spiritual integrity

 
 

Christians and Moslems can be friends!

Christians and Moslems can be friends

Yes, it's true! Christians and Moslems can be friends.

  • Has the media led you to believe that your Islamic neighbours are out to get you?
  • Have people been telling you that the Moslem community is trying to take over?
  • Did you buy into the propaganda that all Arabic people are your enemies?

Prejudice arises out of fear, and fear thrives upon ignorance!
This webpage aims to promote harmony through sharing truth

Please understand: we are not saying that Christianity and Islam are basically the same. Nor are we suggesting that Christians and Moslems should agree on everything. What we do believe though is that when we have disagreements, we can dialogue and learn from each other. And when we find that we share common concerns for the community, we can work together.

Below you will find articles, video material, audio interviews and more. Please make use of these resources, and return often, as the material is constantly being updated. You might also like to leave a comment at the base of this page or log on to our forum to express your opinion.

STOP PRESS

Sheikh Mansour is under threat of deportation!
Click here to go to the 'Save the Sheikh' website or visit www.justice4mansour.com for more information

Father Dave interviews Sheik Mansour

(nb. the downloadable audio files below have been zipped for faster download. If you download them, you must unzip them in order to listen to them. You can grab an unzipping utility here)

Interview no. 1: 'What is a Jihad?'
Part 1 (12 minutes): We look at the two types of Jihad - personal and social. We discover that a 'holy' war is 'holy' because it is fought according to strict ethical guidelines, such as would exclude all acts normally described as 'terrorist' activities.

Click here to download a zipped version of the MP3 file, or use the buttons below to listen now.

Part 2 (5 minutes): If the connection between the concept of 'Jihad' and terrorist activity is erroneous, why is it so often made? Sheikh Mansour and I also discuss the controversy over recent comments made by the Pope.

Click here to download a zipped version of the MP3 file, or use the buttons below to listen now.

Interview no. 2: 'Women in Islam'
Part 1 (17 minutes): I ask the Sheikh whether women are considered 2nd-class citizens in Islam. Mansour asserts that the Koran teaches a radical equality between men and women, and says that Islam has played a significant historic role in liberating women in Arab society.

Click here to download a zipped version of the MP3 file, or use the buttons below to listen now.

Part 2 (16 minutes): I confront Mansour with a series of issues which seem clearly discriminatory - the practice of polygamy, the dress code for women in Islam, and the practice of female genital mutilation, which is often associated with Islamic societies.

Click here to download a zipped version of the MP3 file, or use the buttons below to listen now.

Interview no. 3: 'What does the Koran say about Christians and Jews?'

Is it right for Islamic people to refer to Christians and Jews as 'infidels'? Sheikh Mansour says that this is completely inappropriate. He accepts that there are negative statements in the Koran about Christians and Jews but says that they must be taken in context

The Sheikh acknowledges of course that not all Moslems read the Koran as he does, but suggests that these trouble-makers are generally members of sects who despise mainline Moslems like himself even more than they do Christians and Jews!

Click here to download a zipped version of the MP3 file, or use the buttons below to listen now (33 minutes).


Other Resources

Videos

Peace, Propaganda & The Promised Land

This documentary provides a striking comparison of U.S. and international media coverage of the crisis in the Middle East, zeroing in on how structural distortions in U.S. coverage have reinforced false perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Captured Prisoners

This documentary looks at the life of Palestinians under Israeli occupation, and specifically at the plight of those who have been arrested and imprisoned, often without being tried or even charged!

Audio Recordings
Bishop Riah of Jerusalem

Bishop Riah argues that Christians and Moslem people have, for the most part, been living together harmoniously in his region of the world for thousands of years. The antagonism we see today is being manufactured by those with a vested interest.

Sheikh Mansour at the World Peace Forum

This was the speech given by Sheikh Mansour at the World Peace Forum, held in Sydney at the time of the initial invasion of Iraq. Mansour asserts that Islam is a religion of peace, and affirms the golden rule - 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you'

Articles
Bishop Riah pleads for Gaza

"For the past forty years we have been largely alone on this desert fighting a predator that not only has robbed us of all but a small piece of our historic homeland, but threatens the traditions and holy sites of Christianity. We are tired, weary, sick, and wounded. We need your help."

