This Really Doesn't Feel Worth It Anymore

[Caramel Cheesecake]

So, two years ago, a Muslim man from the Middle East helped to kill three of his daughters because they had boyfriends and were 'dishonoring' the family. He also killed his first wife for, apparently, being infertile. That part was never clear in the news report.

Anyway, a lot of people in the comment section were ranting about how multiculturalism was evil and that all Muslims should give up their religion to live in somewhere where the dominant religion wasn't their own. I agree that extreme forms of punishment that are supposedly allowed by "Islamic Law" shouldn't be allowed in a country that one has migrated to, but then again, they shouldn't be allowed anywhere.

What I'm trying to get at is that I'm really ashamed to be associated with the extremists. I hate being lumped in with a bunch of idiots who can't see anything anybody else's way, and I just want to get out. There doesn't seem to be a point in trying to defend it, if this part is all that people, including Muslims, see.

I hope that made sense.

[Of Mike and Men]

Unfortunately, this is impossible to escape. Too many people are ignorant to learn the truth and accept hasty generalizations as a reality. People who work at retail stores are generally looked at as un-educated idiots, Germans are looked at as Nazis. Christians are remembered for the crusades. The finger pointing doesn't stop.

If it's any consolation, I read various things from Sufi Mystics. I find them to be very intelligent, and compatible with my moral beliefs (as a Christian).

Right now, I am having an issue with religious identity. I believe in the God of the Bible. However, I'm not sure that I believe in the Christian God. That is, the one major denominations and churches cling too. I am currently considered a baptist, but I have looked into Catholicism, and am still looking into it. But, as I look at many people within the Church, I remain an agnostic toward their God. Rather, I just believe in Jesus and am trying my best to obey. I don't believe the Christian church truly believes in Christ. But then again, looking at my own life, I probably don't either.

Christ said that Christians will be known by their love for one another. But, I don't know many, if any Christians like that. At least amongst professing Christians. So, I've resided, for the time being, that none of them are truly Christian and that I do not know who in this world is a Christian or who has been a Christian, save for a select few. Myself excluded.

[Iris. ♥]

Of Mike And Men said something that is unfortunate, but true.

It seems like the majority of people in this world don't bother to look at the broader picture when it comes to the crimes of a specific ethnic or religious group. Instead of thinking about each individual in a specific group that is NOT a criminal, they focus on the few that choose to do terrible things.

If people are lumping you in with the extremists, then they are truly showing their ignorance. If you are a believer in the Muslim faith, then stick with that. Don't let the judgment that other people pass change what you believe to be right. If you choose to walk away from the faith, then let that be your personal decision based on your beliefs, not on what others think of your faith. No matter what path you choose, judgment will never entirely stop. Just live a life that pleases you.

Take care,
Sammi.