Dear Orthodoxy or Death, and a Roman Catholic,
Thank you for your posts, and for your inquiry about the deleted thread. I am responsible for the deletion.
For my reasons, please see the end of the last thread in which Islam and Christianity was compared and contrasted. (vol. II). There I state my reason.
In general, my understanding is that this is a "Byzantine Catholic Forum", in which the primary focus (but not exclusive) focus of our intention is to reflect upon our Eastern Church. There are Islamic forums, and even forums where Islam and Christianity is discussed. There, experts in the field act as moderators. I refer you to those sites.
The thread (vol. I and II) has been closed, and a read through the several hundred posts will reveal why. Quite a number of the rules of the forum were broken there.
But in principle, may I suggest a few observations after a number of years of experience in ecumenical dialogues and encounters of various kinds?
First, comparate studies are not productive. This has been abandoned as a process designed to bring understanding and respect. "The passions in Islam and Christianity" would be a perfect example of this kind of study.
Why are such studies non-productive? Because one can really only speak from one own's experience and community. Only as one is truly immersed in one's own tradition, can one speak for it. If someone from outside my tradition tries to summarize my experience or explanation, the result is inevitable. I always feel that those outside, do not understand, and have unfairly summarized or cheapened my own tradition. So feelings are often hurt, and the discussion degenerates.
If a Byzantine Catholic wanted to initiate a discussion on the passions, that would be a worthy and interesting topic for discussion. If a Moslem were to initiate a discussion on the passions in Islam, that would be an interesting topic for discussion, but I respectfully suggest that the proper place for such a discussion is a forum on Islam, where Islamic moderators, teachers, can act as guides. There are such forums.
Second, comparative studies lead to pride. I always feel I have stated my case, better than my counterpart.
Third, Islam studies in particular are such a complicated question, not to mention emotive subject in the West in our current situation, that it is apt to inflame the passions. For this reason, I judge that especially in this period of the holy Triodion, we allow the subject of Islamic and Christian relations to rest for a while, on this forum, out of respect for our holy season of penance.
As moderator, you may well disagree with my decision, in which case you may appeal to our Moderator. However, having treated this subject at length (see volumes I and II), my strong feeling is that it is time for a respectful silence on this forum on this subject. I again refer you to other places were the moderators are more able to carefully direct such a discussion.
Thank you for your inquiry about the deleted thread. I am responsible.
In Christ,
Elias, monk
