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*sigh*

Again both of you have missed the entire point of the passage. God intentionally placed little evidence of Jesus in the world. He knows the sceptics will resort into believing the "Big Bang Theory" or any other theories. At the end of the day, it comes down to how you were raised and what you believe in. I guess you will only see the truth when you die! Until then cheers!

FlyingDutchman , I seem to have time on my hands, and what better way to utilize it than read that book you recommended. "Those whom the gods (simulators?) wish to destroy, they first make bored!". So, better keep myself away from the sin of boredom

--- Feb 20, 2013 ---

prowheels wrote:what you believe in

"Belief" always involves a LEAP OF FAITH. Not relying on evidence

I hope you enjoy the book.

FF2 wrote:Then why do people get all defensive about Allah

People get emotional for many reasons.

FF2 wrote:his favourite religion, that we all know is Islam?

God has given guidelines (whatever you want to call it) and conveyed there is accountability, everyone would be judged same regardless of the moniker.

FF2 wrote:Why is apostasy (ie for a Muslim to declare himself a non-Muslim) punishable by death, according to the majority of Muslim Scholars?

Ask those who believe it to be correct. Like I said, it is not in the primary source of Islam so I don't see it as correct opinion.

FF2 wrote:yet look at all the killing going on in his name!

Everyone would be judged the same according to Quran, if somebody is doing wrong in the name of Allah/God, they would still face accountability and get what they deserve.

FF2 wrote:You are right about the massiveness of the Universe and man's delusion in thinking that there is a creator of all this out there watching his every move and it matters to that creator what he says, or does, or believes.
By the standards of the known Universe, our sun is smaller than a grain of sand on the beach! The Earth is 10 times smaller than that. Just think of the significance of that!
Lets enjoy the 2 seconds or even less of "LIFE" in all this, before we fade away, and with it our "conciousness" and everything else that we think is out there.........

There is nothing against enjoying this life, but there is accountability for doing wrong.

The creation of the heavens and earth is greater than the creation of mankind, but most of the people do not know.[40:57]

And they say, "When we are bones and crumbled particles, will we [truly] be resurrected as a new creation?" Say, "Be you stones or iron Or [any] creation of that which is great within your breasts." And they will say, "Who will restore us?" Say, "He who brought you forth the first time." Then they will nod their heads toward you and say, "When is that?" Say, "Perhaps it will be soon - On the Day He will call you and you will respond with praise of Him and think that you had not remained [in the world] except for a little." And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy. Your Lord is most knowing of you. If He wills, He will have mercy upon you; or if He wills, He will punish you. And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], over them as a manager. [17:51-54]

Nucleus ,

what you mentioned is very broad and similar to most religions,

bossman wrote:what you mentioned is very broad and similar to most religions,

Yup, there are others who are close to the guidelines in Quran (e.g. strict monotheism for one), hence I said: "God [in Islam] has given guidelines.... everyone would be judged same regardless of the moniker."

--- Wed Feb 27, 2013 12:10 am ---

FlyingDutchman wrote:(you can also see how Nucleus is struggling with this, next to interpretating texts literal or non-literal

Actually, both at work in that verse. Literally it is not saying anything wrong technically. But if you start to see it figuratively, then, it starts to paint a picture of a person on journey which is at a temporary place where nice things have been laid out for the person by the Owner of the place who is the most hospitable.

And usually the best way to visualize it by tent in the desert for the wayfarers, seen the tent in Dubai in Ramadan with A/C, carpets, couches, and food and water. But it doesn't have to be a tent, it could be any place since verse is not that specific. But there parallel start to end and differences start to emerge. Owner is almighty powerful and skillful, the place is vast and huge. It has roof to protect against the Sun and other elements, but it has been raised without pillars etc., -- again highlighting the might, power, and skill of the Owner and Creator.