Is Cherry-picking Okay?

[SearchingForGod]

I wonder why the term is called "cherry-picking" at all, to begin with... hmm... Anyways, I have a question to ask regarding religious systems and what to follow or not follow.

I was raised Muslim from the time I was born until I was old enough to leave the house and live with other relatives. Since moving in with these other non-Muslim relatives, I've left Islam and have since been on the hunt for a new religion. My problem? None of the shoes that these other religions provide seem to fit! As it turns out, the metaphorical shoes provided by Islam are what would be closest to my own size, but they're still a tad bit too small. This is where the cherry-picking comes in. Could it be possible for me to follow Islam again while taking out the parts of Islam that I do not agree with?

The things I'm wanting to "take out" are nothing too serious in my opinion. Just things that make rational sense to myself. For example, I'm of the opinion that apostates should not be put to death or shunned, but rather be referred to with compassion and included in conversations about Islam as their concerns are certainly important in our ongoing talks about Islam. Secondly, I'm of the opinion that we need to be more inclusive of the LGBT+ community. I'm not sure that I could convince anyone else that being gay or transgender is okay, but I think we should certainly acknowledge that LGBT+ individuals should have a place within Islam where they can feel welcomed and not afraid for their own safety. Then there's the issue of sex within marriage. I was taught that if a woman refuses sex with her husband without a "legitimate reason", the angels will curse her and God would be upset with her until she gives in (Source). I'm sure most of us can see why that view is problematic, and I'm of the opinion that God would not be upset with anyone for not doing a sex act if they did not feel like it.

I also have other little nit-picky things that I think are maybe too strict, but these are all of the big things that I am wanting to cherry-pick. Apparently I'm not alone with what I'm thinking either, at least with regards to including the LGBT community. There is this group of Muslims called Muslims for Progressive Values and I think they're real Muslims too, just very liberal in their thinking. I'd fit right in with them, even though they're not their own independent sect. Unfortunately, however, their mosques are too far from me and are all the way in the big cities. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is that while I've been trying to find my way spiritually and religiously, I've found that Islam may always be my home and I'm trying to come to terms with having a possible Muslim identity while also being different in my ideology. So I'm wondering, can I cherry-pick just a little and still be Muslim? Or is that not really following Islam anymore? In any case, I'm sure I'll be fine, but I think this is an important question that needs to be asked.

And if you're wondering, "But SFG, this all sounds awful! Why would you want to be part of a religion that you don't completely agree with?" While I don't agree with everything, there are things that I still love and miss about Islam. I just want to see if maybe I can go back and try to be devout again in my own way.

 

[Axe Elf]

Why follow a religion at all, especially if none of them seem comfortable to you?

Seek God and ignore everything else.

To answer the question, though; if you like cherries, cherry-picking is a good thing.

 

[Foxic]

Cherry picking:
selectively choose (the most beneficial items) from what is available.

It's considered bad in terms of religious debate, because religious people will pick and choose which biblical laws they personally want to follow instead of being a true christian who follows all the laws.

 

[Axe Elf]

It's considered bad in terms of religious debate, because religious people will pick and choose which biblical laws they personally want to follow instead of being a true christian who follows all the laws.

"And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets." --Matthew 22:37-40

There's not much to pick and choose from, is there? Love God and love your neighbor? Doesn't seem like it would be all THAT hard to follow both of the laws.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I wonder why the term is called "cherry-picking" at all, to begin with... hmm... Anyways, I have a question to ask regarding religious systems and what to follow or not follow.

I was raised Muslim from the time I was born until I was old enough to leave the house and live with other relatives. Since moving in with these other non-Muslim relatives, I've left Islam and have since been on the hunt for a new religion. My problem? None of the shoes that these other religions provide seem to fit! As it turns out, the metaphorical shoes provided by Islam are what would be closest to my own size, but they're still a tad bit too small. This is where the cherry-picking comes in. Could it be possible for me to follow Islam again while taking out the parts of Islam that I do not agree with?

