The problem with Islam is that it never had a Reformation: agree or disagree?

Question

The Reformation was a time of critical thinking in the history of the Christian Church... it was a time of high thinking and dangerous living: Christians fought with one another in support of new ideas or in the defense of old ideas... in the end, Christianty was all the better and healthier for it.
But Islam? not only does it stagnate, a significant and dangerous section of it want to pull the whole world back to medieval times. Don't you think it is time for Islam to do some critical thinking? It is stupifying that it does not.

acid zebra... "stupifying" is a relatively new (coined) word which ahs been used by many writers in recent times (J.I. Packer comes to mind). But you probably will not find it in your English-to-Dutch-Dutch-to- English dictionaries. Silly rabbit.

Answer 1

Absolutely. Islam has never had a time when it looked inward and criticized itself, or questioned its theological stagnation. Moslems act as though if you criticize anything about their religion you are putting them and their beliefs down. I personally don't have a problem with Islam, but as an American I should be free to speak and criticize anything as I see fit. Otherwise, we get nothing but theocratic reactionaries, like what is happening in Christianity right now.

Answer 2

I don't know if I would say that Christianity is all the better because of the Reformation. What the reformation did in actuality was to splinter the church into even smaller groups - who are now still warring with each other. Arguing as to who is right and wrong, who will go to heaven and which group wont. It has allowed in some cases a crumbling of theology - history and tradition being forgotten as well as the roots of the Christian faith - Judaism. Yes, there were some good things that came from the Christian Reformation, but in the end we have thousands of factions that fight with each other on a daily basis over such simple theological matters that is saddens the heart.

With Islam one needs to remember that it is younger then the Christian Church. The church went through the Reformation after many, many centuries - after it was well over 1,000 years old. Islam is going towards that mark now - towards the same age the church was at when it went through the Reformation. Islam may well indeed going towards a reformation. We don't know.

I wouldn't say that that is the problem with Islam. Perhaps, the problem is more with extremists not allowing people to think on their own. Not allowing children the right to be children - to fly kites or even be able to laugh. To raise them to be adults who know no other way then that which is taught to them by people with a deadly agenda.

Answer 3

In Islam, there is the council of ulamas(respected religious leaders). If there is an application of decision to something that is not literally explained in the Quran or Hadith, these council will decide on that matter. Otherwise, where the subject matter is clear and unambiguous, The Quran or Hadith shall be applied. Allah(GOD) has guranteed that Allah himself will ensure there would be no changes in the Quran till the end of time and certify that the guidance in life for mankind is complete by the revelation of the Quran.

Answer 4

Disagree

Muslims did this thinking during the crusades, when Jerusalem was occupied by the crusaders and they massacred everyone they could find in the city.

One of the Muslim scholars wrote a book, his name was Hamed Algazaly, and that book was called the reviving of the religious science and some claim that it is the basis that taught Salah Eldeen how important it is for Muslims to unite and fight the crusaders.

to your dismay and mine too, his ideas are more on the radical side than the moderate side but this is how the crusaders were defeated.

By the way, how different is the "NEW" Christianity form the "OLD" one? just wondering

God bless

Answer 5

it might be a problem in part... but not the biggest problem

A reformation is a turning back to God only if one is turning back to a true revelation of God ... looking inward to ones self is humanism and yet a third world view

In the end,...there would still be a large difference
one rests on true works and prophets of God and one does not and they are mutually exclusive relying on different incompatible claims to some degree

a reformation type movement is and was based on solo scriptura and only has strength to the degree the scriptures are true and authoritative. It rests in part of the truthfullness of Jesus claim to die for the world and be raised

I think the Bible is authoritative, and valid and truthful... I cannot say the same for Islam or see evidense it is really from God or valid in the same sense... so no amount of reformation and going back to the original intentions and purposes would have the same effect or reforming since the original object of the faith doesnt rest on true prophets of God in my opinion

Answer 6

Disagree, cause all the religions, were changed buy there follower as needed to support their life style or need, there was no check there was no care taker. but as the final "manual" of Humans from the creator, creator promises to take care of the manual not to be changed because its final and the last one, no other manuals are in process or coming to the market. there could be criticism but It will be due to the lack of knowledge. One cant reform the product unless its his own product one has to follow the manual or he/she will ruin the whole idea, ruin the product

Answer 7

The problem is not just Islam but all of Monotheism has the idea that violence is an acceptable way to push your religious ideas!

Answer 8

"in the end, Christianty was all the better and healthier for it. "

and you base this on what? The many schism'd sects? the constant infighting?

Answer 9

both of religions have to give way to reality no ancient sience fiction my opinnion and be peace on the earth no fight