Islam is a thorn in my side.?

Question

I have felt a strong revulsion toward Islamic religion and culture for a long time. I am otherwise very progressive, liberal, and consider myself to be pretty enlightened. Now I've been offered a very good contract to work for 2 years in one of the more moderate countries in the Middle East. It almost seems like a life lesson is being laid out for me to overcome my prejudice. But I am actually getting depressed thinking about being in an Islamic country. I go looking for the positive side of Islam, and I find 10 more revolting things about it. I even feel tempted to join the reactionary movement of people who have a strong hatred toward Islam. I feel a defensive impulse to claim my Christian heritage more strongly, but when I pray I get no consolation. Any words of wisdom? (Muslims, thank you for your interest, but I am not really looking to hear from you - no offense - please understand.)

Answer 1

As an agnostic I feel revulsion for some of the things that have been done in the name of Christianity, but I don't have a problem living in a predominantly Christian country. You should go, mate. You will realise that you knew little or nothing of Islam (It's not all bad news as far as I can see). As for not wanting words from Muslims on a Muslim subject? You overate yourself if you consider yourself a liberal. Go! A learn how ignorant you are now. You will benefit by the inevitable enlightenment of experience.

Answer 2

I also had some reservations about moving to the Middle East from the UK but you've said that your job will be in one of the moderate countries so I'm assuming UAE/Jordan/Qatar/Bahrain etc. These countries are very safe for ex-pat workers and I have to admit that all of the muslim people I have had dealings with over the last 18 months have been pleasant and hospitable. The UAE has Christian churches and freedom of religion exists although it's not unusual to have a mosque built next to a church. Give the Middle East a chance, I've had a great time so far in Dubai and have no plans to go back to the UK in the near future.

Answer 3

You're not likely to get consolation by praying, because Christianity preaches tolerance. But then, your Christianity hasn't gone that deep.

Without knowing what you mean by a 'moderate Middle Eastern country', it's difficult to comment. In moderate, predominantly Muslim you can probably buy alcohol, or at least consume it in the bars of Five star hotels. If you can't live without your bacon and egg, pork sausage breakfast, then forget it.

My advice would be to go with an open mind. Since you don't seem to have this, then you should possibly stay home.

Shame, you could benefit from displacement allowances and tax-free earnings, probably with paid health insurance and paid accommodation. Still, in the end, it's your choice!

Answer 4

as with all annoying answers ever I am going to tell you that the answer is within you.

Only you know if you indeed should even go to the middle east, you seem quite torn, part of you wants to go and try the new experience, and a whole other side cannot tollerate the thought of it.
Difficult position to be in!

The reason you are most likely not finding any joy from your prayers is becasue you are firstly expecting a simple resonse, a yes or no or even a yes with extra info on how to cope.

This is the test between your pesonal soul and your faith. Can you take your faith and trust in it to keep you going when it gets tough.
Maybe this isnt so much a time to call on your prayers for relief, but a time to stregnthen your beliefs.

I would urge you to tke things slowly, communicate and take time with the friends and family you have - and try to make more as you travel (both metaphorically and physically). Its these ties which will pull you through when it gets harder.

I would also like to add that although I can appreciate and understand your dislike of the middle eastern people, it is not so easy to tar everyone with the same brush. You seem to have picked up on this yourself after mentioning you consider yourself to be enlightened before launching into the predudice you have as though to some how excuse it.
It sounds like you began enlightenment but for some reason known only to you by you, you cannot let the enlightenment continue through to your beliefs on muslims/the middle east. I think maybe this is your battle.

Its like the man jumping off a cliff saying "god will catch me", and believing this to be true. Maybe god doesnt want to work this way, maybe he says, "jump, I hae given you arms to reach out for the help which I have provided in the men and women surrounding you, please use the mind I have also supplied you with to decide what it is you want, as it is provided. you dont have to ask."

I am not trying to berrate you for requesting consolation, but I am saying take a look at the bigger picture. Sometimes we cannot see past the nose on our face.

Dont force yourslf to travel unless you are able to take on such a challenge. If you force yourself you are likely to remain closed and unable to accept change.

But please remember, if this chane to change and challenge and stregnthen your faith slips away, it will be you that you feel the most anger towards.

Answer 5

A true Christian should not hate anybody but I understand what you mean.Many Muslims are very good people,only you can take that decision.A close friend of mine was ordered to remove a Crucifix off the wall.I would be very careful to express my opinion as some of them can do things when they have an axe to grind.Good luck and God bless.

Answer 6

Christianity has facets that are just as awful. What you should really be worried about are the violent and corrupt governments in the middle east, not the religion which has it's extremists and it's moderates just like christianity does.

And yes, you are being bigoted, but that doesn't mean you have to move somewhere if you don't want to.

Answer 7

I have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for 5 years and this has made me dislike all things Arabic. I can honestly say I hate Saudis. They are all ignorant, arrogant, and lazy. They practise blatant racism against expats. They cannot get on with each other for crying out loud. The ruling Sunni sect discriminate against other Muslims by denying them promotions etc. I have just resigned from my job here and I am looking forward to never seeing a Saudi again.

Answer 8

People have a right to their own beliefs. I am not a muslim, but this comes down to a person's basic right to do what they feel is right. Its the same as hating someone because they like apples and you don't. Always remember that each person, everyone in the world, is doing what they think is right, just as you do. So give them that choice and be happy for them for the choices. You don't have to be a muslim if you don't want to. But if someone else chooses to, he can.

Answer 9

i am a christian but my husband and children are muslim, i wonder where you are getting your information about islam, because, although i am proud of my christian heretige, i have read the koran and see nothing but love and respect, go to the middle east, pray to whichever god you choose, maybe you will become more enlightened in the process, good luck with the job and well done for being so very honest

Answer 10

Try to think of their point of view about us. Truly, you can not be so liberal and 'enlightened' if you feel this way. May God fill you with the love you lack. Otherwise, you are in no way a true Christian.