The Sacred Unknown..

Continuing on the topic of religion, I'd like to take a different route today and talk about one other than my own, Islam. I have recently learned more about the principles and main beliefs of the religion and have come to have a new understanding and appreciation of Muslim woman, the way that they carry themselves, and specifically, what they wear. I'm sure you have seen a Muslim woman at some point in your life, if not even just walking around campus. You may see her in what many would refer to as a "headscarf," with virtually nothing showing on her face but her eyes. Or in their long colorless 'gowns' that lack in style and originality.

I have often times seen people laughing at this sight, saying that these women look like ninjas because of their all black fits. I'm sure they would have a new found respect for them if they truly understood why they wear what they do. I have also heard many people ignorantly link this type of dress to Muslim women being surpressed as though they are forced to wear these clothes.

We'll here's some insight. The scarf covering the hair and face is correctly referred to as a hijab. Women of the Islam faith wear these to send a message that many religions believe is appropriate for all women. They reflect the fact that women are not supposed to be overtly sexy or physically appealing at all for that matter. Although the Koran and the Bible are different but they both exclaim that a woman is supposed to be modest, in everything that she does. It also speaks of refraining from doing anything in excess. They believe that covering their bodies forces men to have to know their personalities and not only want them because of their appearance. Contrary to popular belief these women are not forced to wear anything. Women freely choose what they wear and see it as a form of liberation!

Christianity vs. Hypocrisy

            I’d like to stay on the previous weeks topic and continue discussing religion and common misconceptions that have caught my eye. One of the words that I often find linked with Christianity is ‘hypocrisy.’ I often hear from those that don’t associate themselves with the religion that Christians are hypocrites, the explanation being that we often engage in activities that the bible illicitly forbids. Everyone has heard of the ten commandments; thou shall not steal, kill, covet thy neighbor, take the Lord’s name in vein, etc. and apparently to outsiders anyone who does any of these things are bad Christians, or should be considered a hypocrite.  

         Yes, Christians sin every day and if I have learned anything about my religion it is that God never expects that we are perfect. We are simply supposed to strive to be as ‘Christ-like’ as possible,  attend Church or stay grounded in the word through reading, try to become a better person and to repent for the mistakes that we have made. Being a Christian does not mean that you are expected to be perfect and never mess up. Now a problem that I will identify that some Christians have is judging others and assessing their shortcomings when they have plenty to work on themselves.

        All that being said, I ask that those that do not study the word and do not have proper knowledge and understanding of its messages do not try to assess what it is a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ Christian. It is amazing to me that those who do not associate themselves with the God of Abraham or what is written in the Bible are so quick to say what it is that he expects from his children. Like my other message, you must first educate yourself about a religion but with knowledge of Christianity you will understand that it is not our jobs to point fingers at another, simply to worry about fixing your own shortcomings. 

"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination" (Leviticus 18:22).

Posted on Sauti Ya Mnyonge  by  Malkiory Matiya

           I would like to continue discussing religion but today, connect it to a very touchy subject, homosexuality. I know that both subjects individually can bring about a lot of emotion so I would like to clarify, my intentions are not to approve or disapprove of homosexuality or discuss most religions stance on the issue. I would simply like to illuminate what it is the 'Christian stance'.

             

           Standing outside of the HUB in early fall I was surprised to see a group of people rallied around the front debating the topic of homosexuality. Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals on one side, and Christians, bible in hand, on another. I recognized easily that in the heat of the argument neither side was really listening nor addressing the other. I heard then from the ‘Pro-gays’ side, something that I have heard previously. The man said that Christians were hypocrites, and while he recognized homosexuality is a sin, he said it was no different from any other. He claims, Christians sin every day, and asks, what makes them so different? Well to some extent this is true, Christians do sin every day, and no sin is greater than another but there is a crucial piece that we are neglecting to address. A sin is forgiven when you profess to God that you have done wrong, apologize for this wrong-doing, and implore that you will try your best to not do this again, and, most importantly, actually do so.

        Well, there is a difference between sinning and living a lifestyle of sin. Sure, if you slip up and say a cuss word you can be forgiven, but you cannot live as a stripper your entire life, apologize before your death and expect acceptance into heaven. Homosexuality works the same way. The bible clearly and specifically forebodes it. While being a homosexual may not be a choice, you do however have the choice of whether or not to indulge in the temptation. In my opinion, if you don’t believe in God, I can understand, to some degree, why you would indulge in same-sex relations. I am only attempting to question those that would categorize themselves as gay 'Christians.' How can you directly disobey God but expect to enter his kingdom?

A Societal Issue?

         What affects our lives the most? What factors shape our character traits throughout adolescence and make us the people we are? Culturally, we tend to say that our family, religion, and life encounters is what’s most important to us which is manifested through our decision-making process throughout our lives. My question is, if religion is such a vital piece of most people’s lives, why are we so ignorant? While most people may have a religion that they choose to believe and participate in, they don’t take the time to educate themselves on the other types that are undoubtedly just as important. On top of that, what is it about Americans that makes us think we have the right to have an argument on a subject we know close to nothing about? We don’t take the time to learn about another’s religion but will sit up and argue with them that what they believe is wrong. 

Picture on Nashville Scene, Posted by Betsy Phillips

         I recently had an argument with one of my best friend’s boyfriend who doesn’t believe in God. As a Christian, I don’t ask that he believe, I only request that he respect how important my religion is to me. He argues up and down, there is no God. Christians can’t prove that God exists. Here is where a little knowledge would do him some good. If he was aware of even the most basic principles of the religion he would not argue that we can’t prove that there is a God. Christianity is based on faith, based on not having to see to believe. As a devout Christian, I was surprised how many other religions I could identify with when studying World Religions last semester. Did it change my beliefs? No, but it opened my mind and helped me to understand cultures that before I would categorize as weird.

        The moral of the story? One, you don’t have to believe in someone elses religion, but you should respect it because it is important to them and was important in shaping their character. Two, make it a point to learn about the different types of religions out there, don’t be so quick to judge another culture. I find, the more that I learn, the less I feel like I can’t identify with them. Lastly, an argument doesn’t just mean proving your point. It involves listening and addressing the other side. If you plan to have an intelligible debate, know both sides.