The things I'm wanting to "take out" are nothing too serious in my opinion. Just things that make rational sense to myself. For example, I'm of the opinion that apostates should not be put to death or shunned, but rather be referred to with compassion and included in conversations about Islam as their concerns are certainly important in our ongoing talks about Islam. Secondly, I'm of the opinion that we need to be more inclusive of the LGBT+ community. I'm not sure that I could convince anyone else that being gay or transgender is okay, but I think we should certainly acknowledge that LGBT+ individuals should have a place within Islam where they can feel welcomed and not afraid for their own safety. Then there's the issue of sex within marriage. I was taught that if a woman refuses sex with her husband without a "legitimate reason", the angels will curse her and God would be upset with her until she gives in (Source). I'm sure most of us can see why that view is problematic, and I'm of the opinion that God would not be upset with anyone for not doing a sex act if they did not feel like it.

I also have other little nit-picky things that I think are maybe too strict, but these are all of the big things that I am wanting to cherry-pick. Apparently I'm not alone with what I'm thinking either, at least with regards to including the LGBT community. There is this group of Muslims called Muslims for Progressive Values and I think they're real Muslims too, just very liberal in their thinking. I'd fit right in with them, even though they're not their own independent sect. Unfortunately, however, their mosques are too far from me and are all the way in the big cities. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is that while I've been trying to find my way spiritually and religiously, I've found that Islam may always be my home and I'm trying to come to terms with having a possible Muslim identity while also being different in my ideology. So I'm wondering, can I cherry-pick just a little and still be Muslim? Or is that not really following Islam anymore? In any case, I'm sure I'll be fine, but I think this is an important question that needs to be asked.

And if you're wondering, "But SFG, this all sounds awful! Why would you want to be part of a religion that you don't completely agree with?" While I don't agree with everything, there are things that I still love and miss about Islam. I just want to see if maybe I can go back and try to be devout again in my own way.

Do you need, as a Muslim these things you disagree in order to worship god? Are they "deal breakers" or views you hold strongly but not to where it influences your belief in god?

For example, I wasnt raised in any religion. I became Catholic for five years of my adult life. I disageed with their view of marriage: only straights can marry. I disagreed that we (Im LGBTQ) are called disabled. Being LGBTQ is the core of my being. I have strong views on marriage but that didnt influence my relationship with christ. It wasnt "enough" to divorce myself. Being called disabled is the Churches view not christ.

But human sacrifice I can never stay with. Its not a social or political view. It purely has to do with the core of christianity, so I left.

Outside of cultural ties to Islam and the right shoes, are the concerns you mentioned something that you need and it influences your relationship with god or is it more political and has nothing to do with the core tenants of the Muslim faith?

With cherry picking, many people have more than one pairs of shoes. Different colors but same size. All religions have some mix mix with ones prior. Thats the nature of culture. What other religion speaks to you?

There are practices religious take from others: meditation yoga, chanting, etc, without needing to be that faith to use. Mind you you arent taking the way and definition of the practices just the external part for your spiritual benefit. In my opinion, if you stay aware of that, youre fine. I dont know about islam enough to know if there are consequences.

Edit.

 

[Euronymous]

Why go for any religions if none of them seem to fit your tastes, OP? Just be a deist instead.

 

[Sunstone]

...a true christian...

"A true Christian"! You crack me up with your subtle jokes!

 

[Sunstone]

...can I cherry-pick just a little and still be Muslim? Or is that not really following Islam anymore?

Does your question in any way come down to what other Muslims might think about your cherry-picking?

In my opinion, cherry-picking ideas -- and not just religious ideas -- is a possible mark of wisdom. Some folks protest, but wise men and women have always gone for the best ideas regardless of what others have told them to do. Why think you must accept some trashy spiritual teaching that might even hinder or prevent your spiritual progress just so you can accept a golden nugget of a teaching? What's the sense in that?

