. "Dare", Sentinel? I'm not the one who lives is a state of apparent terror and sees conspiracies behind flock of dead birds on beach. Of course we talk religion. As you can probably tell, it's a subject that fascinates me.

glacierman said...

Thanks Balb, it is always hard to talk about others personal lives when things get a close to the core.

Was your niece Catholic and then converted to Islam? Not at all atypical of the conversion of women to Islam. The view of a man who is principled, whether it be following the teachings of Islam, Buddha, or the Dali Lama make for a stable life, in spite of all the trappings and compromises of personal freedom.

Freedom is a hard thing to manage. It is easier to follow rules than have relationship. That is why "law-heavy" religions are making a comeback when the world seems like it is becoming more out of control each and every day. Having a personal relationship with the Creator, is hard, when following rules is easier. The history of the Jews is a perfect example.

glacierman said...

"Eastern Asian religious folks are aborting their girls regularly at the abortion mills..."

I don't think that's a "religious" practice so much as a cultural one, so I'm not clear on your point.

Wrong again! The caste system is the outflow of the problem. The religion states that we are the ultimate recycling program (reincarnation), and if you abort, no problem, there are more where that came from. The women in the society are relegated to baby factories, much like the Muslims believe, having virtually no value, thus the high abortion rates.

Don't believe me? Here you go: http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20110810-293637.html

Abortionists are lining up to start the testing as we speak, the depletion of women will spark wars, as their value will soon increase and be fought over.

Canuckguy said...

@Balbul;
Interesting,your Muslim connection. I did not know that but now understand your apologetic back flips to overlook the unsavoury consequences of Sharia law and other such nasty stuff many observant Muslims support or like to do.

Is it too private to ask whether or not she has to keep her hair covered? If her husband is truly progressive, he would not insist she wear a a head covering. N'est pas? I would guess not if your statement "No-one is particularly active in the faith" is accurate.

balbulican said...

"The history of the Jews is a perfect example."

Interesting observation. I'd be curious to hear your expanded version of that thought. Not to fight about it, but because I find Judaism a fascinating religion - the notion that the relationship between God and man can be defined and codified down to its most minute particulars, the idea of a temple of the mind, and the discursive intimacy between God and his Chosen people - including the ability to argue, negotiate, and joke - mark an amazing transition in our intellectual evolution.

balbulican said...

"Wrong again! The caste system is the outflow of the problem"

No, I'm not. Female infanticide is regrettably common in several East Asian cultures (most notably the Chinese).

balb said...

"I did not know that but now understand your apologetic back flips to overlook the unsavoury consequences of Sharia law and other such nasty stuff many observant Muslims support or like to do."

That's bullshit, Canuckguy, and you know it.

Canadian Sentinel said...

And re. the dead birds, I NEVER suggested "conspiracies".

Not that there's no conspiracies. We KNOW that people conspire.

Canadian Sentinel said...

Oooooh! Balbs has challenged Canuckguy!

LOL... the giant disses the average guy...

Ok, beer and popcorn time...

Oh, wait... all I got's a bit of sherry... hell, that'll do...

Ok, youse guys... commence chucking sandbox kitty patties at one another...

balbulican said...

Still waiting for the Giant Al Qaeda EMP pulse that's going to destroy our communications? :)

Canadian Sentinel said...

Still waiting for those scary Christians to do scary stuff... LOL

Canadian Sentinel said...

And it's not Al Qaeda... it's the Chinese. Do your research.

So you contend that an EMP bomb is a myth? There's no such thing? Hmm?

Ok. *chuckle* :D

balbulican said...

"And it's not Al Qaeda... it's the Chinese. Do your research."

Umm...Sentinel? Having a little recall problem, are you?

First you said it was Iran.

http://thecanadiansentinel.blogspot.com/2006/03/why-we-need-preemptive-strike-on-iran.html

Then you said it was Al Qaeda.

http://thecanadiansentinel.blogspot.com/2006/06/aq-threatens-us-with-emp-bombing.html

So now it's China? Golly!

You really better get a filing cabinet to keep track of all those Scary Monsters out there, Sentinel.

Canuckguy said...

@balbul
I presume my question about hair covering was too personal since there is no answer.

As for the bullshit, well I guess I will just keep an eye out for any future backflips as I am just too lazy to attempt to dig up past statements as evidence.

glacierman said...

"No, I'm not. Female infanticide is regrettably common in several East Asian cultures (most notably the Chinese). August 10, 2011 5:02 PM"

Balb, yes! you are wrong...again. The Chinese have a "one-child-only" policy, it is a government mandate. And the government is communist. Which is the state religion...or not a religion...but the people choose to either abort their baby girls if they find out the sex, or leave them to die in the sun or freezing temps or abandon them in the cities when they are born. There are Christian organizations which are doing their best to scoop them up before they die and try to adopt them out whenever possible.

