If you've read the "About Me" tab, you know a little about this blogger. If not, I'll give you the brief version because it is worth repeating in this first post. As you know, I'm a Christian. I was raised in a Christian family. I attended a Southern Baptist Church from the time I was very young until my early adulthood. Several years ago, I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church and still worship in an Episcopal community. Although I have studied different religions, with a heavy focus on Christian theology, I am not a scholar. I am a seeker and enjoy exploring and discussing different points of view on many topics. I am not reading this book because I have an interest in converting to Islam. I am reading this book because I want to learn more about Islam and its followers to better understand the religion of my Muslim brothers and sisters.
I know that Islam, like Christianity and Judaism, is an Abrahamic religion. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are monotheistic religions, believing in the same God. Each of these three religions trace their origin to Abraham. I know much more about Christianity, and even Judaism, than I do about Islam. In fact, I've told you just about all I know about Islam!
My hope is that reading the Koran from cover to cover will give me a better understanding of Islam and its followers. If you choose to follow this blog and comment, please read the "Commentary Rules" at the top of the home page.
I will read the first Surah and post my interpretations and thoughts on the text within a couple of days. If you care to read my blog and offer your comments, I welcome you.
EM
I voted "I will never read it", but that is mainly because I already have such a large list and not because it isn't an interesting idea. I think I also worry about not having any context. I think it would also be hard to read the Bible and understand Christians, but hopefully there would still be some insights. I also know there are many passages in the Bible that we shouldn't take literally (cut off your hand, etc.), are Old Testament beliefs (women covering theirs heads) or just horrible (Elisha has a she-bear kill 42 children because they made fun of his bald spot -- what???)
ReplyDeleteHopefully there are some sources to help you find your way through it!
Anonymous, thank you for your comments. I do plan to read and consult with others about the context of passages and will include my findings in posts. Perhaps some of the readers and followers of this blog can recommend sources. That would be appreciated!
ReplyDeleteSubmisson.org has some interesting things (women's dress for example -- see the section for teenagers)
ReplyDeleteI also thought this site was interesting for understanding Islamic Law a bit better -- http://muslim-canada.org/Islam_myths.htm
Somewhere in that one it talks about the Sunna, which is a "composite of the teachings of the Prophet and his works. The Sunna contain stories and anecdotes, called Hadith, to illustrate a concept. The Qur’an may not have all the information about behaviour and human interaction in detail; the Sunna gives more detailed information than the Qur’an".
(didn't mean to be anonymous!)
I really like the concept and love that it's not just a Christian reading the Koran here - but a seminarian, too. I have always found that I get a much different picture of a movement by reading the founders works themselves. I am looking forward to the unexpected insight you gain here.
ReplyDelete