Religious Differences

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By -

Editor, Times-Union:
Mr. Smith, thank you for your response. It was very articulate and I am glad you took the time to write it. Just to make it clear, your letter tells me nothing new as I have studied our enemies for many years. Hell, I’ve even broke bread with them.
Also, my point was not to imply favorably that Christianity and Islam are the same. Simply, there is very interesting overlap between both faiths. Specifically, in my first letter, with regard to our most important commandments, Mark 12:30-31. Funny how the most powerful things are overlooked. See, the same is stated in the teachings of Islam, but slightly different.
Let’s be real about the Law of Abrogation. To the radicals, this is up to interpretation. In fact, the majority of the 1.5 billion Muslims, excluding the 15 million you’ve stated, follow Islam within their own interpretation, in a totally different way. Other than the radicals and only five state-level Islamic governments in the world, the majority choose to not follow the Mohammad Sharia way.
Furthermore, my letter was a response to the polarization that most Americans have toward the followers of Islam and hopefully enlighten those that are my brothers and sisters in Christ, to dig a little deeper and not accept things for face value. This is becoming a detrimental thing in America. It is blinding us, as Christians, of our duty. It is costing lives, money and destroying our country. The same thing can be said for Sharia Law with regard to interpretation. While mainly in earlier platforms of Islam, yes, it is the basis for religious, political and cultural life, but not for all Muslims.
The battle space in the Middle East is changing dramatically, just as western culture is slowly being accepted. The real difference in our two faiths is that one leads with love (after the New Testament) and the other leads by fear.
If I remember correctly from military studies, there was an Islamic commander by the name of Saladin during the early times, who after battle, stated to all Jews, Christians, Muslims and all beings that they could practice any form of religion they want in the holy land. So long as they respect one another. Very brilliant commander, which is why he is still studied today in some military outfits.
Since you do bring up Sharia Law, I would like to ask a question to anyone who would like to answer. Sharia Law, to its core, is nothing more than taking religious views and trying to have that trump a political process. So what would we call Christian religious views that is trying to use our legislative process here in America, as a justification to strip Americans of their basic rights just because they act and feel different? Interesting how things correlate with one another.
Mr. Smith, I can name many more than just two Muslims sacrificing it all for America. Those men are doing what they are doing for their God. I actually truly know. I have also seen radical Christians do horrible things. War does terrible things to man. Things far worse than any beheading or burning of Mosques.
Now before anyone wants to label me as a Muslim sympathizer, know I sympathize for all of God’s children, especially Jews, since I have stood with some on a battlefield. Also, how can you compare Nazism to Islam when Muslims are not baptized nor praise Jesus, but Hitler surely did?
Michael Stinfer
Warsaw, via email[[In-content Ad]]

Editor, Times-Union:
Mr. Smith, thank you for your response. It was very articulate and I am glad you took the time to write it. Just to make it clear, your letter tells me nothing new as I have studied our enemies for many years. Hell, I’ve even broke bread with them.
Also, my point was not to imply favorably that Christianity and Islam are the same. Simply, there is very interesting overlap between both faiths. Specifically, in my first letter, with regard to our most important commandments, Mark 12:30-31. Funny how the most powerful things are overlooked. See, the same is stated in the teachings of Islam, but slightly different.
Let’s be real about the Law of Abrogation. To the radicals, this is up to interpretation. In fact, the majority of the 1.5 billion Muslims, excluding the 15 million you’ve stated, follow Islam within their own interpretation, in a totally different way. Other than the radicals and only five state-level Islamic governments in the world, the majority choose to not follow the Mohammad Sharia way.
Furthermore, my letter was a response to the polarization that most Americans have toward the followers of Islam and hopefully enlighten those that are my brothers and sisters in Christ, to dig a little deeper and not accept things for face value. This is becoming a detrimental thing in America. It is blinding us, as Christians, of our duty. It is costing lives, money and destroying our country. The same thing can be said for Sharia Law with regard to interpretation. While mainly in earlier platforms of Islam, yes, it is the basis for religious, political and cultural life, but not for all Muslims.
The battle space in the Middle East is changing dramatically, just as western culture is slowly being accepted. The real difference in our two faiths is that one leads with love (after the New Testament) and the other leads by fear.
If I remember correctly from military studies, there was an Islamic commander by the name of Saladin during the early times, who after battle, stated to all Jews, Christians, Muslims and all beings that they could practice any form of religion they want in the holy land. So long as they respect one another. Very brilliant commander, which is why he is still studied today in some military outfits.
Since you do bring up Sharia Law, I would like to ask a question to anyone who would like to answer. Sharia Law, to its core, is nothing more than taking religious views and trying to have that trump a political process. So what would we call Christian religious views that is trying to use our legislative process here in America, as a justification to strip Americans of their basic rights just because they act and feel different? Interesting how things correlate with one another.
Mr. Smith, I can name many more than just two Muslims sacrificing it all for America. Those men are doing what they are doing for their God. I actually truly know. I have also seen radical Christians do horrible things. War does terrible things to man. Things far worse than any beheading or burning of Mosques.
Now before anyone wants to label me as a Muslim sympathizer, know I sympathize for all of God’s children, especially Jews, since I have stood with some on a battlefield. Also, how can you compare Nazism to Islam when Muslims are not baptized nor praise Jesus, but Hitler surely did?
Michael Stinfer
Warsaw, via email[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission
Syracuse Variances

Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission
Syracuse Exceptions

Court news 05.03.25
The following people have filed for marriage licenses with Kosciusko County Clerk Melissa Boggs:

Public Occurrences 05.03.25
County Jail Bookings The following people were arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:

Understanding Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) And Using Them
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are for people over the age of 70.5 years old. Unlike other distributions, which are taxed at ordinary income tax rates, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow for a tax-free distribution from an IRA, provided that the distribution goes directly to a qualified charity.