I'll assume you don't mind a slightly different perspective about God Merc? Since you placed this in Comparative Religions.
In my understanding of what the Dharma is- there is a cut off point for needing evidence of God.
That is simply to understand that your self comes from God. With this...
Yes, I understand and appreciate the concept of truth in other worldviews. That doesn't mean they 100% agree though.
From one Dharmic perspective, it may not be useful for them to exactly agree- because all teaching addresses the needs of where people are.
Some people need virtue practice at...
From the perspective of the Dharma, any hell realms are temporary. They only last as long as bad karma is being used up.
Hells/Narakas constitute a very complex subject though- including that not everyone gives any credibility to the concept.
Touching on the complexity of the subject, for...
I think we always have to be skeptical of law enforcement, and keep them up to task- even in the best of scenarios. Because it's easy to misuse such a position, and because- law enforcement can actually be enforcing unjust laws. Then it isn't living up to the ideal of justice.
It is noted that...
What if your reform movement is based in the idea that the religion had gone astray somewhere? Case in point: Protestant Christianity. In the context and framework of Christianity- I do find many of the things Protestants suggested noteworthy and valid criticisms of the Church.
Ah okay, another abortion thread. I'll restate as in previous threads: it is impossible for me to treat abortion as a black and white issue. Dharmically speaking, the fetus is a form of transitory life. It is developing into human cognition, and the like. It isn't there yet. For me the morality...
I'm sorry if it seemed like I was accusing you of approaching the Quran non-contextually. I apologize. I was speaking generally to folks that might read it and take it no further. I don't know enough about language translation to refute your other point, so I'll have to take your word for it...
I am sorry you're having a hard time :(
I know there probably isn't much I can say in the way of ideas that would speak to the suffering you're feeling. I am sorry. I don't want to pretend I know more about your situation than I do, so I'll stop there. Just know that you are loved by me, for...
Do you think this could relate to some idea of the Church leadership- that they aren't, or should not be subject to secular institutions like law enforcement and courts?
Certainly, one can resolve certain contradictions with themselves, if they look at these books differently. However, that's a different matter than if the Quran and other books really agree. I don't find that they do.
You would describe yourself as a Baha'i yes? I'll continue from this...
Since you asked for my experience reading the Quran- that is what I'll give you. I find that I might come away from the Quran with that message if I put it in no further context. The same can be said of the Bible, as you acknowledge.
I understand that the Quran has a heavily historical context...
Is he the same guy that recently suggested that it's not wrong if no penetration takes place? I know someone recently said something like that, claiming to represent the Church. That's scary...
It's the same justification used in Iran to engage in certain actions with minors.
In my hiatus from RF, I've been contemplating, studying, and trying to put things into perspective. Some of you will recall that I found myself hung in Buddhism, which prompted me to expound my horizons.
In the time I've been away I've gradually come into Vedantic practice. Because Anatta had...