Pluralism and Islamic Civilisation

Dr Chandra Muzaffer challenges Moslems who do not believe that their faith is compatible with tolerance and religious pluralism.

"No civilization in history has demonstrated a more resolute commitment to pluralism than Islam. The principles of pluralism are anchored in the Noble Quran itself."

Khalad Amayreh
Evangelical Ignorance and Fanaticism about Islam

"Does the Islamic concept of God seem any different from the Biblical concept of God?", asks Khalid Amayreh.

Perhaps Christians should read the Quran first before writing off
the God of Islam as some foreign deity?

Moslems are NOT our Enemies

This was an address given by me to a large group of Islamic people, gathered together to raise funds for war-torn Lebanon.

"How is it then that the violence in the Middle East has become a war of religions? It is my belief that the only explanation for this is that there must be some powerful groups with a vested interest in dividing Islamic people from Christians and Jews."

Sheikh Hilaly had a point!

I've received a lot of flak for this article, but if you read it you'll see that my goal was not to defend Sheikh Hilaly! (whom I don't know)

Rather, I try to state what I think should be reasonably obvious - namely, that the issue he raised about young girls in this country, asking for trouble by the way they dress, is a matter worthy of serious discussion.

Are you my brother?

One challenge that has been put to me repeatedly since I started this campaign is the question of whether it is appropriate for me to refer to my Islamic friends as my 'brothers' and 'sisters'.

Many of my Bible-believing brethren have suggested that I should reserve this language for fellow Christians, following the pattern of the New Testament. Here's my response.

Recommended Books

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Please add your comments

Have you found this page helpful? If so, help me to improve it through your suggestions.

Please note that all comments are subject to approval before they are posted.
Any racial slurs or comments that I judge to be disrespectful will NOT be posted.

Comments Date
    By yasser elaboody2008-04-02 09:40:31

i wish if i can get friends from all over world

    By Abolfazl2008-02-15 10:42:14

Islam & Christianity Or Judaism are same religions but GOD sent them for pepole in diffrent times I mean every religion is good but when another one is sent we must choose that.It is just like a program for our life but every time when pepoles preceptions are greater God sent another religion for them.Moslems believe that Koran is God's Speech. I read in koran that GOD says"Never Make Distinction among his Prophets" Finally when god sent islam that was when pepole preception were good enough. Actually when another religion has came out you should accept that.there are 3 holy religions now. All of them is true but for their times.and MOHAMAD Is the god's Last prophet.Every time you hear news about iran or any other moslem Country Do n't beieve that beacuse Most of them are lies.There are Alot of pepole that we call them Moslem but in fact They are not.They kill pepole They every one.

    By Mahendra2007-12-19 17:50:14

Hiiii everyone.... I am from Yogyakarta-Indonesia, as you know most of Indonesian people can't speak english well, so am I. My english is so bad, please forgive me ^o^. My country is famous as one of the largest nation that has various culture and religions but most of the population are moslem, unluckly my country also famous as one of the moslem terorism country. One of the biggest tragedy were held in Bali, a couple years ago, the tragedy was caused by some Moslem people.As Moslem I was so shy, but within my heart i didn't believe that they are Moslem. I think they are evil, not has relegion and faith but they can speak God. the thruth Islam isn't like that, we love peace and everything about kindness.Islam teached about relations within Human, Nature, God and our Propeth. In the Future, I hope we can take care this relationship, not only Moslem betwen Christians but also Buddish, Hindush(I mean Hindu) and others. The last thing, if my a wish, please Don't hatered Indonesian people, especially Indonesian moslem people. God Bless U all. Sampai jumpa( CU), wassalam...

