subject: What You Need To Know About Islamic Theology [print this page] What You Need To Know About Islamic Theology
It is important for those who do not know anything about Islam to learn Islamic Theology so that they can understand a bit about Islamic history and the future of Islam as is seen by many in the Middle East. Islam is by far the most populous religion in the world and the fastest growing religion as well. There are several factions of this religion, just as there are of Christianity. Islam is also the newest of the large religions in the world.
Muslims believe that Mohammad was a prophet. Although Islam is considered to be an Eastern religion by many, its roots are derived from Judaism as well as Christianity. The Torah, which is basically the Old Testament of the Bible, is included in Islam history and theology. Muslims belief Jesus Christ was a prophet, but that the final world of God was handed down to the prophet Mohammed.
Islamic history began much like Christian history with feuds as to which land would belong to whom as well as tribal feuds. In recent years, Islamic theology has been debated and studied. While most of those who practice the religion of Islam will state that they believe in peace, there have been significant terrorist attacks throughout the western world in the name of this religion. Many liken Islamic history today to that of Christian history during the time of the Crusades. During this time in Christian history, which occurred in the middle ages, those who opposed Christianity were killed or tortured. Crusaders killed in the name of Jesus Christ. However, this was hundreds of years ago and since then, Christians have become a lot more tolerant.
Islamic theology is no more tolerant than fundamental Christian theology when it comes to views on choices in life. The lines are very clear and recent Islamic history points to overthrowing western ways of life and influence, installing dictators who mandate that Islamic laws be the law of the land, no tolerance for any difference of opinion when it comes to religion or theology and even death sentences for those who oppose Islam. It appears to many individuals that right now is a crucial time for Islamic history in that they are promoting Islam with the same fervor that was used during the Crusades.
Those who oppose Islamic theology in the United States or other Western countries can do so, however, to speak out against it or even question it will automatically cause one to be labeled a racist or an intolerant person. This is often enough to keep people from speaking out as they do not want to be singled out. In countries such as the United States, the thoughts and feelings of Muslims are so well protected that anyone who does anything purposely offending them can be accused of a hate crime, a felony. Something said to a Christian person may be dismissed or at worst, be a misdemeanor. However, the same instance will be a felony if promoted against a Muslim. Needless to say, the fear of being charged with a felony crime, having a Fatwa issued against them by radical Muslim groups or simply being labeled a racist and possibly losing your job can keep people from speaking out against any problems they might see with the changing face of Islam.