 

[sandy whitelinger]

I wonder why the term is called "cherry-picking" at all, to begin with... hmm... Anyways, I have a question to ask regarding religious systems and what to follow or not follow.

I was raised Muslim from the time I was born until I was old enough to leave the house and live with other relatives. Since moving in with these other non-Muslim relatives, I've left Islam and have since been on the hunt for a new religion. My problem? None of the shoes that these other religions provide seem to fit! As it turns out, the metaphorical shoes provided by Islam are what would be closest to my own size, but they're still a tad bit too small. This is where the cherry-picking comes in. Could it be possible for me to follow Islam again while taking out the parts of Islam that I do not agree with?

The things I'm wanting to "take out" are nothing too serious in my opinion. Just things that make rational sense to myself. For example, I'm of the opinion that apostates should not be put to death or shunned, but rather be referred to with compassion and included in conversations about Islam as their concerns are certainly important in our ongoing talks about Islam. Secondly, I'm of the opinion that we need to be more inclusive of the LGBT+ community. I'm not sure that I could convince anyone else that being gay or transgender is okay, but I think we should certainly acknowledge that LGBT+ individuals should have a place within Islam where they can feel welcomed and not afraid for their own safety. Then there's the issue of sex within marriage. I was taught that if a woman refuses sex with her husband without a "legitimate reason", the angels will curse her and God would be upset with her until she gives in (Source). I'm sure most of us can see why that view is problematic, and I'm of the opinion that God would not be upset with anyone for not doing a sex act if they did not feel like it.

I also have other little nit-picky things that I think are maybe too strict, but these are all of the big things that I am wanting to cherry-pick. Apparently I'm not alone with what I'm thinking either, at least with regards to including the LGBT community. There is this group of Muslims called Muslims for Progressive Values and I think they're real Muslims too, just very liberal in their thinking. I'd fit right in with them, even though they're not their own independent sect. Unfortunately, however, their mosques are too far from me and are all the way in the big cities. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is that while I've been trying to find my way spiritually and religiously, I've found that Islam may always be my home and I'm trying to come to terms with having a possible Muslim identity while also being different in my ideology. So I'm wondering, can I cherry-pick just a little and still be Muslim? Or is that not really following Islam anymore? In any case, I'm sure I'll be fine, but I think this is an important question that needs to be asked.

And if you're wondering, "But SFG, this all sounds awful! Why would you want to be part of a religion that you don't completely agree with?" While I don't agree with everything, there are things that I still love and miss about Islam. I just want to see if maybe I can go back and try to be devout again in my own way.

I balance my Christianity with a large dose of Taoism and find no disagreement within myself in the two systems. I sense this will work with Islam as well.

 

[Valjean]

If the shoe doesn't fit, go barefoot -- as God intended.

 

[Vinayaka]

I don't see how one can't cherry pick in most faiths. Scriptures are generally vast enough to have contradictions in them. So you either live with two opposing ideas and remain confused, or make a decision as to what makes the most sense to you.

 

[Jumi]

Might as well stay independent and cherry pick from anything you like from any religion.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I wonder why the term is called "cherry-picking" at all, to begin with... hmm...

A cherry tree makes tiny fruits that do not all ripen at the same time, so you cannot pick them all at once. A cherry is about the same size a grape, so you have to pick a lot of cherries from all over the tree.

 

[PureX]

All religion is personal. Once you understand this you realize that "cherry-picking' in not only inevitable, it's healthy. After all, faith is not about what we know, or think we know, about "God". It's about trusting in what we HOPE to be so, regarding "God", and then living according to that hope. There is no right or wrong. There is just you, the Divine Mystery, and how you choose to conceptualize and respond to it.

 

[socharlie]

I wonder why the term is called "cherry-picking" at all, to begin with... hmm... Anyways, I have a question to ask regarding religious systems and what to follow or not follow.

