Challenge for Muslims

DavidC wrote: Asep once described the way the latent meaning in the etymology of the individual words in Qu'ran influences the manifest meaning of a general reading. It would seem that would be one scholastic criterion for discerning Qu'ranic 'quality' from Arabic wisdom literature or poetry. Certainly one would need to use the original language. Perhaps comparing the master poet Rumi to the Qur'an. I have read some al Ghazali but not "The Incoherence of the Philosophers". The title indicates it may be of value in this discussion.

Yes DavidC, your explanation is true. thanks.

Dr. Aslam wrote: Our understanding of the verse is different Christianity divided itself into sects and Christians fought against each and grew in hostility and animosity of each other because they deviated from the genuine teachings of Jesus. <font size="1" color="#333333" face="Verdana"> Perhaps you did not read the response about hadith. There is an article on the subject and it will be up soon.

Per hadith (see Ling's biography) the Christian sects familiar to Muhummad were Nestorian and Ebionite. Most Christians today agree these early sects did have issues.

Qu'ran 5 teaches a similar but different monotheism to the pagans of the Quraysh. Criticism of the early Christian religion are fine points of definition and not the primary message. Would you agree with this?

DavidC wrote: Re: 5:14 - This is an example of particular Christians behavior being used to make a point. The point of Quran 5 is how Muslims should behave, not a general scolding of Christians. Christians have flaws, and commenting on this is not offensive. Almost every preacher has a sermon on this subject. The interesting part of 5:14 to me is that the enmity and hate are created by Allah. The bible refers to this process as God "hardening the heart". It is used in explaining Pharoh's behavior (Exodus) and atheism in general (Romans 1). God withdraws and leaves the individual to their own animal instincts.

Re: 5:14 - This is an example of particular Christians behavior being used to make a point. The point of Quran 5 is how Muslims should behave, not a general scolding of Christians. Christians have flaws, and commenting on this is not offensive. Almost every preacher has a sermon on this subject.

The interesting part of 5:14 to me is that the enmity and hate are created by Allah. The bible refers to this process as God "hardening the heart". It is used in explaining Pharoh's behavior (Exodus) and atheism in general (Romans 1). God withdraws and leaves the individual to their own animal instincts.