SuperForesting can be the most exciting thing in the world!
Yesterday, I posted about how I am fascinated with Islam, and very interested in promoting a dialogue between my culture (i.e. SuperForesters) and Islamic culture. My hope is to get people talking so that we can all find a peaceful and respectful common ground. From a place of respect, we can share information and create things together. A win for everyone.
This morning, I checked the comments on the post, and an interesting dialogue has indeed started! I have never before been asked if SuperForest is a Conservative site, or a Liberal site, or if it’s neither.
I feel like my response to that question ties back in to my Islam post beautifully, so here goes. (I warn you, the granola level is about to rise considerably. Hold your nose.)
I believe that any label or belief-set that puts boundaries between you and your fellow man is unhelpful, and hinders your growth. I believe that the separation between myself and any other living thing is simply a construct. I believe that all are equal, that all is right and wrong at once because those concepts depend totally on cultural conditioning.
In my head, we living creatures are all just facets of the same beautiful diamond. To say one facet sparkles brighter or better than any other is to disregard the staggering perfection of the diamond as a whole.
I post about Islam because in my culture, we are told that Islam is the enemy. I don’t believe this to be true. Calling someone “enemy” is disrespectful, and certainly not going to help discussions and negotiations, when they inevitably occur. 60 years ago the citizens of the first world were in a fight to the death. Today we’re all trade partners. Former enemies becoming allies is the way it’s always gone.
If my posting my love for Islam bothers you, ask yourself why it does so. I am not an expert, I am an enthusiastic amateur. My job on this planet is to follow my heart and my curiosity, and that’s what this site is a record of. I post out of a love for this planet and its wildly varied people. My love of Islam is a love of the religion, the cultures, but especially the people.
I have enjoyed very much studying the world’s religions, and recently became aware that my knowledge of Islam was lacking in the extreme. So I posted about it. Then I went to Qatar, and while there I was lucky enough to go and speak to the Imam of the local mosque, to ask him questions. I was lucky enough to have him read to me from the Koran. He was a gentleman and I’ll respect him and think well of him all of my life. I have spent many wonderful hours now studying Islam’s many facets.
And you know who really sparked this whole thing?
Ann Coulter.
I was watching television one day and she was on talking about Obama. This was pre-election. Every time she mentioned his name, she was sure to include Obama’s middle name, “Hussein.” It was like a mantra. She kept intoning “Barack Hussein Obama. Barack Hussein Obama…” Over and over.
In my head I thought it was an extremely interesting button to push so strenuously. I thought, “is pointing out Obama’s Muslim heritage enough to really scare people? And, if so, why?”
I had to know more. I love that! You never know what’s going to inspire you.
Ann Coulter, wherever you are on this magical planet, from the bottom of my heart: Thank you.
Without you, I might never have been motivated to pursue a study of Islam. I might never have got to stand with that Imam as the Qatari sun set behind us and had him sing to me in Arabic a passage from his holy book (which I wasn’t allowed to touch.)
I might never have learned that next to Muhammad’s grave, an empty room is kept ready for Jesus. Did y’all know that? Right next to Muhammad’s grave, there is a straight up empty room set aside for Jesus when he comes back. Did everyone know that the Muslim faith was so Jesus-friendly?
I sure didn’t. But I do now, thanks to Ann Coulter.
A commenter said that I should know everything there was about Islam before I posted. Why? I simply posted that I loved it and am curious about it. The people, the culture, the history… What about that isn’t fascinating? I want to know more!
To SuperForest is to accept that all are one, and that life should be spent rejoicing in discovery and connection. To try to label the site is to miss the diamond. We SuperForesters have many viewpoints. Many hearts and minds. All wanting Peace. All promoting Peace by being Peace.
Dang, that’s good granola!
Thank you to Ann Coulter and to everyone who left comments! Love!
Happy Ramadan!
Love to All,
Jackson
Recent Comments