🏵️🏵️🏵️ Fabio, If we are to undertake a sincere examination of beliefs, we must hold our conversations to a standard that respects the diversity inherent in human understanding. Before casting aspersions on others' ideologies, perhaps you should delve deeper into your own beliefs and their foundational texts.

You reference the Quranic verse “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256), yet it’s crucial to interpret such texts in context. Surah At-Tawbah (9:123) indeed calls for action against disbelievers, but this reflects the historical milieu of the time, much like the ethnocentric directives seen in both the Old and New Testaments. For instance, Jesus in the Gospels made declarations on societal conduct, such as “Whoever is not with me is against me” (Luke 11:23). This notion of exclusivity resonates with the stringent interpretations found in many religious narratives, leading to conflicting messages about tolerance and acceptance.

Your stance on peaceful coexistence and mutual respect collapses under scrutiny if one invades the very foundations of another’s beliefs. Christianity itself presents internal contradictions. The doctrine of original sin, as articulated in Romans 5:12, claims that death entered the world through one man, Adam, resulting in the innate sinful nature of humanity. Yet, this raises questions about the justice of punishing all of humanity for one individual's transgression—an inconsistency that challenges the idea of a benevolent and merciful deity.

Furthermore, the concept of salvation through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) contradicts the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, such as in Matthew 7:21, where he asserts that not everyone who calls him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of God. This duality complicates the understanding of how salvation is actually attained and raises questions about the clarity of Christian doctrine.

Additionally, the portrayal of God in the Old Testament often reflects a deity of wrath and justice, as seen in verses like Deuteronomy 20:16-17, which calls for the total destruction of certain nations. In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes love and forgiveness through the teachings of Jesus, leading to further confusion regarding the unchanging nature of God. How can a God who demands absolute loyalty and punishes fiercely in the Old Testament reconcile with the loving father seen in the New Testament?

While you perceive efforts towards coexistence as disingenuous, it’s essential to recognize that the call for peaceful interaction within Islam is prominent, such as in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), which encourages kindness towards those who do not fight the faith.

If understanding is the goal, I invite you to gain a broader perspective on Islamic teachings, which advocate for respect and dignity for all, as reflected in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13): “O mankind, indeed we have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” It’s an invitation to dialogue rather than derision.

So, Fabio, instead of urging others to avoid “poison,” why not open a channel for discussion that values differing beliefs? What richness could sprout from a commitment to understanding, rather than an immediate defense of one’s own ideology?

Mohamed, Ph.D.

What do you think our world could look like if we truly engaged with one another's beliefs rather than arguing against them?