Originally Posted by catzmeow

Probably could be. I must confess to some degree of skepticism with all religions and their adherents.

Originally Posted by wind

If I had any brains I would keep my mouth shut.

Originally Posted by CptnRodent

This is refreshing--of religions in general, not you in specific

I lived in Tennessee for 7 years while I was still a practicing Catholic. That was not in any way a rewarding experience, except finally coming the realization that organized, mass (more than one or two people) religious experiences are nothing more than high school gossip groups or murderous terrorist cells.

Originally Posted by wind

Well. It's means a bit more to me than high school gossip or terrorist cells. Group practice in our sangha is a skillful means to benefit ourselves and all others. It is quite powerful.

Most of us practice alone and we also come together for group sadhanas and meditation that are quite beautiful and beneficial.

New meditators can 'catch the wave' easier with our teachers and advanced students present.

Originally Posted by wind

I understand. I'm not trying to convince you. I'm trying to get to know you a bit better.

I'd be the first one to admit that I'm not much of a Buddhist. But my teacher is the real deal.

If I had any brains I would keep my mouth shut.

Originally Posted by catzmeow

I'm sorry, I realized that, but it probably came across as a bit snippy. Buddhism is probably the only form of religion I could practice with any degree of consistency. But, my experiences with organized religion have left me a bit jaded in that regard. I prefer to have my own personal experiences with the divine, beauty, love, whatever you call it.

I don't meditate (meditation is hell when you have ADD), but I do have spiritual experiences almost daily.

Originally Posted by brother

"How do we know Islam is the truth?

1- It is the only religion that holds Allah as One, Unique, and Perfect.

2- It is the only religion that believes in the sole worship of Allah, not Jesus, not an idol, and not an angel, only Allah.

3- The Quran does not contain contradictions.

4- The Quran contains scientific facts, which are 1300 years ahead of their time. The Quran, while revealed 1400 years ago contains scientific facts, which are only now being discovered. It is not in contradiction to science.

5- Allah has challenged the world to produce the like of the Quran. And He says they won't be able to.

6- Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most influential man in history. In the book "The 100 most influential men in History", written by non-Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was #1. Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) was #3. It should be noted that even the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) was a prophet sent by Allah. Would Allah allow a false prophet to be so successful? No. Even the Bible refers to this in Deuteronomy 18:19. A false prophet would die!!! Yet Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not die till he completely conveyed, and taught Allah's religion.

7- He had many prophecies, and all of his prophecies have come true, or are still coming true."
the source is
http://www.iopal.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2483

Originally Posted by DanishDynamite

Islam is as non-evidenced and as ridiculous as all other religions. There is no reason to believe in Islam, there is no reason to believe in Christianity, there is no reason to believe in Hinduism, there is no reason to believe in any supernatural being or beings.

I'm an atheist and so are you. I just happen to be atheist about one more god than you are. Whatever god that may be.

Originally Posted by wind

Knock yourself out. I'm not interested in proving someone else's faith. Buddhists are atheists too. We don't believe in God. Unlike atheists-- we don't find it necessary to criticise anyone else's faith.