Choosing a religion
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To provide some views,
I used to be a Malay Muslim but I've converted to Christianity. I know that if the Muslim community knows about this, there would be serious discrimination but then let me ask you all this.
We were all born without a choice of who we want to be born to or what religion we would like to worship. To me, being Christian is one of my best decisions.
Jesus was there when I needed someone to turn to and He showed me the way. He guided me.
We all have a choice in life. Although my family doesn't know of this yet, I'm planning to tell them soon and I will accept the backlash that will come. Maybe I'm one of those few Malay that seriously doesn't fit the common profile of Malay. -
no one in my house is but i know of a forumite who is a satanist, tats YOU!Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:Any satanist in your household?
joking joking. -
No problem, you can be a new generation Malay. Take heart.Originally posted by Imotep:We all have a choice in life. Although my family doesn't know of this yet, I'm planning to tell them soon and I will accept the backlash that will come. Maybe I'm one of those few Malay that seriously doesn't fit the common profile of Malay. -
Originally posted by jacqn:what is protestant?
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be proud of your religion!
tell your parents about it i feel.
so you can have a clear conscience.
take for example, if you're a Christian and you need to go for cell group on a Saturday night. your parents notice you getting ready to go out of the house and ask where you are going. if you tell them that you're going to orchard for dinner with your friends, you will be lying already and it's a sin. so yeah, tell your parents. i mean after all they are your parents, they have the right to know stuff about you. (: -
Im like u!! when i was born, i was a buddhist. but then, i received Christ when i was in secondary school. though i faced many problems now (like persecution from family), but still, yeah, i stand my ground... because i know the God i worship is real. and it's a matter of time that my family realise it too..(:
so i suggest, jus tell ur parents. (: -
i m born buddhist
spend 10 yrs in missionary schools but still a buddhist
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born into chinese ancestry worship, then x'tianity, now freedom fighter.....
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hmmmm, no kidding...
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MrSotong,
If the truth in you is living, you cannot hide forever. But reveal this in new-found truth in peace and in love. -
HelloOriginally posted by Imotep:To provide some views,
I used to be a Malay Muslim but I've converted to Christianity. I know that if the Muslim community knows about this, there would be serious discrimination but then let me ask you all this.
We were all born without a choice of who we want to be born to or what religion we would like to worship. To me, being Christian is one of my best decisions.
Jesus was there when I needed someone to turn to and He showed me the way. He guided me.
We all have a choice in life. Although my family doesn't know of this yet, I'm planning to tell them soon and I will accept the backlash that will come. Maybe I'm one of those few Malay that seriously doesn't fit the common profile of Malay.
don't worry about what the others think about you. I have a brother who is now a Christian and a sister who is now a Hindu. As for me...well...I am only a man.
You have done nothing wrong in my eyes..so just be happy with who you are now.
With Love,
Joe -
First thing first, there is nothing wrong converting to another religion. It is important to be true to yourself. (of course don't convert to rebel your folks.)Originally posted by MrSotong:What will you do when you believe in this religion but your parents are a non-believer and worst they don't know that you are in that religion.
Will you keep quiet and not tell them ?
Or ..... ????
How do you serve ties with that religion ,before , which you had *pray* since the time you are born. ..
With love,
Sotong
So that you can function in your daily live and be a productive member of the society. So before you tell your folks, just be truth to your believe. Said a short Pray before you inform them.
let them understand that it is okay to agreed to disagreed. desensitized this issue. Explain to them that it is important for you.
Do Not get into emotional Black mail by your folks. -
u can spend a whole life time but if you never open ur eyes is as good as nothing.Originally posted by menoob:i m born buddhist
spend 10 yrs in missionary schools but still a buddhist -
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
I used to be very active in Yahoo emailing group forums for a few years. Mostly I would join up a group that discuss about religion, especially in the Western Groups.
Thought I share with you this email that I had discussed in the past while I was a member of Yahoo emailing group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MasteryofSelf/. However, the group has been discontinue and inactive. But most of us were sort of becoming one in mind and body.
Thanks.
