Ayesha, I agree with all of the statements above.
I guess I want to understand better because of a situation I ran into a few month ago. My child was taking Tia Kon Do class at the Y and a lot of times I would participate in a women's group exercise class. One day I was sitting with all of the moms, some who happen to be Muslim and some who are Pentecostal. The question of the women's classes came up and I learned they did not participate because of a small window that did not have a blind, because men could see in. But what upset me was they were afraid to ask for a blind, so people wouldn't be offended by the request. It didn't seem right that anyone should feel so intimidated or unwelcome.
Bottom line, they are paying members and this is a women's only class, and a blind is a simple request so everyone can participate. So I ask for the blind. No one ask me why and it was installed. Now Muslim women, Pentecostal women, and anyone else can participate. Funny thing is everyone likes the blind. A lot of women feel self conscious in front of men and it gives everyone some privacy.
No one knows it was me who asked, and I hope no one ever does. What I hope for, is that people can develop respect and kindness towards each other, no matter what our different beliefs. So to me, learning is understanding and preventing the continuation of misunderstanding and bias.
Unhinged, I would love to learn more about Buddhism, as this is another religion that I know nothing about.
Personally, I am a Christian, but don't belong to a particular denomination. I try to live my life from an ethical framework called Agape love. The best way that I can describe it would be primitive Christianity.
Let me know if anyone decides on the PC. I would love to listen.
Debbie