I much preferred Terry Jones when he was in Monty Python

[captainsblog]

I started with an idea that I suggested elsewhere- that true People of the Book might drown out this wax-mustached idiot of a "minister" in Florida by having their truly faithful, and loving, and tolerant churches and synagogues read from the Qur'an as part of their services this weekend.

We haven't picked the passage, yet, but after a brief conversation with our senior pastor today, I am scheduled to do just that during our Rally Day service this Sunday morning.

Here are the ones I'm considering; other choices are still welcome:

    * And do not dispute with the followers of the Book except by what is best, except those of them who act unjustly, and say: We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you, and our God and your God is One, and to Him do we submit. [Qur'an 29:46]

    * Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of God during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma'rûf and forbid Al-Munkar ; and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous. And whatever good they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for God knows well those who are Al-Muttaqûn .(3:113-115)

    * And there are, certainly, among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), those who believe in God and in that which has been revealed to you, and in that which has been revealed to them, humbling themselves before God. They do not sell the Verses of God for a little price, for them is a reward with their Lord. Surely, God is Swift in account. '(3:199)'

    * Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve . [Qur'an 2:62]

    * Say (O Muhammad ): "O people of the Scripture : Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but God, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides God. [Qur'an 3:64]

Wow. That last one sounds a lot like the Shema of the Hebrew Scriptures, and the Great Commandment of the Christian ones. Maybe if a few nutjobs on all ends got their heads out of their buttockses, we'd all realize that.

Comments

[bill_sheehan.livejournal.com]

It's a good idea. In fact it's bloody brilliant. Go for it!

And a very happy Eid el-Fitr to you and Plantmom!

[suchanadorer.livejournal.com]

I think these are just wonderful, and illustrate a sort of tolerance that more people ought to know exists within Islam.

I'm working tomorrow so that one of my more devout co-workers can enjoy Eid el-Fitr with his family. I don't mind; celebrations here started yesterday and will continue through the weekend, so we'll have very little to do, and on Saturdays we make double. Honestly, I don't even know why we're open.

[firynze.livejournal.com]

I've read all three of the Abrahamic holy books, and they sound, well, pretty much identical. Just different translations, and different addendums and stopping points. That's all.

I like this idea.