Same Old Same Old

I had a decent idea about what Islam was about going into doing a full reading of the Koran.  Most of it came from a religion class I took years ago and so I had a good understanding of its pillars and some of the central tenants of Islam.  I am not a fan of any organized religion and I have always found it hypocritical of people of other faiths, particularly in America, criticizing Islam as being some how not being deserving of respect and acceptance.

After having read the Koran more fully, I can’t say my views on Islam have changed at all, but more so strengthened my belief that holy books were written by men and not by some divine inspiration.  The Koran has the same inconsistencies and circular logic as the Bible, it just has the benefit of a couple hundred years to cherry pick certain scriptures and biblical stories to suit its narrative.  I can see the appeal.  The prayer provides structure to life and the idea of submission can seem freeing.  Its not unlike the Buddhist concept of letting the current take you where it will, but instead of submitting to the flow, you are submitting to God’s will.  The month of Ramadan is an especially interesting concept which I could see bringing people together through a commiseration of sorts.

While I can see its merits and appeal, its still rife with things I just find strange.  How can you accept Jesus was a prophet and the new testament is a holy book, but reject that Jesus was the son of God?  It’s the base of the story of Jesus and without it, his story falls apart and no longer has any meaning.   It would be like believing everything Isaac Newton taught, but thinking calculus isn’t true.