Why are Westerners converting to Islam?

[deewee]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I thought this article was interesting. I'm not sure of the date of it's publication, but that's no matter, as it's relevant to today.

I'd also like to add, that my intent with posting this is simply to look at why people are converting to Islam. The last paragraph would be the most appealing to many of those converting, IMHO.

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/onlinediscipleship/understandingislam/why_are_westerners_converting.aspx

 

[mei lan]

Decent article.

As a woman, I cannot fathom ANY reason ANY female would ever willinjgly convert to Islam. As for men, IDK.

 

[ShoeDiva]

The article sites numbers and statistics from 89 -91, I just state that not for the fact it is old, but that it is nothing new for people to convert.

I seriously do not see the women I know treated as some highlighted in the press are. There are many different countries that practice Islam as there are with other religions. I believe where you are and the culture plays as much a factor as the religion.

 

[Madea]

The article sites numbers and statistics from 89 -91, I just state that not for the fact it is old, but that it is nothing new for people to convert.

I seriously do not see the women I know treated as some highlighted in the press are. There are many different countries that practice Islam as there are with other religions. I believe where you are and the culture plays as much a factor as the religion.

No, conversion is nothing new. Cassius Clay converted to Islam in 1975 and became Muhammed Ali. In 1975, it was kind of a big deal.

 

[Madea]

I seriously do not see the women I know treated as some highlighted in the press are. There are many different countries that practice Islam as there are with other religions. I believe where you are and the culture plays as much a factor as the religion.

But you can't deny that it happens. A lot.

 

[ShoeDiva]

I seriously do not see the women I know treated as some highlighted in the press are. There are many different countries that practice Islam as there are with other religions. I believe where you are and the culture plays as much a factor as the religion.

But you can't deny that it happens. A lot.

I have never denied it, it does happen a lot, especially in certain cultures. In many cultures it does not matter what religion you are, you are still treated poorly because you are a woman. It is not restricted to Islam and Muslims.

 

[Madea]

I seriously do not see the women I know treated as some highlighted in the press are. There are many different countries that practice Islam as there are with other religions. I believe where you are and the culture plays as much a factor as the religion.

But you can't deny that it happens. A lot.

I have never denied it, it does happen a lot, especially in certain cultures. In many cultures it does not matter what religion you are, you are still treated poorly because you are a woman. It is not restricted to Islam and Muslims.

And I'm not saying it's restrictive. :dunno

The thread is actually more about WHY do people convert? What's the draw? Certainly NOT their treatment of women.

 

[Grey Colson]

Psychos have been looking for their own religion for a long time. Now they have found one.

 

[Blazing Saddles]

Psychos have been looking for their own religion for a long time. Now they have found one.

Yeah, apparently that's the only reason for modern day conversions.......well, that and copy cats.

 

[LisaC]

The last paragraph (especially the last sentence) likely sums it up best:

Finally, there is a third factor which probably no one would ever mention explicitly, for obvious reasons, but which, I believe, is nevertheless important. This is the fact that Islam offers a conversion experience and the opportunity to get one's life in order, without needing to confess ones sin and need of salvation. In fact, Islam makes quite a point of denying these truths. It tells people they do not need salvation; all they need is to follow the "guidance" of God's law, and they will make it to heaven. That is something the natural man likes to hear.

Whether it's Islam, Judiasm, Buddhism, or Christianity, people are most attracted to the things they want to hear.

 

[Blazing Saddles]

The last paragraph (especially the last sentence) likely sums it up best:

Finally, there is a third factor which probably no one would ever mention explicitly, for obvious reasons, but which, I believe, is nevertheless important. This is the fact that Islam offers a conversion experience and the opportunity to get one's life in order, without needing to confess ones sin and need of salvation. In fact, Islam makes quite a point of denying these truths. It tells people they do not need salvation; all they need is to follow the "guidance" of God's law, and they will make it to heaven. That is something the natural man likes to hear.

Yep. Even if it is a lie.

 

[deewee]

The last paragraph (especially the last sentence) likely sums it up best:

Finally, there is a third factor which probably no one would ever mention explicitly, for obvious reasons, but which, I believe, is nevertheless important. This is the fact that Islam offers a conversion experience and the opportunity to get one's life in order, without needing to confess ones sin and need of salvation. In fact, Islam makes quite a point of denying these truths. It tells people they do not need salvation; all they need is to follow the "guidance" of God's law, and they will make it to heaven. That is something the natural man likes to hear.

Whether it's Islam, Judiasm, Buddhism, or Christianity, people are most attracted to the things they want to hear.

It takes a person who is more concerned with the state of their soul, to move beyond what tickles the ears. Flesh likes what is easy and palatable.

 

[LisaC]

The last paragraph (especially the last sentence) likely sums it up best:

Finally, there is a third factor which probably no one would ever mention explicitly, for obvious reasons, but which, I believe, is nevertheless important. This is the fact that Islam offers a conversion experience and the opportunity to get one's life in order, without needing to confess ones sin and need of salvation. In fact, Islam makes quite a point of denying these truths. It tells people they do not need salvation; all they need is to follow the "guidance" of God's law, and they will make it to heaven. That is something the natural man likes to hear.

Whether it's Islam, Judiasm, Buddhism, or Christianity, people are most attracted to the things they want to hear.

It takes a person who is more concerned with the state of their soul, to move beyond what tickles the ears. Flesh likes what is easy and palatable.

Amen!

 

[Guard Dad]

 

[J-man]

For men it's easy: Conversion is the first step towards having 72 virgins.

 

[markdavd]

The question in my mind is how many of these are jail house conversion?

They may or may not have been violent going in, but when they get out, they believe what they're doing is commanded by allah.

 

[Boss 302]

The article sites numbers and statistics from 89 -91, I just state that not for the fact it is old, but that it is nothing new for people to convert.

I seriously do not see the women I know treated as some highlighted in the press are. There are many different countries that practice Islam as there are with other religions. I believe where you are and the culture plays as much a factor as the religion.

No, conversion is nothing new. Cassius Clay converted to Islam in 1975 and became Muhammed Ali. In 1975, it was kind of a big deal.

Ali actually converted to Islam by joining the Nation of Islam shortly after defeating Sonny Liston for the championship in 1964. He converted to a Sunni Muslim in 1975. He used being a Muslim to fight being drafted in 1967, but said he would fight in a war if directed to by Allah or his personal messenger Elijah Muhammad.

Personally, I believe his being Muslim was nothing more than a ruse in an attempt to claim conscientious objector status, which was denied.

 

[Blazing Saddles]

It's attractive for men to join Islam because they can rule their women, keep them veiled and imprisoned and heck, even have sex outside the marriage and all be legal according to the peaceful religion. Even if a man rapes a woman, she's put to death. Lunacy and mind control.

 

[J-man]

It's attractive for men to join Islam because they can rule their women, keep them veiled and imprisoned and heck, even have sex outside the marriage and all be legal according to the peaceful religion. Even if a man rapes a woman, she's put to death. Lunacy and mind control.

I don't know...sounds like a pretty good gig to me. When comparing all that with the celibacy requirement for Catholic priests, most men would probably agree that the Islamic route sounds just a little more appealing. The Christian faith may have to step up their game a little to keep attracting the young, impressionable, and hormone driven men into their camp. I'll see your 72 virgins and raise you 12 trips to the Pink Pony. (I'm just kidding, but it makes my point).

 

[Grey Colson]

The question in my mind is how many of these are jail house conversion?

They may or may not have been violent going in, but when they get out, they believe what they're doing is commanded by allah.

To put it simply...A LOT! It's their main recruiting ground.