RE: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] Reason and logic vs. religion?

["McNutt, Justin M." <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

> I don't know very much about Islam, but I sense that you are describing 
> a difference with Christianity.  In Christianity, the major emphasis is 

Not really.  I was just tackling the topic of mindless followers by itself.

> on _relationship_ with God.  Thus you do not
> (1) slavishly follow rules without understanding, nor
> (2) try to work it out using logic and reason all by yourself,

In Islam, you *are* expected to slavishly follow the rules, but NOT "without understading."  Because there are always times when the rules dictate a different action, and if you don't understand them, you're technically not following the rules any more.

So the 'slavish' part is almost a semantic argument, and somewhat dependent on how one interprets 'slave'.  It's a protracted discussion, but the bottom line is that in Islam you're supposed to think and learn, even where Islam itself is concerned.

> but rather the proper approach is
> (3) pray and seek God for enlightenment and understanding.
> This idea is all over the Bible - so, for example, I just happened to 
> read today Isaiah 50:10-11
> 
>   10 Who among you fears the LORD
>         and obeys the word of his servant?
>         Let him who walks in the dark,
>         who has no light,
>         trust in the name of the LORD
>         and rely on his God.
> 
>   11 But now, all you who light fires
>         and provide yourselves with flaming torches,
>         go, walk in the light of your fires
>         and of the torches you have set ablaze.
>         This is what you shall receive from my hand:
>         You will lie down in torment.

In Islam, no one would begrudge your lighting fires and bringing light, warmth, and cooked food to your homes, so long as one says, "It is Allah(swt) who provides us with the wisdom and strength to light the fire," rather than glorifying oneself for having such a cool technology.  Develop and use new tools, but maintain your humility before Allah(swt) is the idea.

I think that is the idea behind these passages from the Bible as well.  Now that you have fire, do you turn away from Allah(swt) and congratulate yourself and do as you please, or are you still obedient and humble?

--J

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