With Love,
Joe
IDOLS, DIRECTIONS & GOD'S ATTRIBUTES
[email protected]
Zulkifli Mahmood wrote:
"The "Kiblat" in Islamic faith means DIRECTION. There was one time I questioned an Indian man who was a Hindu. I asked him why he concentrated on the Idol of Ganesh or any other idols for worshipping in Hinduism faith. He replied, "Zul, the idol we worshipped to is like a photograph. I do not worshipped the idol as God Ganesh, but I reflected on the Qualities of Ganesh. It's like when you see your family photograph to look at them and reflected on the things they said to you and done for you."
Court wrote:
"Very good point, Joe. I think a lot of folks are too quick to see idolatry and other supposed sins where that's not really happening.
Also see my post to Kaci in reply to her reply to me about this Christ-in-everyone idea."
Zulkifli Mahmood <[email protected]> wrote:
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 14:10:14 +0800 (CST)
From: Zulkifli Mahmood
Subject:
To: [email protected]
Hello Court
Well, you have some philosophy there inside your mind.
Court wrote:
"Very good point, Joe. I think a lot of folks are too quick to see idolatry and other supposed sins where that's not really happening."
Yes, majority of us do that without thinking about our own idolatry perception or misconception. I looked at the 'Kiblat' as a form of connection of "Insaf" or repentance. All the Moslems would look at it as a congregational meeting point for them to see the Image of One God and One "Ummat" or Believers of Islamic Faith, devoting themselves to Allah. The picture (praying mattress) of the 'Kabbah' is layout in front of those Moslems during their prayers and they must face the direction or 'Kiblat' for this meeting of poignant repentance. This is to let them see Mecca or Holy Land in Saudi Arabia and I must emphasized here, it is not the domain of Allah. The forms of their thoughts during praying is not to see that the 'Kabbah' is their idol or a place where Allah lives but it is a form of managing their faith as One Mankind in the Teaching of Prophet Mohammad ways and Allah, which is stated very clearly in the Al Qur'an. Nobody in the Islamic World would take that Kabbah as a stone of 'Insaf' until they see what Prophet Mohammad had seen inside that 'Kabbah' himself when he destroyed all the idols within it. It is a formula for them to see themselves as 'Insan' or created beings with flaws and Allah is their Master, King and Ruler of Mankind in the seen and unseen world throughout the whole universe.
I'm watching while you read and write...
Joe -
This also one of the email that I think maybe I like to share with you.
Thanks.
Joe
LAWS
From:"peinaux"
To: [email protected]
Date:Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:18 am
Subject:[Mastery of Self] Laws
Dear friends:
All too often, we hear or read about so-called cosmic or spiritual laws such as the laws of karma, dharma, talion, reincarnation, assumption, oneness, and so on.
But what exactly is a spiritual law?
Leon
From: Zulkifli Mahmood
To: [email protected]
Date:Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:36 am
Subject:Re:[Mastery of Self] Laws
Hello Leon and Dear Friends.
Wishing for a perfect spiritual law is non-existence. If you were to indulge in that spiritual law with your belief alone, then it will be another spiritual law that will branch out from there, sooner or later. Some other Teachers and Masters will improved its precepts and insights. It is a fact when you look back, as far back as 2000 years ago or more. It is just like when Jesus brought that knowledge of Fatherly Love and what it was or is. Many Jews were caught by surprised of His Teachings.
In Spiritual termed, I will call that non-existence spiritual law as LIVING AND LOVE all LIFE as much as you can. Coming together as One Human Kind is one law that we should try to fulfil, if it is possible. It is a spiritual law that does not involves Orthodox and Doctrinaires adherence alone but more to The Moral Laws that we need to amend as time pass day by day throughout the ages.
With Love,
Joe
"Let us be patient; the truth never suffers from honest examination." -
This one more email that I wish to share with you. I'm a member at this Yahoo emailing group at http://asia.groups.yahoo.com/group/singapore_muslims/
Thanks.
With Love,
Joe
MUSLIM ORGANIZATION CELEBRATES VESAK DAY!
