Christians writing about the April 15 terrorism in Boston would do well to remember basics of Muslim teaching. Because the identified bombers at the Boston Marathon had Muslim affiliation, the topic is relevant. Personally, I believe that most Muslims do not fully subscribe to the Muslim religion emphasis on intellect and knowledge. Yet, we know that minds can be dangerously influenced by terrorist sympathies.
Mind-knowledge-intellect is the triad of emphasis of Muslim teaching. Yet, the brain also hosts emotions. Why would any teachings pay attention to thought only, to the exclusion of feelings of compassion, hope, and moral good, for example?
I learned details about the intellectual basis of Islam during a meeting where a U. S.-based imam spoke about his religion. He pointed to his head and told the audience that the Koran teaches exclusive emphasis on the mind. "Mind and heart" or "mind, heart, and soul" have no assumed or direct interaction in the religion.
The imam was very reserved during the meeting where he spoke about Muslim beliefs. He said that only select Muslims like himself can correctly interpret the Koran. Only a few know the ancient language of the true Koran. He emphasized that fact repeatedly.
These teachings were evident in the imam's reaction to a question about how it felt or was difficult, after 9/11/01, when the Muslim religion was critiqued. There was no expression on the imam's face. It appeared that he took the question as being too foolish for thought, for it dealt with feelings. He gave no verbal response at all and made no movement. He ignored the question in every way possible. I wonder today if Muslim leaders exclude feelings after the Boston marathon attacks.
Mind-knowledge-intellect is the triad of emphasis of Muslim teaching. Yet, the brain also hosts emotions. Why would any teachings pay attention to thought only, to the exclusion of feelings of compassion, hope, and moral good, for example?
I learned details about the intellectual basis of Islam during a meeting where a U. S.-based imam spoke about his religion. He pointed to his head and told the audience that the Koran teaches exclusive emphasis on the mind. "Mind and heart" or "mind, heart, and soul" have no assumed or direct interaction in the religion.
The imam was very reserved during the meeting where he spoke about Muslim beliefs. He said that only select Muslims like himself can correctly interpret the Koran. Only a few know the ancient language of the true Koran. He emphasized that fact repeatedly.
These teachings were evident in the imam's reaction to a question about how it felt or was difficult, after 9/11/01, when the Muslim religion was critiqued. There was no expression on the imam's face. It appeared that he took the question as being too foolish for thought, for it dealt with feelings. He gave no verbal response at all and made no movement. He ignored the question in every way possible. I wonder today if Muslim leaders exclude feelings after the Boston marathon attacks.
I interacted with several Muslim women at that meeting. Most were friendly and smiling. I could not help thinking that feelings must be important to them. I felt at ease around them. They were willing to talk and to answer questions from non-Muslims. A few expressed being happy to meet non-Muslims. Most were Caucasian, adhering to strict Muslim dress.
In Boston on this year's April 15, two young Muslim men focused their minds on cold and heartless acts of violence. The terrorists killed and maimed innocent people, including young children. Many more would die in the hours and days ahead, because of their heartlessness. Did any Muslim teachings influence them to destroy lives by killing, maiming, and a river of suffering and loss? Somehow, survivors will overcome; yet the cause of such suffering flows from extreme mindlessness.
I hope that you will write about any aspects of the Boston marathon bombings that most disturb, inform, or influence you. Whether or not you are American or Christian, what does it mean to you as a human being with feelings? What does it mean to every thoughtful person to hear again of terrorist acts against innocent civilian people?
I feel deeply grateful to live in a country founded and built up by reasonable and peace-loving people. I am more than ever grateful for faith in Jesus Christ, who died innocent yet tormented by violent men, leaders of both political and religious powers. I am most thankful for Christ's life and His teachings of love, saving grace, and the consolations of God. "Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). I am deeply moved to know that freedom-loving people have strong emotions, as well as thoughts, about freedom and life. Those emotions influence strength, calm, lawful justice, and peace-loving hope for better days ahead. Such days will come.
In Boston on this year's April 15, two young Muslim men focused their minds on cold and heartless acts of violence. The terrorists killed and maimed innocent people, including young children. Many more would die in the hours and days ahead, because of their heartlessness. Did any Muslim teachings influence them to destroy lives by killing, maiming, and a river of suffering and loss? Somehow, survivors will overcome; yet the cause of such suffering flows from extreme mindlessness.
I hope that you will write about any aspects of the Boston marathon bombings that most disturb, inform, or influence you. Whether or not you are American or Christian, what does it mean to you as a human being with feelings? What does it mean to every thoughtful person to hear again of terrorist acts against innocent civilian people?
I feel deeply grateful to live in a country founded and built up by reasonable and peace-loving people. I am more than ever grateful for faith in Jesus Christ, who died innocent yet tormented by violent men, leaders of both political and religious powers. I am most thankful for Christ's life and His teachings of love, saving grace, and the consolations of God. "Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). I am deeply moved to know that freedom-loving people have strong emotions, as well as thoughts, about freedom and life. Those emotions influence strength, calm, lawful justice, and peace-loving hope for better days ahead. Such days will come.
