That is to say, does any primary religion, in its primary writings, those supposedly written by or relaying the words of its primary prophet or god figure, state outright that forced conversion of others is good or necessary or desirable? Or even acceptable? How about elimination rather than conversion? Is there any holy writ in any religion that says that other societies or individuals should be eliminated by followers of religion A, not due to provoctation of any sort, but purely because they don’t follow (and possibly violate the moral standards of) religion A? How about heresy? Is there anything that says you should shut up, by violent means if necessary, folks in or out of your own society who claim to believe in the same god, but don’t follow the teachings as you (or the majority or powerholders) interpret them? Last, but probably most relevant to the times, do any of the major religions advocate forcing non-believers within their own society to follow the rules of conduct as dictated by their holy writings?
Mind you, I’m not talking about post-origin scholarly writings ABOUT the major religion, such as the writings of Thomas Aquinas or even the early council (what was it, Nicea or something?) that dictated much of the policy of the early Catholic church. I’m talking about the Talmud, Koran, Bible, etc.
I recognize that it’s possible this question may end up in Great Debates, but it seems to me to be a factual question, and therefore I’m staring it in General Questions. Thanks in advance for any answers.
Doesn’t anyone know? I thought this place was the repository of most, if not all, human knowledge! Drat!
I am not looking to start a fight or argument here. I sincerely want to know. I can GUESS that no religion actually advocates any of the actions I’ve mentioned above, but I can’t say with any certainty, because I am not especially familiar with any of the texts. I know there are many Dopers who are considerable religious scholars, and I was hoping one or some of them could tell me.
You just picked a slow time of the week, that’s all. At least here in the Pacific Time Zone, it’s Saturday morning at 10:20am. It’ll pick up in the afternoon, but expect more of a response on a weekday.
I’m curious about the answer, too. Wikipedia only had a line or two under the header “religious conversion” that seemed to apply, but nothing like an answer to your OP.
I am asking for factual information. It should not be un-PC to specify elements of any document espousing a particular view, any more than it should be to notice that indigenous inhabitants of southern Africa usually have darker skin than European natives or that East Asians usually have black hair. There is no judgment attached here; I am looking for facts.
I assume, from your response, that you are claiming Islamic doctrine, as specified in the Koran, advocates any or all of the actions I listed above: forceful conversion and/or punishment/harassment/elimination of heretics and/or non-believers and/or inadequate practioners within or without the believing society. Can you provide a cite?
And the question was regarding major religions, not the efforts of splinter groups (such as the Wahabbists) within those religions. It is not a matter of “PC,” but of promoting the Straight Dope[sup]®[/sup] rather than buying into Coulter-like exaggerations. (On the other hand, it was Coulter who declared that we should forcibly convert all the Muslim of Afghanistan to Christianity, so if we are going to use the words of any and all adherents of any tradition as our exemplars, then we get to put Christianity in the “Yes” column.)
Oy!, there are several passages in both the Tanakh/Old Testament and in the Quran in which the faithful are ordered to convert or destroy particular peoples in very specific instances. In the Tanakh/Old Testament, the orders are given to destroy specific tribes/nations whom God has determined are committing abominations. (Conversion is rarely offered outside the story of Jonah–a story in which God, himself, was to bring the destruction; usually the “bad” people are simply condemned.) Similarly, during the beginnings of Islam, Mohammed encountered groups who were trying to destroy him and felt compelled to destory them. Every passage in the Quran that mentions destruction can be placed in the context of a specific event in which the infidels were already in conflict with nascent Islam. None of the passages that I recall were general calls for mayhem and destruction.
Start with an “Interpretation of The Holy Quran” with full arabic text by A. Yousef Ali approved for use by english speaking converts to Islam.
Next “The Life and Religion of Mohammad” by L. L. Menezes
And “The Quran Unveiled” by Dave Miller
Lastly “A Concise History of the Crusades” by Thomas L. Madden
All of the above should be available from or thru <amazon.com> and their affiliates.
A studious reading of these four volumes will provide an understanding of the relation of Mohammad and Islam to other world religions in general and to Christianity and its progenitor Judaism in particular.
Colibri is right, spingears, although I appreciate your recommendations. I’m asking about primary sources, not post-prophet/god writings. Thank you both, though.
tomndebb, as always, your response is to the point, calm, and (I’m sure) quite accurate. As a quick aside, I must tell you that you are the Doper I have always admired the most, which is saying quite a bit, since I admire so many so much! Thank you for your response here, and in a broader sense, your presence on the board.