To challenge centuries of religious teaching is very difficult. Since we have no substantiated alternative theory as to how life really began, all we have to go on is that there is a God and “he” started it all.
Accepting evolution doesn’t negate God. Even evolution can’t explain the first cell that became a molecule that EVOLVED into a human being. So what are we supposed to think?
Theory has it that maybe there was always “something”, that maybe that first cell didn’t need to be created, it was always there. But that’s not logical from the standpoint of how most of our minds work.
Europeans are more likely to be atheists, because they lived through the perils of World War II and god didn’t do much to help them or their loved ones. “He has his reasons”, just didn’t work when your wife or children were murdered by Nazis and your possessions were taken to supply the dwindling fascist coffers.
Since the easiest way to explain creation is by the existence of god, and for centuries, that’s been the explanation, questioning that truth engenders a lot of passionate feeling. Most evangelicals, whether Christian, Muslim or Jewish become extremely defensive when their beliefs are questioned.
But, it is only Muslim extremists who are willing to kill others if their doctrine is challenged.
Why aren’t moderate Muslims speaking out more? Why is there a general belief that Muslims are trying to inundate us with their strict religious concepts? Why do women accept Sharia law? It is a law that places men in charge of them, a law that allows the husband to have multiple wives, and a law that allows the husband to unilaterally divorce his wife. (Sharia law is quite inclusive of all aspects of life, and I’m just limiting my comments to a very small part of it.)
Why? Centuries of indoctrination and fear have created a belief that it is a sin to think differently. The word of God should never be questioned. The fear, in terms of Muslim women, is real. If you are a woman in Saudi Arabia, your life is in danger if you actually think for yourself and express those thoughts publicly.
But what about here in the US? Our country was founded on free thinkers. Let’s hear more from them. Not only will you be respected, you will be praised by those of us who believe in fairness, women’s rights, and democracy.
If you enjoy being Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist, you might also enjoy, The Man with a Microphone in his Ear. On his 1st day of psychiatric training, a clueless resident is assigned to treat a dangerous paranoid man. It’s now available in paperback and as an eBook.
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Art Smukler, MD - Books & Thoughts 
I shall dare to be different in my view about the Sharia Law and the way Islam is being used and abused by its own followers. Am a “modern day” woman and I believe that Sharia empowers women to an extent that no other religion or state can provide. and I have understood Islam , more as a way of life , than as a religion. The sad part is that some vociferous muslims who think they have understood the Quran, force others into submission , much as a bully does. I wish the world could be shown the secular face of Islam. Sad state of affairs- like the witch hunting era….
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Art,
I’ve always been a very tolerant person, however, you have raised an interesting subject.
Before 9-11, I recall seeing a report on 60 Minutes showing public beatings of women by the Taliban in Afghanistan which was totally shocking. I remember reports of public beheadings in Saudi Arabia. From history, I recall the Moors attempting to spread religion by the sword by their entries into Spain and Portugal.
With so many other examples that could be recited, it does make it difficult for one to accept that this is a “religion of peace”. Neal raises a good point that other religions do not consider non-believers in their religion as infidels who do not deserve to exist in this world.
Do you care to start another blog in the belief of a constantly expanding universe??
Mike
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Thanks for your insightful comments. Another blog? This one’s complicated enough!
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I’m more intrigued by the introductory material in your posting about Sharia law than in the discussion of Sharia law itself. I certainly disagree with your contention that since we have no authenticated theory as to the beginning of the Universe, we have no choice but to cling to the belief there is a god and “he’ started it all.
Later you seemingly acknowledge the problem in asserting such a view, by admitting “some” theorize there is no need of a creator since the Universe may have always existed, only to fall back on what I consider a weak argument by dismissing that view as not a comfortable fit for most minds. I fail to see why one unauthenticated theory trumps another.
Why not simply pose the question about Sharia law without the introductory impedimenta?
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Good point! Thanks
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I think our ignorance of Islam and the rhetoric that we commonly hear is what drives us to believing that Islam or Shariah(which is Islam) is somehow unfair to women. I still don’t see it. However, I believe we would have to define our definition of freedom before we could have a conversation about Islam. Just like any other religion, the people can stray away from the true message. However, the religion will always remain the same. The text will never change. Humans and how they interpret may.
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Hi Lauren; Thanks for your comment. I would define freedom, in this case, as both men and women having equal power. If a man can marry four women. why can’t a woman marry four men? If a man can unilaterally divorce, why can’t a woman? Why is a man allowed to have affairs with prostitutes and if a woman strays, she is condemned to being stoned to death? Why are women forced to wear head scarves and burqa and men allowed to wear whatever they want? I’m not criticizing, but would really like to know your feelings about this. I know it is written in Koran that it should be this way, but doesn’t it seem very biased?
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“since neither Christians nor Jews (nor other religions, to the best of my knowledge) believe that members of other faiths need to be killed in the name of their God.” I think that should say ‘still believe’. Other religions, discounting some, used to believe it was ok to kill anyone who didn’t believe in their god but they eventually got over themselves and decided it was wrong.
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There is no accounting for the muslim beliefs, but there is a real danger, not just to women, but to the entire world. We see it almost daily in the reports from Iraq, Pakistan, etc…everything in the name of Allah. If indeed, there is an Allah, then that shoots the whole idea of one God, since neither Christians nor Jews (nor other religions, to the best of my knowledge) believe that members of other faiths need to be killed in the name of their God. We are dealing with a religion that still believes in its medieval roots. How can a sane person explain why the Sunni and Shiites fight each other over who should have been the prophet following Mohammed? I really don’t understand that one. That’s like fighting over who should have led the Israelites into Canaan after Moses died. At this point, who cares? It’s history!! It certainly has no effect on today’s world.
And unfortunately, they seem to gaining footholds in too many areas…just ask the French or English!! or even many areas in this country as well. Don’t mistake what I am saying…I am a firm believer in religious freedom, but not when that religion preaches destruction.
And getting back to your question as to why women accept the anti-feminine teachings of Islam, if you live in Saudi Arabia, you are not given much choice. And the ones who are colonizing the rest of the world are mainly the “true believers”. There are some women, and we read about them in paper who are trying to bring their countries into the 21st century with respect to women, but they seem to be fighting a losing battle.
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Thanks. I’m in full agreement, and share your concern.
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