On Being Involved with Muslim Academy

on Thursday, August 2, 2012

On Being Involved with Muslim Academy

On Being Involved with Muslim Academy

I am a Roman Catholic born and raised in the beautiful country Philippines. I have been baptized after few months of my birth. I am an active charismatic person of Catholic faith, following the teachings of Jesus Christ, living my life with the Holy Bible as my guide and my shield from evil deeds. I love Mama Mary and honor her as the Most Blessed Woman in the world. I adore her for her gracious deeds. I admire Joseph for being a responsible father to Jesus, our Savior, and a loving husband of Mary. I am inspired from the life stories and virtues left by the saints, and I believe they are good examples that should be followed. I actively join feasts and happily participate in religious gatherings and events because I believe, and I feel, that in this way, I am receiving God’s love, and I am offering my love and life for Him.

I always seek for deeper knowledge about God. I always want to get closer to Him each day of my life, feeling for more of His presence in every air that I breathe, looking for more of His healing power in every moment I feel sick and tired, and always end every single day with prayers of gratitude and a thankful heart for all the blessings and challenges He had given me throughout the day.

In my college days, I encountered several religious groups and some small sects offering me and my colleagues to listen to their Word of God. As a charismatic person, who loves singing, dancing, and praising God, I attend some of their celebration. Upon attending several prayer meetings, they would be encouraging us to join their religion. They want us to transform and undergo conversion. They keep on saying that their religion would save us from mortal death. Hmm… I strongly disagree. I don’t believe that any religion could save someone from mortal death. What I believe is that, FAITH IN GOD IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN BE SAVED FROM THE FIRES OF HELL.

As I read several articles from Muslim Academy, I agree with those Muslim writers’ point of views regarding their faith and religious beliefs. I have read this one before: We teach, but do not indoctrinate. We show, but do not ask for conversion. We only ask for understanding.

I believe that not all Muslim would be saved same as not all Catholic would be saved. It is FAITH that would save us all, regardless of what religion or group you belonged to. I believe there is no need for conversion. We can strengthen and deepen our faith with the help of other religions by sharing our thoughts and religious beliefs.

This is the main reason why I decided to grab the opportunity to be a writer and contributor here in Muslim Academy. I want to know more Islamic teachings and I also want to share our Catholic teachings. In this way, I believe that both parties will gain knowledge and help deepen our faith. I also want to clarify some misunderstanding and misconception regarding religions. I do admire Islamic teachings and values and I highly respect those Muslim people.

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