    By DR S K I RIZVI2007-12-09 11:40:27

JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM ALL ARE THE DIVINE RELIGIONS BASED ON THE HOLY BOOKS, THE TORAT, BIBLE AND QURAN FROM THE GOD, SHARING THE SAME VIRTUES AND VALUES. ALL THE RELIGIONS RECOMMEND GOOD WILL, LOVE AND PEACE AMONG ALL THE HUMANBEINGS OF ANY RELIGION OR RACE. AS LOVE AND KINDNESS ARE OF PRIME IMPORTANCE, THOSE CRITERIA ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IN ISLAM, TOO. WE ALL ARE FROM THE SAME PROGENY OF PROPHET ABRAHAM AND THEN KILLING EACH OTHER OR TERRORISM MAKES NO SENSE. IN ISLAM, KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE OR EVEN KILLING ANIMALS OR TORTURING THEM UNNECESSARILY IS PROHIBITED. THEN HOW CAN A PIOUS PERSON LIKE SHEIKH LEGHAIE, WHO IS AN EXPERT OF ISLAMIC THEOLOGY AND PRINCIPLES, MAY BE INVOLVED IN ANY THREAT TO AUSTRALIAN SECURITY. ALL THESE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM ARE BASELESS AND JUST A DIRTY GAME OF POLITICIANS TO GET FAVOUR FROM A CERTAIN GROUP OF NARROW-MINDED PEOPLE. I PERSONALLY KNOW THE SHEIKH FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND HE HAS BEEN A VERY NICE FAMILY PERSON HELPING ALL AUSTRALIANS, WHETHER MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS, ALL ALIKE ADVOCATING HUMANITY AND NOBLE VIRTUES. I EARNESTLY BELIEVE THAT THE NOBLE CHRISTIAN AUTHORITY SHALL OPPOSE THE SHAMEFUL BIASED DECISION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO DEPORT HIM FOR NO REASON, BUT TO FULFIL THEIR ILLEGITIMATE PRESTIGE ISSUE.

    By hussein dirani2007-12-04 20:06:25

it is wonderful to see Father Dave and Sheik mansour there hands together ,that is how true christian and Muslims should be, sheik mansour an asset to Australia and all community ,our respected government should respect our load voice keep Dr sheik mansour here don't loose this jewel

    By Mohammed A.2007-11-30 17:04:09

This is a truly beautiful thing to see Muslims and Christians working together. Now if we can only make this a world-wide thing and all be friends and stop the wars and hatred. I thank you!

    By geisye2007-08-23 17:40:01

Hi every one, sorry my english is not that good but i try my best here. Have you forgotten that this battle is not about christianity or moslem or whatever the religion is? It is about the battle between us and the evil spirit. What we have to do is to pray together. Peace wont come until the time for Jesus to come back,meaning the end of the world. Therefore we all should pray a lot for each other and love each other as God loved us. As it is written in Quran & The Bible. God bless you all!

    By REV. BUFORD DOWELL2007-06-20 06:44:01

TO YOUR DIR! READ THE NEW BOOK: "JESUS CHRIST! MARY! AND MOHAMMED! READ! HOW MOHAMMAD BELIEVED THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS THE WAY AND THE DOOR, INTO THE KINGDOME OF GOD!! READ! HOW MOHAMMAD BELIEVED THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS THE GREAT PHYSIAN!" IT WILL SHOCK YOU HOW THE HIGHARCHY OF THE MUSLEM FAITH, HID INFORMATION FROM IT'S PEOPLE!! VISIT: WWW.SONSOFABRAHAM.COM BE BLESSED!

    By Catherine Davis2007-06-12 12:48:42

Hi , I am just responding to Mustafa's posting. I refer you to the website www.barnabasfund.org where there is an article about the savage murders of 3 Christians who were 'guilty' of printing Bibles in eastern Turkey. I think it is important to add this as clearly all is not as it seems.

