12-02-2004, 11:40 PM
laian,
Thank you very much for your post. Your explanation is very lucid and very helpful. I intended my previous post to be my last, but I wanted to express my thanks to you.
I did not realize the degree to which Christians and Muslims differ in how they define their relationship with God. Even in my readings of the Qu'ran and a few of the Hadiths I did not see this. It would appear to me that, whereas Christians think of themselves as children aspiring to the kingdom of their Father, God, Muslims tend to define themselves as servants. And, in fact, I was surprised to find out that this is more than a conceptual difference but a fundamental doctrine. And so, I now realize that my use of the word "Father" to many on this board is far more than a semantic difference.
As a Christian, we are taught that God is love. He is not looking for more servants to add to His Kingdom but more children to fill His house. He wants to be in relationship with you, not because you deserve it but just because He made you, and is "head over heels" in love with you.
Anyway, thank you for clarifying this issue for me, laian, and I'd like to make only one observation and then I'll be gone from your house.
Quote:So, to call him "Father" implies that he can be the "father" of something, as in having offspring or recreating. Since God is nothing that we understand, he cannot have this human characteristic
If God is nothing that we understand, if the scope of God is beyond our comprehension, how can you honestly say that he <b>cannot</b> have this ability? In saying so, would you not be placing a restraint or definition on Him? And would you not agree that any "human characteristic" that we possess would have to be of his design?
Personally, I prefer my God to be my Father. I would rather be His child than His servant. I try to live life according to his teachings not because He commands it but because I love Him and wish to please Him.
This belief makes more sense to me, it rings of more truth in my ears, and it seems to preclude me from becoming a Muslim.
If I am wrong, dear Father, then I sincerely ask that you reveal it to me otherwise.
And to Muslimah,
You do not understand the concept of the Holy Trinity. And as certain as you may be that I am running full throttle for the bowels of hell, I am equally certain that I am not.
Quote:I m so sorry for him, he does not know what does that mean, he made his decision and this will not harm anyone but him.
I know <b>exactly</b> what I meant.