Muslim <[email protected]> wrote:
Assalamu Alaikum,
Muslim Organization support and join hand to celebrate a Kafir festival in Singapore. Pls see the news attached below. Is this what Muslim organization do in order to show that Islam tolerate other religion?
Wassalam
Unite-Muslims
Little India prepares for Vesak Day celebrations
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 27 May 2007 2230 hrs
SINGAPORE : Several of Singapore 's religious organisations and temples in Little India will be involved in this year's Vesak Day celebrations.
They include the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, Hindu Endowment Board, Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, Taoist Federation, Jamiyah Singapore, as well as 16 Buddhist organisations and various temples.
At an event on Sunday, it was announced that $630,000 had been raised for the S. Rajaratnam - School of International Studies Endowment Fund. It will be matched dollar for dollar by the government.
And for the first time this year, a golden statue of Buddha was also brought from the Singapore Buddhist Lodge premises at River Valley Road on a wooden chariot.
Celebrations will continue at the Serangoon Road site till Thursday when the event will culminate with the presentation of scholarships for needy students followed by a candle light procession. - CNA/de
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------Vesak Celebrations 2551
Saturday, 26 May 2007 – 31 May 2007
Venue: Serangoon Road (Open Field opposite Serangoon Plaza )
26.5.2007, Sat 7.30 pm Vesak Opening Ceremony Celebrations
27.5.2007, Sun 10.00 am Blood Donation Drive at Singapore Buddhist Lodge 7.30 pm Cultural Show 28.5.2007, Mon 8.00 pm Dharma Talk in English 29.5.2007, Tues 8.00 pm Dharma Talk in English 30.5.2007, Wed 3.00 pm Pre University Debate (Finals) 8.00 pm Dharma Talk in Tamil 31.5.2006, Thurs 11.00 am Hindu Temple Offerings 6.30 pm Bursary Awards Ceremony 7.30 pm Candle Lights Procession
Devotees can offer lotus candle lights and perform ceremonial bathing of Prince Siddartha
Free Vegetarian Meals Served Daily
Zulkifli Mahmood <[email protected]> wrote:
Assalamu Alaikum. Mualaikumsalam.
Brother, I find nothing wrong in showing support for ot! her religions in Singapore during their festival celebration. Yes, it is a good and great sign that Islam in Singapore is more open to accomodate other religion belief peacefully in order to achieve better understanding amongs mankind regardless of their ethnic or religion.
I fully support that change, concept and idea.
Wassalam.
Joe
Muslim <[email protected]> wrote:
Wa Alaikum Salam,
Islam is pure and it can't accept Kufr.
If we are Muslims we can tolerate the kuffar but not support them.
So tomorrow, if they build a temple, will Muslims support them to build one fiinancially?
Where are our limits?
Yes, we are living multi- religious community, there are many ways to live peacfully with Non-Muslims, it is not be done by supporting them this way.
Wassalam
Unite-Muslims
----- Original Message -----
From: Zulkifli Mahmood
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:57 PM
Subject: Re: [singapore_muslims] Muslim Organization
celebrates Vesak Day!
Assalamualaikum.
You wrote:
"Islam is pure and it can't accept Kufr."
Every religion is Pure my brother. It is the human being that makes it unpure. About Kufr...this is an Arabic word that described a non-Moslem or a Moslem who does not believe in Allah. I can also regard you as Kufr should I am a Moslem who believes in Allah, that is not BIAS. He has no forms or shapes or name or human behaviour. He has only pure Light or An Nur and He is the essence of Life in everything in this world and the next. Can you see that my brother.
You wrote:
"If we are Muslims we can tolerate the kuffar but not support them."
I think you should not see their faith or religion but help them by seeing them as a mankind that have a good intention to promote harmony with other religions and ethnics.
You wrote:
"So tomorrow, if they build a temple, will Muslims support them to build one fiinancially?"
If you live in a society of multi-racial with multi-religion, I would say this to you, "WHY NOT?" This would only promote better co-operation and it makes a strong statement here that every religion teaches Good Principles or Moral and Good God. If they wish to help Moslems build a Mosque, would you reject their help then?
You wrote:
"Where are our limits?"
