1. Islam may be called a universal religion in that it recognizes one God who rules the entire world. On the other hand, because Islam grew out of a particular seventh-century Arabian context, Muslims claims that its central document, the Qur'an, must be read in Arabic in order to be fully appreciated.
How can Islam resolve the tension between the universal and the particular?
Can any religion be for people of all races and nationalities without giving up its distinctive cultural heritage?
2. What cultural issues can you identify which make Islam a tougher sell in many cultures - especially Western ones?
Do you see culture by nature divisive is or does it divide because we allow or make it divisive?
3. Another interesting aspect of Islam is Sharia. One author describes Islam as a religio-political system due, in large part, to the emphasis upon Sharia. Please respond in one post to all of the following:
How would you describe/define Sharia?
What unique challenges does it create for being a universal religion?
What is your viewpoint about Sharia?