    By afredita2007-06-04 00:50:23

Hello Dave im so pleasd so i find this webside i thing its all human are same i m not looking in the religion but just to be human .And we must be friend whith every one so we all people on the world belive in the one god we are all same from bons and blood .Okay thank's a lot god bless u

    By Hodah2007-05-09 22:08:33

WoW...how can we thank you both enough!!! Two extremely learned and humble leaders with the same cause..... the eliminate ignorance and promte values and unity!!!!! You both deserve many appraisals and THANKS

    By ali sabra2007-05-02 20:02:29

mouslems and christians already friends , every body thinks that arabians are barbrians but i'll ask u a question : if some one come to take over your land what will u do ? sit and just watch him take it! or fight to the last moment that is what we do we are fighting for our land , not only mouslems but christians too fights with us because they are living in this land ,have the same right as mouslem have .... at the end i'll say we are fighting for peace not for just fighting ...

    By J Swift2007-04-23 18:19:23

Great website Fr. Dave. And, to Roger: if you cannot come to 'understand' your brothers in faith, the Catholics, or Muslims (despite the obvious more differences), how can you begin to love thy enemy? It is not a joke, it is the teaching of Christ! Peace :)

    By Rabia2007-04-18 05:10:33

As a Muslim female living in Canada I have always strived to highlight what bonds us as religious people instead of focusing on the acts of the few or the small details that seperate us. When doing my interfaith work I always use the playgound as an example. You see children of every relgion, color and nationality playing together. As they are untouched by the news and politics they focus on what they enjoy doing together. Maybe it is time that we all return to the spiritual playground and just accept each other as we are. As to the person who said they are tired of Muslim bashing. Every religion has had it's share of intolerance throughthe ages...I just suppose it is our turn. It is our test from God to test our strength in faith. In time it shall pass.

    By Roger2007-02-13 10:15:36

This is most confusing for me. As a normal Anglican I already find it most difficult to understand Catholics but to understand Catholics AND Muslims at the same time is, I think, just asking a little too much!! I hope that I will not also soon be asked to understand the local Rabbi as well, heavens, imagine that, a rabbi, a sheik and a Roman catholic priest go down to the pub together - what a joke! What would Oliver Cromwell say?

    By Harold2007-01-10 09:26:42

To be consistent and true Christian is to harangue the Pharisees. Here we find a modern disciple of Christ. http://crescentandcross.wordpress.com/

    By halimatu seidu2006-12-20 23:50:25

it true that moslem and christian can be very good friends like wise the religion of islam does not say we should be an enemies to each onther on like the christins as well. and i wish if you can gave me christians or moslems friends to make friends with and exchange of gifts.

    By Daphne deBoer2006-11-23 19:17:25

thanks Dave, I really enjoy listening to all your speakers, no matter what their nationality. We are all God's "children" no matter our colour. Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing. God bless you always, Daphne

    By Balabhadra dasa2006-11-10 04:51:37

Hare Krishna. I just wanted to leave a quick note to say God bless you for this resource. I am the convener for the Dekalb Interfaith Coalition for Prevention in Dekalb county Georgia, USA and we have worked for the past ten years to help create understanding between the various faith traditions represented in our area. Put simply I have developed the most loving and meaningful friendships with people of other faiths and the level of trust and undersatanding that we share is truly remarkable. So I encourage everyone to reach out to those of other faiths and seek understanding and most of all trust and you will be truly blessed. Peace, Balabhadra dasa

    By Ken2006-11-08 22:38:39

It absolutely sickens me to see what is happening to our country and our society in general. Muslim bashing seems to be the order of the day and in my opinion (it's the only one I am qualified to offer) it starts at the top… With our illustrious leaders. Backed up by an irresponsible hungry media. Governments world wide these days seem to feel it's appropriate to rule by fear. In particular our government that is hell bent on following the US George Bush led government. Australian government passed into law that to incite hatred or violence is a crime yet we see government ministers making outlandish statements such as: It's about time all Muslim Clerics delivered their sermons in English. Why make this statement and only single out Muslims? It can only be for the sake of further dividing the community. I am Greek Orthodox and every week our priest delivers the sermon in Greek. As does the Russian priest deliver his sermon in Russian, the high Catholic priests still talk in Latin and I imagine the Buddhists, Hindu's ECT all deliver their sermons in the respective languages. No mention at all about these faiths or peoples changing the way they preach. Make your own conclusions as to why they did not warrant criticism.

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