re: #29 marjoriemoon

Now maybe if I sat with them, they would tell me terrible things about Israel which would then upset me. I don’t know and quite frankly, I don’t want to know. Sounds ignorant? Well, I’ve come to the conclusion that in order to get to peace, you have to come together on things you can agree. The easier stuff first. And maybe later on, you can tackle the other, harder or contentious topics, like World Peace. The other beauty in this idea of mine is that once you become friends, you come from a point of understanding or at least willingness to understand. A positive not negative place.

It doesn’t sound ignorant at all. Muslims are urged to speak to people according to their understanding, and finding common ground is a big part of that. Those of us who were born & raised in America (esp. converts) also have to remind ourselves that while we may be perfectly comfortable with American culture and religious plurality (and at least passingly familiar with other religious teachings), that’s not necessarily the case with non-Muslims and Islamic culture & teachings.

For example, I’ve known Muslims who were formerly Protestant, Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, etc. These people’s families still follow those traditions, so they’re intimately familiar with them. This isn’t the case with most non-Muslim Americans—they may have had one or more of their family members convert and therefore know a little bit more (than the average American) about Islam, but it’s still usually not a lot.

I’m not implying that every American needs to go delve deeply into Islamic studies, but I do think they should recognize that their understanding is probably very limited (perhaps even skewed) and be open to posing more questions to the real people in their lives whom they trust (not the Jassers & Spencers of the world), and then—this is important—and listening to the answers with an open heart & mind.

As for the Israeli/Palestinian thing, I think we Americans need to not bring that conflict here lest the animosity cripple our ability to communicate with one another. Everyone is going to feel some level sympathy when seeing their co-religionists suffer, but I think most of us don’t truly understand the day-to-day reality of what things are like for either side. Even those who have spent time there haven’t walked a mile in the other’s shoes.

I’m glad you don’t spend time wondering if Manji or Salbi would tell you awful things about Israel. I doubt they would, but thinking about what they might say would probably just make you feel resentful. I know plenty of Jews both online & off, but anytime my mind starts wandering towards speculating what feelings they may or may not express out of my earshot, I know I need to steer my thoughts back onto a more positive path. To do otherwise would be pointless and only inspire suspicion & mistrust. There’s enough of that in the world already without me adding to it.

E gad, I had no intention of writing this much. *grimace*

Anyway, that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it :)

Good for you! ;o)