I was raised Muslim from the time I was born until I was old enough to leave the house and live with other relatives. Since moving in with these other non-Muslim relatives, I've left Islam and have since been on the hunt for a new religion. My problem? None of the shoes that these other religions provide seem to fit! As it turns out, the metaphorical shoes provided by Islam are what would be closest to my own size, but they're still a tad bit too small. This is where the cherry-picking comes in. Could it be possible for me to follow Islam again while taking out the parts of Islam that I do not agree with?

The things I'm wanting to "take out" are nothing too serious in my opinion. Just things that make rational sense to myself. For example, I'm of the opinion that apostates should not be put to death or shunned, but rather be referred to with compassion and included in conversations about Islam as their concerns are certainly important in our ongoing talks about Islam. Secondly, I'm of the opinion that we need to be more inclusive of the LGBT+ community. I'm not sure that I could convince anyone else that being gay or transgender is okay, but I think we should certainly acknowledge that LGBT+ individuals should have a place within Islam where they can feel welcomed and not afraid for their own safety. Then there's the issue of sex within marriage. I was taught that if a woman refuses sex with her husband without a "legitimate reason", the angels will curse her and God would be upset with her until she gives in (Source). I'm sure most of us can see why that view is problematic, and I'm of the opinion that God would not be upset with anyone for not doing a sex act if they did not feel like it.

I also have other little nit-picky things that I think are maybe too strict, but these are all of the big things that I am wanting to cherry-pick. Apparently I'm not alone with what I'm thinking either, at least with regards to including the LGBT community. There is this group of Muslims called Muslims for Progressive Values and I think they're real Muslims too, just very liberal in their thinking. I'd fit right in with them, even though they're not their own independent sect. Unfortunately, however, their mosques are too far from me and are all the way in the big cities. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is that while I've been trying to find my way spiritually and religiously, I've found that Islam may always be my home and I'm trying to come to terms with having a possible Muslim identity while also being different in my ideology. So I'm wondering, can I cherry-pick just a little and still be Muslim? Or is that not really following Islam anymore? In any case, I'm sure I'll be fine, but I think this is an important question that needs to be asked.

And if you're wondering, "But SFG, this all sounds awful! Why would you want to be part of a religion that you don't completely agree with?" While I don't agree with everything, there are things that I still love and miss about Islam. I just want to see if maybe I can go back and try to be devout again in my own way.

I would follow the Sufi ways, in time you will understand deeper meaning of Islam.

 

[Aldrnari]

I did the same thing with my walk in christianity- I tried denying the things that didn't sit well with me, and just continued to follow the things that resonated. In the end that path didn't work out for me, though. Maybe Islam will work out for you, but don't be discouraged if it doesn't turn out the way you wanted.

You may switch paths later, and that's ok. No time is wasted when lessons are learned (especially insightful lessons about one's own self), even if the path you take now isn't the path you stay with for the rest of your life.

Staying true to one's self without sacrificing one's intellectual honesty is the ultimate goal, imo.

 

[Ellen Brown]

I wonder why the term is called "cherry-picking" at all, to begin with... hmm... Anyways, I have a question to ask regarding religious systems and what to follow or not follow.

I was raised Muslim from the time I was born until I was old enough to leave the house and live with other relatives. Since moving in with these other non-Muslim relatives, I've left Islam and have since been on the hunt for a new religion. My problem? None of the shoes that these other religions provide seem to fit! As it turns out, the metaphorical shoes provided by Islam are what would be closest to my own size, but they're still a tad bit too small. This is where the cherry-picking comes in. Could it be possible for me to follow Islam again while taking out the parts of Islam that I do not agree with?

