What's with the Muslim stuff?

From time to time in this blog you'll see references to sites or articles about the Muslim world, some of which have critique, all of which have been chosen for the purpose of illumination. After all what happens there matters and if all one has for information is the mainstream media much will be missed and important things will go unnoticed.

But let me state that there is no hate here for Muslims despite the efforts of some in that religion to portray any critique or analysis of Islam as "hate" or intolerance. I disagree with the understanding that Mohammed is a prophet of God or the Koran is the literal word of God. I believe the revelation of God found in Jesus Christ is true. True disagreement, as against unthinking bitterness, is part of the search for truth and when dissent is immediately labeled as "hate" and a topic off limits for reasonable discussion then all hope for discovering truth is killed and the world decends into night.

In that context I remain convinced people should always examine thier faith, know why they believe, understand the history of the outworking of their faith, warts and all, and come to a mature knowledge of thier religion. In the current times of turmoil such a mature understanding of religion matters more than ever and there are frankly too many people both in Islam and Christianity who have only emotional, cultural, or tribal understandings of what they believe, understandings that have become empty jars into which fanaticism can be poured. I am an Orthodox Christian not because Orthodox people, including myself, have always been shining examples of purity but rather because Orthodoxy calls me and the world to transcend brokenness and gives us an example in Jesus Christ of one who lived the fullest humanity to which we, despite our sometimes terrible deeds, aspire.

And quite frankly I believe that Muslims will find the rest they seek, the rest that has caused a number of them to resort to violence and fanaticism, in Jesus Christ. There is wisdom in Islam but it's fulfillment is in Christ who shines with such glory that even thier prophet revered Him. Christians have sometimes done terrible things to Muslims and Muslims to Christians and yet the light that is Christ, when allowed to shine freely, illumines all.

Ultimately that is what I wish. Light for me in my darkness and light for those in Islam as well.

So I speak and write and pray as a fellow traveler hoping for, as our Liturgy prays, the "union of all" in Christ.