In all honesty, it is just my curious nature. I like asking the 'hard questions'. If one can call them hard questions. Personally, I think that they are simple questions that everyone wonders about, just afraid of asking due to the possibility of causing a ruckus. Me, personally, I like to know about all things involved so that I can make an informed decision on different matters. I was born into a Christian family. (Some of which are upset due to my 'involvement' of Islam) I never took to the Christian teachings....not saying they were wrong, just saying that they never appealed to my heart. Too many questions. I've read and studied other religions over the years....although to be honest, those studies were never 'in depth'. Islam did appeal to my heart. Although I could be horsewhipped for saying this....I have questions about Islam as well. So....it's a quest for me. LOL!

But what really 'encouraged' me to post these questions was the documentary I watched the other evening. It was about the 10 plagues of Egypt. Were they literal acts of God or caused by natural occurrances on earth? To each person, it can mean a different thing. Many believe in their faith that it was a literal act of God. However, on this documentary, scientists and others showed how these occurrances could have been caused by a volcanic eruption not far from Egypt during this particular time. So....there it is. Questions. Is it possible that God caused the eruption that caused the plagues to prove a point? Or was it simply a case of mankind using a natural occurance on earth to prove a point about God? Inquiring minds want to know. (LOL!)

I'd like to think that if we were to have this kind of openness of discussion, we can realize more about the differences in the world and perhaps understand one another more. Diplomacy...I guess. I dunno.

People in my area fear the Arabic language. I've been studying the language for a few months.....no, I can't speak Arabic fluently but from what little I've learned, it's nothing as those in power want us to believe. For instance, if one were to watch the movie "Flight 93", in one part, they discuss the 'terrorist's handbook'. Yes, terrorists are bad. No question. However, it depicts the terrorists using the words "Allahou akbar", which simply means "God is great", to put fear into the hearts of others. Well, yes, if you do not know what the words mean, it could easily frighten you.....as you have NO idea what they are saying to you. In speaking with family members here, I have said the following to them, "Salaam Aliekom". They look at me like I'm crazy.....ask me if I'm a terrorist sympathizer. No.....it's simply a greeting used by Muslims to others...mostly fellow Muslims.....that simply means: "Peace be with you". The proper answer to this statement is: "Wa salaam aliekom"....which simply means: "And peace be with you". How many times a day do we say "Thank you God"?? In Arabic, (IF I spell it correctly LOL!) this is written: "Allahamdelilah". Yes...that simply means "thank you God". Has anyone ever heard the Qur`an being read? It's quite beautiful actually. Many movies depict the 'call to prayer' as the 'call to jihad'.....simply NOT true. The call to prayer is just that....a call for all Muslims to pray. It's time to pray! That's all. But it sounds like a song....a melody....and really quite beautiful. Just as the reading of the Qur`an. (Please note that the Arabic phrases here are written for English...left to right.....actual Arabic is written right to left.) I think that the Jewish language is very similar....written right to left. But don't quote me on that....as I'm not entirely sure.

Why do I say all of this? Simply because knowledge makes fear disappear. So why not ask some of the hard questions about the different faiths around the world? I am not looking to 'convert' anyone....conversion only comes IF the person wants it. If the person's heart is accepting, they will decide to convert...faith...religion cannot be forced upon anyone. They may seem to practice it, but is it truly in their heart? And perhaps a discussion of this type may even strengthen your own faith.

My daughter, Jennifer, is Wiccan. (We have a diverse family. LOL!) She respects my 'change' and I respect hers. We have some of the most wonderful discussions at times....it's really enlightening. She lights candles, I roll out the prayer rug.....and we still have our faiths.