Just because the communist are in charge, does not mean there is no religion going on! They are atheists, they are gods unto themselves, making the decisions of life and death from their government offices.

glacierman said...

Will respond to the Jewish statement...after the lightning storm!!! bye-now!!!!

∞ ≠ ø said...

"I am just too lazy to attempt to dig up past statements as evidence."

For shit's pity sake.

Try three threads down where babbles dismisses the implementation of sharia in London neighborhoods as political theater.

This is like watching Redskins' football. No offence.

glacierman said...

"...the idea of a temple of the mind, and the discursive intimacy between God and his Chosen people - including the ability to argue, negotiate, and joke - mark an amazing transition in our intellectual evolution."

Balb,
At the beginning of the Biblical narrative in Genesis, we have a very interesting and amazing account of the origins of man. Taken at face value, we can see that Adam was created in perfect harmony with God, in perfect relationship, lacking nothing...but a mate.

Once Adam and Eve decided to break the relationship by choosing law over relationship, death over life, and pain over peace, the human race has been fighting to regain that relationship. But, there are forces, curses actually, which are in place to prove the existence of God, that His Word is true, right and without flaw.

Balb, you have actually hit on a key element in that the relationship between the Creator and a chosen people group, the Jews, is there to show us the hills and valleys of relationship, the pursuit and flight with the one who breathes life into us. It is amazing!

We also have the ability to be grafted into that special relationship of favour with the Lover of our souls, through the historical account of the life of Jesus. Through Him we have the opportunity to become the bride, the lover of the beloved, and be pursued by the one who loves us far more than we can imagine.

It just takes faith.

Take the leap!!!

Have you read much C.S. Lewis?

balbulican said...

"I am just too lazy to attempt to dig up past statements as evidence."

Lazy and dishonest.

balbulican said...

"Balb, yes! you are wrong...again."

Stop embarrassing yourself with these silly non-arguments. You're getting as bad as Sentinel.

Female infanticide is common throughout East Asia - India, China AND non-communist Taiwan, Pakistan, Korea, Thailand,and other states - and has been for centuries. The OFOC policy exacerbates the problem in rural China, but OFOC is an embodiment of centuries old cultural mores that are common throughout East Asia.

It occurs most in rural areas, most in agricultural and economically marginal regions, and it occurs because in many non-Western, patrilineal countries daughers are viewed as a liability. Sons are "wealth" - they labour, they increase family capital, and in agrarian societies they inherit the land. Daughters leave,require a dowry, and in general don't generate revenue.

Female infanticide is one horrible by product of these cultural biases - another is a surge in the last decades in "unwanted" daughters being forced into the sex trade.

balbulican said...

"Have you read much C.S. Lewis?"

I think I've read almost all C.S. Lewis, GC, fiction and non. A wise and decent man. One of the highlights of my last trip to Oxford was to share a pint in a snug at the Eagle and Child where he used to hang out with his Inkling buddies.

Canuckguy said...

@Balbul:
In the past, I am sure I have called you a barking dog Muslim apologist leftist with good reason.

Or maybe that was aimed at Stageleft.

Maybe I am wrong, but I dispute 'dishonest'

@Infinity
I am going by Balbul's statement in that same thread that he opposed the proposed implementation of Shariah Law in Ontario. There was nothing really in that thread to hang him with. He is a stickler for the letter of the law regarding human rights. No blanket bans on Muslims, that just won't fly legally.

balbulican said...

"I dispute 'dishonest'

On this site, at Stageleft, and at Dawg's, I've been explicit about my distaste for Sharia, which I view as largely a superstitious anachronism with provisions grossly out of touch with modernity. I view much of customary law from other religions in the same light, in areas like the exclusion of women from religious office in some versions of Christianity and Judaism, the horrific caste system inherent in Hinduism - the list goes on.

My attitude towards all those anachronisms is pretty much the same.
a) Live according to your laws if you want to, but don't break the laws of the country you're living in. The Criminal Code and the Charter of Rights trumps the laws of your religion.

b) If it's not illegal but a superstitious vestige (dietary laws among Jews and Muslims, mandatory male circumcision), then be my guest. I may laugh at you, but I'll defend your right to live according to your laws...as long as you adhere to the laws of my land.

Where it gets interesting, in my opinion, is where there's tacit acceptance of cultural recidivism because it's OUR cultural recidivism.

∞ ≠ ø said...

"You really better get a filing cabinet to keep track of all those Scary Monsters out there, Sentinel."

Well, down here we need a little more than a filing cabinet. We use THE WORLD'S LARGEST OFFICE BUILDING to keep track of the scary monsters. They flew a plane into it, remember?

