Revelation of religion - Essay Example

? Revelation Concept Paper My is Munthir Ali and I am a 21 year old Muslim. I was born and raised as a Muslim and I was taught that Islam is not just a religion that one would follow, but it is a way of life. My faith has not just affected me spiritually, but also my physical and social world. I thoroughly believe that Islam is a way of life and not just a space for spiritual yearning. I base, if not all then certainly most of my life decisions on the perspective of my faith. Islam has taught me how to respond to my heart's emotions such as anger, love, lust and happiness. It has taught me how to react to an enemy or how to come to a resolution towards an argument with a friend. It has taught me to care for the needy, to contribute to my community and to fight for equality and justice. Islam has taught me to be a better person, I do not just follow my religion but I believe and love it. Although I have been brought up as a Muslim, and cannot deny the fact that it was not my choice initially but my parents’ choice. However, as I learned about other religions I, by myself, have come to the conclusion that Islam is the most complete and whole religion there is. Living in America I have been exposed to different religions and beliefs, and although many of these beliefs may be different to that of mine, Islam has taught me to be acceptable and peaceful towards them. The prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) used to live with Jewish neighbors for many years, and never did he have any confrontations with these people of different beliefs. Using this example, I live my life happily and comfortably with friends with other religious and moral beliefs than myself. I believe that it doesn’t matter what your religious or moral belief is, as long as you strive for peace, justice and equality you are a good person. 2) Learning about the laws of Torah and the Bible has been instrumental in me accepting new religions. I have learnt to accept new religions because, in general, religions are fascinating natural world wonders. I am referring to the datum of persons believing, and I thereby view religions with reverence and respect. For example, the laws of Torah were devised to resolve conflicts among the early Christians. The Ten Commandments, in particular, were written to govern and facilitate good relationships among men, as well as between God and mankind. For instance, Commandments such as ‘Thou shall not kill’, and ‘Thou shall not steal’ were directed to man, whereas a Commandment such as ‘Thou shall not worship any other God other than me’ was meant to govern mankind’s relationship with his true God. As a Muslim, even though I know that Christianity and Islam have different beliefs, I understand that some practices and beliefs taught in Christian doctrines, for instance, are profound and aid in the wellbeing of human kind. I believe it is wrong to steal since that is what Islam has taught (Aquinas, 282). I believe just as other religions and my religion as well believe in something as well as live for that belief that a holy being is in control of our lives and everything else around us, so do the new religions. Besides, as long as their existence is truly grounded on making the best for mankind and imparting the right and appropriate beliefs, I believe that they should be given the chance and the recognition they deserve in the world (Aquinas, 282). 3) I have heard of religious myths such as the Judeo-Christian myth. Historically and theologically, it is believed that Judeo-Christian tradition does not exist. Rather it is a secular-myth favored by persons who are not believers. I think the modern articulation of 'Judeo-Christian' is a fault that has changed the path of universal-history by the misunderstanding it has seeded in men's thoughts, if through it a person is destined to apprehend the Jewish basis of Christianity. Therefore, if the expression 'Judeo-Christian' does not connect a common beginning, it is undoubtedly a very dangerous notion. Judeo-Christian tradition is grounded on a contradiction in abjection that has established the course of history at the wrong way. It connects within one breath two ideas that are completely incompatible. It strives to prove that there is no dissimilarity between night and day or cold and hot or white and black, and therefore, presents a fatal facet of misperception to an origin upon which some however are trying to build a civilization. Judaism and Christianity are two separate religious legacies, in spite of all the phony endeavors by contemporary scholars to create an ingenuous "Judeo-Christianity." The exact expression "Judeo-Christian" is an impish misnomer with no historical or Theological validity (Aquinas, 282). 4) Science and religion have always been in existence as far as the human-race has promenaded on mother Earth. Furthermore, science and religion are not only connected to one another, but both are actually, intrinsically, identical. Scrutinizing the denotation of the term “science”, it is derived from the Latin-word “sciens” that is the present-participle of “scire” that signifies “to understand or to know”. Numerous people completely misinterpret the expression ‘religion.’ Religion derives from the Latin-word ‘ligare’ that signifies to fasten or tie. It emanates from the same derivation as the term ligament or ligature. Ligament or ligature denotes to be tied, or connected. Therefore, the actual meaning of religion is to feel that condition of being tied or connected to the God – to our beginnings as well as our Infinity (Aquinas, 283). All told, science, on the other hand, is the expertise of understanding or knowing the spirit of the world, while religion is the authentic experience of person’s own individuality with that spirit. Both religion and science try to articulate “that story that cannot be expressed”, to impart the know-how of the inexpressible and infinite with our people on earth. Religion and science are the same in purpose, although they are differing in method. In reality, one may almost declare that ‘science’ is ‘religion’ with no heart, as well as ‘religion’ is science lacking a head; 2 opposite methodologies to the same task: to convey the indescribable with the aim of sharing it with others. This is how science and religion are connected. 5) In response to first argument, I will always stay true to my religion because it is the religion I have been brought up with and I believe it is the ideal religion. Secondly, I will always respect other people’s religion and as long as they preach the gospel of peace, love, unity and equality that renders them noble and it is the right thing to do. Secondly, in response to my second argument, learning of other religions and acceptance of new religions does not mean that I have forgotten who I am and where I come from, I am a Muslim and I will live according to the Islam doctrines. Thirdly, in response to the third argument, religious myths without any basis of origin cannot be accepted just because a few people believe in them. However, people must have the right to believe in what they think is good to them. Lastly, in response to my fourth argument, science and religion are connected in their roles in the world, which is to try and provide knowledge of that which seems incomprehensible. In other words, religion and science strive to shed some light on things that mankind cannot explain (Aquinas, 284). Work Cited Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica 5 Vol Set. Ave Maria Press,2000. Print. Read More