New book on God preaches love and sacrifice
Claims fundamentalism is inconsistent with the idea of a universal deity.
ISLAMABAD:
Compassion, love and sacrifice are fundamental to establishing a just society.
Propagating such a premise, the book, “Knowledge of God: A Comparative Study of Christian and Islamic Epistemologies”, that has been written by Dr Iqbal Afaqi, was launched by the Islamabad Cultural Forum on Wednesday.
God is merciful and caring; those who believe in Him are required to reject cruel and intolerant practices, states the publication which draws on the similar notions of compassion in both the religions. The idea of a monotheistic God implies that humans must transcend the limitations of the ego, prejudices and belligerent righteousness, it says adding that fundamentalism, a monotheistic worldview, is a fiercely reductive faith which rejects the idea of a universal and compassionate God.
While speaking at the occasion, writer Dr Iqbal Afaqi said, “One cannot break with tradition while writing on such a sensitive subject.”
“I have critically presented issues and discussed them without going beyond traditional limitations. I analysed the meaning and ideology of all the things I have discussed in my book,” he added.
“The concept of God implies the right of survival for every human being. But we kill each other in the name of God,” Afaqi stated.
Renowned religious scholar Dr Khalid Masood lauded the premise of the book, and said, “The fundamental issue is that humans exploit religions and God for vested interests.”
Moreover, writer and poet Muzaffar Mumtaz stated that God is within and everyone should get in touch with their spiritual side to seek Him. He added the God of sufis believes in love.
“Every person should enhance his knowledge about their religions. Only then will we be able to enjoy peace within ourselves and in our society,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2012.
Compassion, love and sacrifice are fundamental to establishing a just society.
Propagating such a premise, the book, “Knowledge of God: A Comparative Study of Christian and Islamic Epistemologies”, that has been written by Dr Iqbal Afaqi, was launched by the Islamabad Cultural Forum on Wednesday.
God is merciful and caring; those who believe in Him are required to reject cruel and intolerant practices, states the publication which draws on the similar notions of compassion in both the religions. The idea of a monotheistic God implies that humans must transcend the limitations of the ego, prejudices and belligerent righteousness, it says adding that fundamentalism, a monotheistic worldview, is a fiercely reductive faith which rejects the idea of a universal and compassionate God.
While speaking at the occasion, writer Dr Iqbal Afaqi said, “One cannot break with tradition while writing on such a sensitive subject.”
“I have critically presented issues and discussed them without going beyond traditional limitations. I analysed the meaning and ideology of all the things I have discussed in my book,” he added.
“The concept of God implies the right of survival for every human being. But we kill each other in the name of God,” Afaqi stated.
Renowned religious scholar Dr Khalid Masood lauded the premise of the book, and said, “The fundamental issue is that humans exploit religions and God for vested interests.”
Moreover, writer and poet Muzaffar Mumtaz stated that God is within and everyone should get in touch with their spiritual side to seek Him. He added the God of sufis believes in love.
“Every person should enhance his knowledge about their religions. Only then will we be able to enjoy peace within ourselves and in our society,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2012.