Your statement reminds me that your life is rather like that of some beast on a reserve, blithely ignorant of all that is involved maintaining your surroundings. You have all the feelings of entitlement without realizing your own endangerment. And you are thankless.

glacierman said...

Balb thanks for the UN statement on the killing of girls in our world, but it still comes down to religion. Those are hallmarks of faith and valuing human life, or not! We do as we believe, and those countries are just the same as ours, just on a larger scale. The fear (a healthy respect and relationship - not afraid) of God has left, and just like the history of the Jewish people, they were exiled or plunged into war and stripped of their dignity, warriors and lives. Ready to be humbled and rebuilt; with a new-found love for the Father.

Balb, in your statement, about obeying and living within the laws of our country, where did we get the laws from? How did the justice system quantify and qualify our Canadian laws and decide on what was moral or not?

The clash of cultures is happening all over the world and you are either unwilling to see the gulf between them or are obtuse to their differences. You just dump them all into the same pot and call them "stew".

By the way, Jesus transcended cultural norms by talking with the woman at the well, treating her with dignity and equality, not culturally. That is why he approached her, spoke with her, did not judge her and spoke life into her. He knew her value, beyond her lifestyle or her ranking within the cultural laws...just like the little girls being sacrificed for money and status in this world gone mad. It comes down to belief, not culture.

balbulican said...

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Your comments suggest that you don't know much about the actual history and roots of the practice, nor do you have much interest in them. Let's not waste each other's time.

Colin said...

I married a Muslim girl from Malaysia, she is only moderately Islamic having been taught in a Catholic convent there. To marry her legally in Malaysia I had to convert to Islam, which means in the eyes of the Malaysian government my children are Muslim to, despite them not having a choice and therefore they are subject to Sharia law. There is no renouncing Islam under Sharia law and escaping punishment. When I go to Malaysia I am subject to Sharia law and am very careful about my actions and words. I even have to be careful about what I blog here, as they can and will punish me for anything considered blasphemous of denigrating of the religion.
Sharia law scare the crap out of me and it should scare that crap out of anyone who wants to live in an democratic and equal society. Muhammad made significant progress for woman’s rights when he codified the laws 1400 years ago, sadly for the most part there has been little progress since then and even some backsliding. The hardliners have control of most of the major schools and have the funds to build and man hardline mosque and will remove moderate and open minded Imans and leaders, through various means including violence.
Living with Muslims I am amazed at their ability to say the “sky is green” when they can clearly see that it is blue. Questioning government and religious leaders is an excellent way to have your head removed from neck. The spread of Sharia law in the west needs to be stopped and stamped out. In it’s current form it is a major threat to westerners and to good Muslims living here.

∞ ≠ ø said...

Hi Colin.

As you may have gathered one of the other commenters here is quite derisive about posts concerning creeping sharia. He has muslims in his family by marraige as well.

I'm not a big fan of the good Muslim bad Muslim thing. Sorting you all out should be in the not my job category. It's a foolish elitist that would take part in something like that.

None the less because of terrorism and the fears of sharia the sorting must be done, and soon, I think you would agree.

Any recomendations?

balbulican said...

"In it’s current form it is a major threat to westerners and to good Muslims living here."

I agree it's undesirable. I don't think it's a "major" threat, mostly because most Canadians, and most Canadian Muslims (who are, as you probably know, mostly Ismaili, and generally pretty well educated and westernized), view Sharia in the same light as I do.

glacierman said...

Balb, not desirable enough to speak out against it, or to just let it continue to creep and seep and undermine our "Christian" culture.

You can only serve one God.

Choose this day whom you will serve!

(I read that somewhere)

balbulican said...

How very, very Taliban of you.

glacierman said...

If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Actually, Joshua. A fierce warrior and one who loved God with all his heart. You need to brush up on your history dude! The Taliban have another version of the story that they follow, around 3 thousand years later. Lots of time for re-writing for them.

The difference with them is that the Taliban will cut your head off if you tell them differently.

balbulican said...

Heh. Well, I'm not a big fan of religious bullies of any flavour.

Canuckguy said...

@Iceman:
I am afraid you are not scoring any points when you rave on about god, the LORD and what not. As Balbul implies, if you and others of your ilk were in charge, it would be like living in the Middle Ages again.

glacierman said...

CG, Are you kidding me?

I am far more Libertarian than that. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

I cannot make you believe anything, the old horse/water thing. Our beliefs are based on knowledge, our hearts are changed by revelation, the combination of spirit, soul and body.

I wish that you would experience some revelation, as a man cannot argue with that as it is personal experience.

Religious bullying is not what Christianity is. But Christians will fight for things. Fight for your right to choose, fight for the protection of children and their right to be born unharmed, fight to expose hatred and lying and corruption. Those are all very costly in our society these days.

