Balancing Religious Judgement

 Religion is often an integral part of one's identity, particularly cultural. While it certainly has its expressions of theological truth claims, it also undoubtedly gives a sense of security, familiarity and value to its adherents. Thus, weddings, funerals, and a host of other activities, even within an otherwise secular setting, occur within a religious framework.

Rodney Stark, a prolific writer and professor of the social sciences at Baylor University,  shares the following observation in his book DISCOVERING GOD: THE ORIGINS OF THE GREAT RELIGIONS AND THE EVOLUTION OF BELIEF 

Religion consists of explanations of existence (or ultimate meaning) based on supernatural assumptions and including statements about the nature of the supernatural, which may specify methods or procedures for exchanging with the supernatural.

(Pg 46, New York: Harper One 2007).

While Stark's assertion cannot be disputed wholly, the above quote does not take into consideration the impact of religion on the other areas such as those highlighted in the opening words of this article. Indeed, it is often the familiar background that we not only find comfort in, but also create the foundation by which we make our judgement. Another angle that cannot be ignored is that of emotion. 

The judging of a religious truth based on emotion or an inexplicable experience (itself an example of emotions at play)  is something that I have noticed in recent years, and the issue hit home when, during a recent interview with a Christian YouTube  channel, I was asked if I would change my religion (I.e. convert to Christianity) if Jesus was to come to me. This question has at its roots a miraculous  experience, a dream, a vision, an unusual experience that would be so strong   that it would supersede all of my reasoning abilities and just accept. Perhaps an even stronger word would be seduction, in which the person being the object of it throws all other considerations to the wind,  embracing the passion, excitement and feelings of the moment. 

An Islamic explanation  of miracles. emotions &  the ultimate judgement on the fundamentals of truth claims

The Qur'an undoubtedly speaks of events that can be seen as examples of miracles. Abraham (Ibrahim, 'alayhis salaam) is said to have been placed in a fire, only for Allah to make it "cool" and "a safety" (Q 21:68-70). Moses is given the ability to divide the Red Sea, allowing his followers to cross and thus avoid the enemy army in pursuit (Q 26:63-68), and Jesus himself is clearly depicted as having been born of the Virgin Mary ( Q 19:21. et.al). 

While the above-mentioned events can have different interpretations of them,  regardless of the actual meaning of these texts, these events are more or less relevant to the immediate audiences of their place and time. In other words, we were not physically present at these events, we know of them only through scripture! 

Scripture itself-while telling us of some events in the lives of the personalities it presents- has also told us that "miracles" and emotional events should not be the primary reason to judge the veracity of any claim. The Qur'an is critical of those who neither use reasoning nor their physical senses to make good judgement, they are classed as being "even more astray" than cattle ( Q 7:179).  Similarly, the Qur'an says such people are the worst in God's sight because they refuse to engage their intellect  ( 8:22). The Qur'an itself says repeatedly that it has been sent so "that perhaps you will use your intellect" (La'allakum Ta'qiloon 12:1, et.al).

In other words, miracles and emotional events should not form the basis of our conclusions. The Muslims are asked by missionaries of other faiths to look at these extraordinary  events  and actually abandon reason and logic. I have had numerous conversations with people who admit that Islam is rational, logical and reasonable, yet it is emotion that they call us towards. The irony in this is that for our Christian friends, a text in the New Testament has Jesus express strong criticism of the notion that miracles and the like deliver ultimate evidence of the veracity of religious claims

Many will say to me in that day Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." ( Matthew 7:22-23, KJV).

Islam, in its social manifestation and theological content, has logic, wisdom and benefit to those who are willing to embrace it. The Qur'an itself tells us that religion is specifically for God ( Q 39:3). Meaning, the primary focus is on understanding the reality of God and His guidance for the world.  Authentic Islam will never be useless for its adherents, it will always be a source of strength and stability. It is the summary of the teachings of all the Prophets, and a clarification on issues of confusion. 

Let us benefit from Islam, use our intellect, and not surrender to random emotions or trends. Indeed, one of its blessings is that it does not advocate giving up one's cultural or family identity. It embraces diversity as a healthy fixture to human life.