What is the right thing to do? A religious question.
By laydee
@laydee (12798)
Philippines
September 16, 2009 9:10pm CST
An acquaintance of ours in our office (she's not working with us, but constantly visits) is Muslim and have always been proud of her new-found religion (she used to be a Christian). There's nothing wrong with that though, but the fact that she keeps on elating her religious beliefs.
Anyhow, one particular circumstance lead me to doing research more, it was when she insisted that the famous Neil Armstrong converted to Islam after having heard the name of Allah in space. To which I found out that it wasn't all true (the link on the matter is here http://www.answering-islam.org/Hoaxes/neil.html)
Now, I am torn, should I tell her about this? or should I just let it go? I am torn because I don't want her to spread such un-factual things because what if someone who had read this article and similar like them suddenly challenge her into a debate?
If you were in my position, would you tell her? and how?
1 person likes this
10 responses
@crystaltips (219)
•
17 Sep 09
Your link didn't work for me but I read up about it anyway. It seems it is a based on a comment from Neil Armstrong that the earth appeared as a hanging, dark sphere, and he said "who hung it?". I think muslims have taken that and run with it. I bet Mr Armstrong was simply marvelling at the wondrous vision before his eyes and asserting that it must be the result of design, and this is a common kind of thing to say whatever religion you are.
I don't see any reason why you should hold yourself back from telling her it is not likely to be true if she brings it up again. If I was in the presence of a Christian who talked about the virgin birth of Jesus I would point out that THAT isn't likely either, unless Joseph used a turkey-baster. If we live in a world that is so politically correct that we are not allowed to point out the obvious, then there is no free speech.
I don't go round purposefully offending people's beliefs, but if they preach to me too much I do resent not being treated as though I have given the matter any thought myself! You can still be as diplomatic and friendly as possible.
That was an interesting question!
@AcousticSoul (1309)
• United States
17 Sep 09
I understand your hesitance because religion can be a major problem to debate while in the work place. especially when someone has converted and has reason to beleive their new found way is the right way for all. I would take caution. I would first consider her personality because I am one who avoids confrontation. if she is confrontational I would not mention it. if she is not I would send her the link and explain your findings, you can say I took interest and did research therefore these are my findings and let her make her own assumptions afterwards... but you did your part.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
17 Sep 09
I wouldn't initiate the conversation but, if she brings it up again, I would certainly let her know that her information is incorrect. She may not like it but knowing the truth could save her from embarassing herself in another setting. On another note, it's not appropriate for someone to constantly discuss religious issues in an office setting...especially someone who isn't employed there. Is there someone in authority who you could talk to about your discomfort with this woman?
@dex1007 (556)
• Malaysia
17 Sep 09
Reading the first few lines of your discussion i thought, 'oh no, another topic that might cause a trifle. (to say the least)' I admire your concern and maturity, you researched it out of curiosity and now you know something new. Some people, might have just gone to her and insulted her.
Sadly many of us don't know our facts, even our own religion. She has just converted, she doesn't know much about it, (no offense), she is still learning, i think you should just hint it to her that she should research deeper into the topic thats all. don't break her. She is excited about her new religion, and as muslims we are supposed to encourage others to join us, I afraid she is still new to it, and doesn't know how to do it without annoying others. I'm glad she has someone like you, who is concern about her feelings as well. have a nice day.
1 person likes this
@madugulagopi (1093)
• India
17 Sep 09
I don't think you should start an argument about that because it would deteriorate the relation between you and that person.Anyway people like the woman you have mentioned are influenced by other people by saying something rubbish like the one she told you.I am telling you that there are many things told by those people who want people to convert into their religion most of them being false facts.We cannot go and condemn them because it would only lead to verbal arguments and the build up of hatred.Its upto us to believe or not and don't worry those kind of false facts won't have any influence on people because if they had almost everyone of us will be converting our religion...
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@VANILLAREY (1470)
• India
17 Sep 09
I think you should. She was the one who started it. She was in a way trying to say that, what she has is good and better than what you have. People do make such claims to prove that their God exists even in modern times. She is likely to carry on this way. Better not remain quite and encourage her.
@coolcoder (2018)
• United States
17 Sep 09
If you think that it's going to start a nasty verbal argument, then no, I wouldn't bring it up at that moment; if, however, the lady seems to be open to other ideas, then I'd bring it up casually. Don't even start out with Armstrong's supposed conversion to Islam, just mention how wonderful it is that we've walked on the moon...something harmless like that. The key is to be diplomatic about the situation.
1 person likes this
@malpoa (1214)
• India
17 Sep 09
I am myself a newcomer to Islam and this news about neil amstrong is just a rumour. Though I heard it in a diffrent way like from space he saw light coming from The Mecca and all other parts were dark and that he heared the sound of Azan (call for prayer. It is true that Quran is a book of science too and it doesnt mention anything which is against law of nature. Sound doesnt pass through vaccum and there is no way he could have heard it. These are though my conclusions about the matter. I think you should politely ask her not to saythings which she isnt sure about. There are chances of her getting hurt, but make sure that you she understands that you respect her and her beliefs and also your intention behind this move. You can even ask her to see authentic data before saying something.
@al2fenrir (64)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
Be careful when dealing with religion stuff as it can most often result into a never ending argument that leads into a fight.
If you really want to save her from embarrassment you have to tell her, but do it in the most opportune time, like she's in a good mood. But before doing that, you should know first if she's the kind of person who is open-minded and open for corrections. Otherwise, your efforts would only be useless.