When was the last time a Christian put to death someone because they denied their faith, didn't convert, or were caught "sinning"?

When was the last time a Muslim did it?

Grace & Mercy or Stoning & Beheadings

Your choice!

Or you could choose none and just live like a moral parasite and live off the benefits whichever suits you better. The choice is still yours.

Canuckguy said...

@Iceman:
"Our beliefs are based on knowledge"
Another example of you talking crazy talk.

glacierman said...

CG, I have the knowledge that the sun rises and sets every day, therefore I believe that it will rise and set tomorrow.

How does your belief system work? Just curious? Please explain.

Canuckguy said...

@Iceman:
It was making fun of you making the statement: "Our beliefs are based on knowledge"

It so laughable because of the reglious nonsense you spout, your childlike faith in god. What about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus? I am an atheist. I am not disputing the movements of the sun nor of the danger of radical Islam.

glacierman said...

CG, are you an atheist or an agnostic? If you are an atheist, I call you a person who is intellectually dishonest and your comments are just bating.

It is far easier to debate somebody who has the cajones to say they choose to not believe in God, not somebody who claims to be greater than God...or at least who acts like he is His equal!

Canuckguy said...

@Iceman:
I responded yesterday but must have screwed up. So here it is again.

I regard myself as an atheist which I define as one who does not believe in a god or any god.I certainly don't have any "claims to be greater than God". How can I, the entity does not exist(as far as I am concerned).

glacierman said...

CG, if you are a scientist or have proof of God's non-existence, please provide.

You must have some kind of evidence, to make an emphatic statement like "there is no God" otherwise it is opinion, and that moves you into the position of Agnostic - choosing to believe there is no God - relegating your position of Atheist to one of intellectual dishonesty...as I said before.

What is your proof?

Just like the wind, prove there is such a thing as wind?

Canuckguy said...

@Iceman:
I can't prove there is a god anymore than you can prove there is one. Yes, it's my opinion but it is based on rationality. I can't prove there is no Santa Claus either. Do you believe in Santa?

Anyway, this arguement can't go anywhere, we have our postions and neither of us will budge.

glacierman said...

I asked you a question regarding the wind.

Can you give your response? I want to know your opinion, as it is very relevant to your position.

Thanks!

Canuckguy said...

@Iceman:
You're being silly and obtuse now.

glacierman said...

Not at all. It may be hard to comment, as you have been cornered and the deflection and name calling has started.

Sure sign you don't want to go there, right?

If not, prove me wrong.

I am truly curious as to how you formed your choice to reject God's existence?

Canuckguy said...

@Iceman
OK, I'll rise to the bait to your question "how you formed your choice to reject God's existence"

I formed it in the same way I came to disbelieve in Santa, the tooth fairy, goblins, werewolves, vampires, mermaids, and the easter bunny. It's all illogical and totally unscientific, such beliefs are the stuff of childhood but as an adult, they are an affront to my common sense. I was a confirmed atheist by the time I was 16. Neither of my parents nor any friends lead me down that path, I just arrived at my conclusion that god is a figment of man's imagination as a result of the human need to believe in a greater power.

It's not rocket science.

glacierman said...

Just like the wind, the force is there, can't taste it, can't grab it, can't see it, can't smell it, but we can all see the results of the force. When it is gentle, cools us on a hot summer day; but can also tear our house apart in a tornado.

It is when we are in crisis beyond our control that God shows Himself. Your time will come, and He will show himself...unlike the Easter Rabbit or Santa Claus.

Thanks, for your answer.

Will be praying for the revelation of God in your life. Seriously!!!

Canuckguy said...

@Iceman:
OK, I'll keep an eye out for the revelation. NRN

∞ ≠ ø said...

"I was a confirmed atheist by the time I was 16. Neither of my parents nor any friends lead me..."

"I was a confirmed atheist by the time I was 16. Neither of my parents nor any friends lead me..."

"I was a confirmed atheist by the time I was 16. Neither of my parents nor any friends lead me..."

Anonymous said...

Sharia law of marriage and divorce won't be legally recognized in Saskatchewan Canada. There, multiple spouses get half of the marital property upon family law court proceedings..in the order they came into the multiple spousal relationship. The marital property rights of the "subsequent spouse" is subject to the rights of the first-in spouse. (Section.51 of the
Saskatchewan Marital Property Act). So if a Sharia husband has four wives and is worth one Million dollars, then the fourth wife would get 63 thousand dollars under the Family Property Act of Saskatchewan.
At least the wives are legally recognized as spouses and at least they get some marital property. But the first in spouse gets 500K versus the fourth in spouse at 63K. It's better than nothing!