The things I'm wanting to "take out" are nothing too serious in my opinion. Just things that make rational sense to myself. For example, I'm of the opinion that apostates should not be put to death or shunned, but rather be referred to with compassion and included in conversations about Islam as their concerns are certainly important in our ongoing talks about Islam. Secondly, I'm of the opinion that we need to be more inclusive of the LGBT+ community. I'm not sure that I could convince anyone else that being gay or transgender is okay, but I think we should certainly acknowledge that LGBT+ individuals should have a place within Islam where they can feel welcomed and not afraid for their own safety. Then there's the issue of sex within marriage. I was taught that if a woman refuses sex with her husband without a "legitimate reason", the angels will curse her and God would be upset with her until she gives in (Source). I'm sure most of us can see why that view is problematic, and I'm of the opinion that God would not be upset with anyone for not doing a sex act if they did not feel like it.

I also have other little nit-picky things that I think are maybe too strict, but these are all of the big things that I am wanting to cherry-pick. Apparently I'm not alone with what I'm thinking either, at least with regards to including the LGBT community. There is this group of Muslims called Muslims for Progressive Values and I think they're real Muslims too, just very liberal in their thinking. I'd fit right in with them, even though they're not their own independent sect. Unfortunately, however, their mosques are too far from me and are all the way in the big cities. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is that while I've been trying to find my way spiritually and religiously, I've found that Islam may always be my home and I'm trying to come to terms with having a possible Muslim identity while also being different in my ideology. So I'm wondering, can I cherry-pick just a little and still be Muslim? Or is that not really following Islam anymore? In any case, I'm sure I'll be fine, but I think this is an important question that needs to be asked.

And if you're wondering, "But SFG, this all sounds awful! Why would you want to be part of a religion that you don't completely agree with?" While I don't agree with everything, there are things that I still love and miss about Islam. I just want to see if maybe I can go back and try to be devout again in my own way.

I am with you on this. In my search to know God, Allah SWT to me, it became apparent to me that the "long view" seems best. The Abrahamic beliefs, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, all make sense but each has points of illogic to me. Given my choice, I would be Muslim, save for the view of Issa PBUH, and that would make me guilty of shirk, according to many Muslims. So, I simply say that both Allah SWT and Issa PBUH are so much more than we understand. Since I am a woman, I am not required to attend Masjid, so few in my area even know my feelings. I was wearing Hijab but here in my part of America, doing that has gotten very dangerous.

I am sorry for the pain you feel at the hands of your relatives, and hope that things get better for you.

 

[Skwim]

All religion is personal. Once you understand this you realize that "cherry-picking' in not only inevitable, it's healthy.

Absolutely. Without the ability to ignore those words, dictates, laws, and rules of a religion that don't suit one's needs how else can a person construct a reasonable faith?

.

 

[Satans_Serrated_Edge]

I wonder why the term is called "cherry-picking" at all, to begin with... hmm... Anyways, I have a question to ask regarding religious systems and what to follow or not follow.

I was raised Muslim from the time I was born until I was old enough to leave the house and live with other relatives. Since moving in with these other non-Muslim relatives, I've left Islam and have since been on the hunt for a new religion. My problem? None of the shoes that these other religions provide seem to fit! As it turns out, the metaphorical shoes provided by Islam are what would be closest to my own size, but they're still a tad bit too small. This is where the cherry-picking comes in. Could it be possible for me to follow Islam again while taking out the parts of Islam that I do not agree with?

The things I'm wanting to "take out" are nothing too serious in my opinion. Just things that make rational sense to myself. For example, I'm of the opinion that apostates should not be put to death or shunned, but rather be referred to with compassion and included in conversations about Islam as their concerns are certainly important in our ongoing talks about Islam. Secondly, I'm of the opinion that we need to be more inclusive of the LGBT+ community. I'm not sure that I could convince anyone else that being gay or transgender is okay, but I think we should certainly acknowledge that LGBT+ individuals should have a place within Islam where they can feel welcomed and not afraid for their own safety. Then there's the issue of sex within marriage. I was taught that if a woman refuses sex with her husband without a "legitimate reason", the angels will curse her and God would be upset with her until she gives in (Source). I'm sure most of us can see why that view is problematic, and I'm of the opinion that God would not be upset with anyone for not doing a sex act if they did not feel like it.