There are no limits my brother, because you have chosen that only a Moslem should help a Moslem. That is your limitation my brother but not mine or others who are like myself or those who are from other faiths beside Islam.
You wrote:
"Yes, we are living multi-religious community, there are many ways to live peacfully with Non-Muslims, it is not be done by supporting them this way."
I feel that Jamiyah Singapore has shown Moslems in Singapore and outside Singapore that Moslems of Singapore are functioning as a member of a family and as a Nation. If I have a sibling who is a Christian and Hindu, should they asked for my help, financially or in matters of promoting good relationship within a family, should I ignore them.
As a Father or Mother of children with different faith, would you like to see your children asunder just because each of them has a different principles of philosophy or religion.
Wassalam.
Zulkifli Mahmood (Joe)
Anwar Pillay <[email protected]> wrote:
Well said Bro Zul
I totally agree with you.
I am a Muslim convert and my siblings are either Hindu, Catholic or Protestant. I get along very well with my natural family. This is because of my knowledge that I learnt from my Ustadz.
It is our duty as a Muslim to show the non-Muslim that Islam is a beautiful and peaceful religion.
We, as Muslim, must show the non-Muslim that Islam is a religion of tolerance, harmony and co-operation.
We must do this especially in a multi-racial and murk-religious country.
The key to doing all this while still being a good Muslim is INTENTION.
Best regards
Anwar Pillay
Zulkifli Mahmood <[email protected]> wrote:
To: [email protected]
From: Zulkifli Mahmood
Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 10:33:02 +0800 (CST)
Subject: Re: [singapore_muslims] Muslim Organization celebrates Vesak Day!
Assalamualaikum.
Good Morning Brother Anwar.
All credit goes to Almighty Allah or God.
My late parents were both Moslems and they went to pilgrimage at Mecca twice. My late mother was from Chinese origin but she was given away to a childless Javanese Moslem couple for her own safety during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore in WW2. She was raised by this couple and converted to Islam and became their adopted daughter. My late father was a Malay.
I have six siblings. My eldest brother is married to a Chinese Christian and he converted to Christianity. My second elder brother is married to a Thai national and she was formerly a Buddhist and converted to Islam. My eldest sister is married to an Algerian and both of them are Moslems. My second elder sister is married to a Chinese Christian and he converted to Islam. My third elder sister is married to an Indian and she converted to Hinduism. I am married to a Malay. My youngest brother is still a bachelor and what I know was that he had a Japanese girlfriend. So...I just like to wonder sometimes whether inter-marriages for Moslems or other religion believers in this world with other ethnics and faiths would actually promotes better understanding, harmony and peace among mankind. I reckon it will.
Thanks for your understanding Brother Anwar.
Wassalam and best regards.
With Love,
Zulkifli Mahmood (Joe) -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ProtestantOriginally posted by jacqn:what is protestant? -
wat u wrote above sounds verymuch like my past. if you don't mind, may I ask if you are a newly converted christian?Originally posted by MrSotong:What will you do when you believe in this religion but your parents are a non-believer and worst they don't know that you are in that religion.
Will you keep quiet and not tell them ?
Or ..... ????
How do you serve ties with that religion ,before , which you had *pray* since the time you are born. ..
With love,
Sotong -
hey, linyu, u speak my mind!!! Yes, religions are supposed to bring peace, harmony, unity, strength, wisdom, tolerance and so on to people. WAs in one and did what was required and situation got bad, then worse and from worse to worst. Had gotten out of it, now i have more peace and so on.Originally posted by LinYu:having a religion brings peace, happiness and harmony for you. if it is giving you agony, maybe it's not for you
mrsotong, where are you - no reply from you! Come back here to respond to some of the replies. Exercise wisdom to choose your religion.
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Wake up your idea, I am not a satanist but I do know many satanists from around the world.Originally posted by Cool-gal:no one in my house is but i know of a forumite who is a satanist, tats YOU!
joking joking. -
sure?? do they preach? are they after the christians?Originally posted by Herzog_Zwei:Wake up your idea, I am not a satanist but I do know many satanists from around the world.