scientology

I'm Catholic, although only semi-practising.

But I do agree (and this is just my personal opinion, no offence intended) that Destiny church is little more than a cult. I found it difficult to stay open minded after their little Nazi-style Civil Union protest, but I tried, and I did quite a bit of research

I read a very interesting article written by a senior minister in the American Baptist community who was invited to come out here and spend some time with the Destiny community and write about them (at their request).

The article was less than favourable, which is interesting considering that the Baptists themselves have some pretty strong beliefs and practises that have in the past been controversial.

I agree Roksana, it is unfortunate that the actions of a radical few have led to the mass-persecution of Muslims as a whole, when the majority of Muslims actually condemn what these radical few are doing.

Agreed. It is no different to the IRA bombings which have been going on for years, although for some reason the IRA are seen (by some) as heroes and loyalists when if fact they are just straight out terrorists.
It sickens me. The London bombings occured just around the corner from where we stayed when we were there last year, and it's just too close to home. And I was in Sydney a couple of weeks ago when the second Bali bombings happened, so as you can imagine the Australians are all up in arms about that.

I read a really interesting book tho called "Another Country" which is a series of poems, stories and plays written by detainees in Australian Refugee Detention camps (mostly Afghan, Iraqi, Iranian people). The way they are treated there is disgusting, especially considering that most of them left their own countries to try and escape from the radicals and fundamentalists, and that they are simply looking for a peaceful life for them and their kids. I actually felt physically sick at the way the Australian authorities treat them.

Man I can ramble.... can you tell I am missing the lively discussions we used to have at uni...

I compoletely agree with you both. We have a Muslim girl at work. She is doing (?) Ramadan at the moment and it's been really interesting how fascinated the japanese students have been about her praying and stuff. they have so many questions.

hey roksana - i've always wanted to know, whats the diff between Islam and Muslim?

Oooo this is fun. This is what my degree is in!!!!

I study religion and politics and in particular Islam and Middle Eastern politics.

Stoked that you guys all think the way you do. I've come across so many people that I have had to explain about Islam being a religion of peace. Just like Christianity and Judaism there are extremists and it is just unfortunate that they are dominating the media.

Yep, Buddhism sure seems peaceful...

Is it true that women do not have to observe Ramadan? One of the Mum's at Maya's playcentre was doing it last year and she said that she didn't have to because she was a woman, but she was doing it to support her husband.

Thats rubbish...all muslims have to observe Ramadan. Woman, man....whatever. Only children under a certain age are allowed to skip it.

She obviously doesnt know what she is talking abt...or uses that excuse to make her self feel better. I dont observe it...because it is a personal choice...atleast have the guts to admit it.

Yah if you are pregnant you are excused...but you will be surprise how many (crazy) woman still do them.

I never did them to start with so it really does not apply to me....He he ha ha I am Bad....I am going straight to Hell.

Don't worry Roksana, so I am I . I keep TRYING to get to church, honestly, but then the universe throws things at me and I never actually make it...

I went on Tues night after the gym and the church was closed!! The one time I make the effort... Go figure!