things I don't get: One True Way-ers

[snugglekitty]

So I've been looking for a book that will tell me more about women in Islam, because I would like to feel comfortable enough with the religion to be able to work with Muslim women giving birth.

I found one that looked interesting called Voices Behind the Veil.

And the magic of amazon.com suggested I might also be interested in Out of Crescent Shadows: Leading Muslim Women Into the Light of Christ.

I paged down to see what people had written about this book, and read this:

"Raised as Muslims,the authors received Christ as Savior when they were young adults and now they have a desire to reach out to the Muslims with the only real truth there is - Jesus Christ. Anyone who wants to get a better knowledge and understanding of Muslim women should read this book. Behind the veil of a Muslim woman, there is a needy and aching heart in need of Christ."

and this, written in response:

"As a Muslim woman who covers herself, or is "veiled," we are in no need to find the truth -- we have the truth and that is Islam."



I don't think I'm ever going to be able to understand people who think that any one religion is the answer for everyone. That any one religion or way of life is "the truth" - the only truth.

I am pagan and poly. I chose these paths after careful consideration, and they work for me. They work amazingly well - they enrich my life and make me happy.

However, I can't imagine saying, "Everyone should be pagan and poly." Why would I? Everyone's not me. Not everyone wants to date multiple people. Not everyone wants to worry about safer sex, scheduling, and how to handle the invitations when your best friend's new sweetie is your partner's ex. Not everyone wants their spiritual celebrations to involve dancing naked around Maypoles. Not everyone wants to be persecuted by the government, meet tons of flakes, and watch people fumble through rituals they didn't bother to memorize the lines to. Heck, some people aren't interested in any sexuality or any spirituality. And what the hell's wrong with that? Nothing!

If you want fast food to be your main food source, or have an elective Cesarean, or even, gods forbid, watch television for hours every day, what business is it of mine? What gives me the right to tell you "I'm so convinced of that my way is the only way, I'm going to force you to share it with me! You'll be saved! You'll be happier and healthier! You'll get all the chicks!" Even if I'm convinced that fast food is bad for you and doesn't taste good anyway, why should I interfere with your chosen path in life?

I just fundamentally don't get that. I don't get the ladies who came to the door a few months ago to talk to me about Bible education. I don't get the nice Mormons who approached us walking down the street on a Friday night. I don't get the signs on the T for the Vineyard Christian Fellowship - "I look forward to going to church!" "I'm finding new joy in my marriage!" I just don't understand any of it.

Comments

[dilletante.livejournal.com]

i vastly prefer the folks who would rather spend a while talking with you about the bible over tea and cookies-- and who will go away if you ask them to-- over anyone who wants laws to enforce their religious views.

[sparkymonster.livejournal.com]

Same here. I love hearing people talk about their religion and religious experience in a respectful manner. I do not love them beating me about the head with it unasked. I really do not love attempts to make me believe in their religious moral code.

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

Mmmm, good point.
Very good point, actually.