Thanks for responding, S'man. I apologize for the rude behavior the hateful bigots on this board. Not all of us who may disagree with you are like that.
I agree with you that Jesus is not divine. As far as what the Bible, the Torah or the Koran says, I've only read snippets and find them interesting but not particularly inspiring. In my own amateur study of religion I've come to the conclusion that they all came about as a means to help reinforce the mores of civilized society. Since human are all the same species and are social animals, the more you examine different human societies, the more you can see how they resemble each other. To my mind, all religions are just variations of each other. They aim to keep order within society, reinforce the need for individuals to sacrifice for the greater good of the community, provide solace during times of grief and an outlet for joy and gratitude. I think history has demonstrated how often religion is perverted by groups or individuals with ulterior and anti social motives. But for me, an atheist and an outsider, all mainstream religions seem to have just about the same amount of good in them as bad.
Thanks for sharing your religious history. I was raised in a family that has been atheist on one side for several generations and on the other, lapsed Lutheran at my grandparent's level. Religion was such a non issue in my house that as a little kid I had no idea that Jesus Christ was actually a person, not a word that meant my dad was mad that us kids had forgotten again not to slam the screen door. My parents had the attitude that religion served no purpose for them but if we kids wanted to join one they would support our choices. I've never had any reason to doubt the non existence of God and I'm happy and comfortable in my non faith. However, being an atheist is really kind of dull when it comes to ritual and liturgy. We miss out on the pomp and circumstance. My artistic endeavors have made me familiar with Islamic design and architecture and I am in awe of them. I also think that Islamic ritual is very beautiful and know a bit about Sufism and other Muslim philosophy from my various Muslim friends. Years ago I got in a heated discussion with an ex Catholic friend who asked me what faith I would choose if forced to do so. I said Islam because even though I believe in none of the faiths, I think all of them are flexible enough to be adapted to my morals and Islam being the the most aesthetically pleasing, Arabic being a beautiful sounding language, it would be my choice.
So anyway, I'm glad you have stopped by and are willing to discuss Islam in a calm and informative manner. I've been told by certain posters here that Muslims kill atheists but, strangely enough, my Muslim friends have spared my life and I hope you will too.
Please don't take that away from them.