I also have other little nit-picky things that I think are maybe too strict, but these are all of the big things that I am wanting to cherry-pick. Apparently I'm not alone with what I'm thinking either, at least with regards to including the LGBT community. There is this group of Muslims called Muslims for Progressive Values and I think they're real Muslims too, just very liberal in their thinking. I'd fit right in with them, even though they're not their own independent sect. Unfortunately, however, their mosques are too far from me and are all the way in the big cities. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is that while I've been trying to find my way spiritually and religiously, I've found that Islam may always be my home and I'm trying to come to terms with having a possible Muslim identity while also being different in my ideology. So I'm wondering, can I cherry-pick just a little and still be Muslim? Or is that not really following Islam anymore? In any case, I'm sure I'll be fine, but I think this is an important question that needs to be asked.

And if you're wondering, "But SFG, this all sounds awful! Why would you want to be part of a religion that you don't completely agree with?" While I don't agree with everything, there are things that I still love and miss about Islam. I just want to see if maybe I can go back and try to be devout again in my own way.

You could always look into Baha'i. Those guys like to pick and choose a little of this and a little of that; a nice little bowl of cherries.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I wonder why the term is called "cherry-picking" at all, to begin with... hmm... Anyways, I have a question to ask regarding religious systems and what to follow or not follow.

I was raised Muslim from the time I was born until I was old enough to leave the house and live with other relatives. Since moving in with these other non-Muslim relatives, I've left Islam and have since been on the hunt for a new religion. My problem? None of the shoes that these other religions provide seem to fit! As it turns out, the metaphorical shoes provided by Islam are what would be closest to my own size, but they're still a tad bit too small. This is where the cherry-picking comes in. Could it be possible for me to follow Islam again while taking out the parts of Islam that I do not agree with?

The things I'm wanting to "take out" are nothing too serious in my opinion. Just things that make rational sense to myself. For example, I'm of the opinion that apostates should not be put to death or shunned, but rather be referred to with compassion and included in conversations about Islam as their concerns are certainly important in our ongoing talks about Islam. Secondly, I'm of the opinion that we need to be more inclusive of the LGBT+ community. I'm not sure that I could convince anyone else that being gay or transgender is okay, but I think we should certainly acknowledge that LGBT+ individuals should have a place within Islam where they can feel welcomed and not afraid for their own safety. Then there's the issue of sex within marriage. I was taught that if a woman refuses sex with her husband without a "legitimate reason", the angels will curse her and God would be upset with her until she gives in (Source). I'm sure most of us can see why that view is problematic, and I'm of the opinion that God would not be upset with anyone for not doing a sex act if they did not feel like it.

I also have other little nit-picky things that I think are maybe too strict, but these are all of the big things that I am wanting to cherry-pick. Apparently I'm not alone with what I'm thinking either, at least with regards to including the LGBT community. There is this group of Muslims called Muslims for Progressive Values and I think they're real Muslims too, just very liberal in their thinking. I'd fit right in with them, even though they're not their own independent sect. Unfortunately, however, their mosques are too far from me and are all the way in the big cities. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is that while I've been trying to find my way spiritually and religiously, I've found that Islam may always be my home and I'm trying to come to terms with having a possible Muslim identity while also being different in my ideology. So I'm wondering, can I cherry-pick just a little and still be Muslim? Or is that not really following Islam anymore? In any case, I'm sure I'll be fine, but I think this is an important question that needs to be asked.

And if you're wondering, "But SFG, this all sounds awful! Why would you want to be part of a religion that you don't completely agree with?" While I don't agree with everything, there are things that I still love and miss about Islam. I just want to see if maybe I can go back and try to be devout again in my own way.

I think blanket rules and dictates with whatever religion it may be goes only so far as it will never cover those loose strings where people see flaws and inadequacies that can be questionable to follow or heed.