What will it take?

We were discussing the Koran the other day (my son-in-law and daughter and I), and he mentioned that he does not see the same tome I see when he reads it. My daughter agreed, trying to give me instruction on how one should set oneself aside, cleanse and prepare for doing so. I fully grant that if one did that, seeking only to find that which was good and upright, and led one to look with respect towards the Almighty, he could find words that would satisfy his soul.

He would have to ignore the words that speak of what should be done to those who disagree, or to those who recant their decision to follow Islam. He would have to set aside a part of his brain in which to file the information about what was done as only historically relevant-about a war long over. Bill Clinton was known as one who could easily compartmentalize his experiences. Deal with stress by shutting it aside, to be thought of tomorrow (ala Scarlett O'Hara) in order to appropriately give consideration to what was on the plate for today.

I guess we all do this to some degree, and it can even be healthy. Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow would take care of itself. We are instead to trust ourselves to God. But putting off stress in order to function is not the same as blocking off your mind so you do not have to consider truth. Do you really not see the insults to others? Does the lack of freedom of thought, not to mention speech truly not bother you? I've already discussed the rights of women. Just recently I realized that a husband being able to take his wife however he wants, is not just limited to positions. Are you okay with a man being allowed to rape his wife? How does that lead you to worship?

I acknowledge there truly are a lot of noble verses that grandly discuss the power and might of God held within the Koran. As I read them, I could agree. But I might add, that anyone setting his mind to an attitude of worship, intending to see only good, throwing away anything that would appear illogical or unspiritual could get the same from the reading of a telephone directory!

I kid you not. Johnny Carson once hosted the actor Richard Burton, who was known for his great oratory. Having heard that this man was credited with being able to make even this seem dramatic, the comedian challenged him to read from the New York telephone directory. It was riveting, not to mention hysterical. Now, I do not put the two on an equal level (granting the Koran a much higher level.) But the point is, what you are finding should be real and consistant. You shouldn't have to ignore half of what you are reading to acquire this inspiration. Nor should you have to switch off your brain.