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LRJ Prompt 2: Repercussions of Conversion prompt What issues do ex-Muslims have to face in Muslim countries? In the U.S.? Do you find this surprising? Why or why not? I can only imagine the fear and confusion ex-Muslism face everyday. The fact that many people don't have basic freedom to choose what religion to worship is saddening. According to Islamic law in countries such as Iran, Sudan, Pakistan and in northern regions of Nigeria, the penalty for religion change is execution. Around 62% of the world's Muslims live in South and Southeast Asia. The largest Muslim population in a country is in Indonesia and 12.7% of the world's Muslims live there. Ex-Muslims in Muslim countries have to face the realization that someone is willing to take one's life for being an "apostate". An apostate is a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle. Also, Ex-Muslims face the threat of ostracism from family members and friends, kidnappings, and even prison sentences. Many of the Muslim countries are rather radical when dealing with other topics,as well. So, I don't find this type of treatment towards there own very surprising. In the Unties States,Many ex-Muslims face the threat of being shunned by their families and friends. Some have been kidnapped by their family and friends, and placed on a plan for a trip back home. There hasn't been any incidents of murder for the decision to change their faith. Many of the Muslim converts may face, in some form, prejudices and sterotypes from believers of other faiths. In fact, We, Americans, have trouble accepting gay marriages,and for 200 years we couldn't accept the fact that a person with a darker skin color then our own is still considered an human. So, Imagine the social problems ex-Muslims can face in America.Imagine having an encounter or observing someone worshiping some foreign God; You'll be very weary with trusting this person just because they don't worship the same religion as you. According to Ann Buwalda,One man, "Masih," was working at a retail store in Northern Virginia, she said, when a Muslim co-worker from Pakistan noticed he was wearing a cross. The man asked Masih why he was wearing it."I am Christian," said Masih. The Muslim co-worker became angry, called him derogatory names in their native language, shoved him in a hallway and thereafter tried to get him fired and threatened him after work one night.' I think many ex-Muslims may face issues like this everyday in America. Ex-Muslims battle with constant threats and ostracism from people of the Muslim faith. I don't find this type of behavior and treatment surprising in Muslims countries. Judging from there reactions politically, I can believe this is happening religiously for many ex-Muslims. I don't find the treatment and behavior very surprising in the United States, either. We have a history for ostracizing people that are different from us; however, I believe as time ages that ex- Muslims with be more accepted into our giant "melting pot", but only time can tell.
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LRJ Prompt 1:
Radix malorum est cupiditas prompt How is it that brilliant people with more money than they’ll ever need get so caught up in their hunger for even more money that they end up losing everything? How much is enough, and why are people willing to risk so much to get more? And if money is so alluring, how is it that so many extremely wealthy people seem so unhappy? Taylor elaborated on questions that are further explained in the his article " Understanding money and the meaning of life". The Latin biblical quote, "greed is the root of evils" , is from 1 Timothy 6:10, and has been interpreted and examined by many authors in literary works and other literary sources. For example, Chaucer's story " The Pardoner's Tale" exhibits several qualities that can be linked with the well known quote "greed is the root of evils". Also, In the article, "Understanding money and the meaning of life", Taylor Bill explains how greed of money can be so overwhelming for people, and he gives insightful examples of the failure that greed produces. As stated in the Article, Taylor questions the greed for money from intelligent,wealthy people. He refers to a book called "Money and the meaning of life" by Jacob Needleman, a professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University. In an interview with Needleman, Taylor quoted some very interesting views on the relationship between money and man. According to Needleman, "If we don’t understand our relationship to money in this culture, then I think we’re doomed. If you don’t know how you are toward money and really understand that relationship, you simply don’t know yourself. Period." I absolutely agree with Mr. Needleman on that particular aspect of how money is included in our everyday life and culture.Our society,today, act as if money defines what kind of person you are on the inside, and people let the greed of money over take their true characters. Needleman stated that "Money truly can’t buy happiness, especially if you’re unhappy to begin with. You’re a worrier. It’s in you, not the money. Life, except for the obvious physical needs, is not so much defined by the external situation as by the inner one. Having money won’t change your internal makeup.” Mr. Needleman perfectly elaborated on happiness and money. As I stated in the previous paragraph, money doesn't define what your character and personality is made up of. What does it truly mean to be happy? I would not define happiness as being cars, clothes, and expensive jewelry, but as being content with your physical, mental, and emotional aspects of life. I agree with everything Needleman and Bill had to say about money, character, happiness and greed. Money does not define who you are on the inside, therefore you define who want to be. |
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