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stoth1972 · Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 4:24 pm Post subject:

What's unusual about the term 'revert' is that the only people who use it are, well, reverts. Muslims who are born to a Muslim parent or parents refer to those who are not born to Muslim parents and change later as 'converts'. Saying all that, I think anyone is entitled to ask to be identified in any way that suits them, be it revert or convert.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Now that you mention it, it is normally the converts who use the term 'revert.' But I have heard it used in religious TV programs and seen the topic discussed in articles. It does seem to be the term used in the religious schools in the Gulf where the converts tend to congregate for classes.

As Gordon says, it is the assumption behind the term that offends many.

VS

nomadz · Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 5

He did not assume. This is the belief of all Muslims. Regardless, if one says convert or revert, we still believe that everyone is a Muslim at birth. No one is trying to shove a religion onto you.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

nomadz · Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 5

Yes, you've got it.

This is not the place to learn or teach Islam. I suggest that you consult to the proper sources if you are not trying to be sarcastic.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

It may not be sarcasm; it is an example pointing out the many non-Muslims consider such an assumption offensive. But then I consider the assumptions of many religions to be offensive. (like the one that if you don't believe/pray/live my way, you are a bad person and will go to 'hell'...)

As I said, in English the word is 'convert.' The source would be the dictionary. People are, of course, welcome to have their personal beliefs, but to use the word 'revert,' in effect, forces your beliefs on others.

VS

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

So... those who are born into a Celtic supporting family(catholic) then realised the error of their ways and became a Rangers supporter(proddie). would this be considered a conversion or reversion? Is reversion limited to only Islam or other faiths?

stoth1972 · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:49 pm Post subject:

I would think this is limited to the beliefs of Islam. Doesn't Catholic dogma indicate that a child must be baptized, or is that all of Christianity?

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

If you haven't been baptized, you can't take communion because you are not considered a member.... or so it is in most Protestant branches.

VS

Borealis · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 26

[quote="nomadz"]He did not assume. This is the belief of all Muslims. Regardless, if one says convert or revert, we still believe that everyone is a Muslim at birth. No one is trying to shove a religion onto you.[/quote][color=green][/color][size=9][/size]

Nomadz assertion "he did not assume..." = "this is not an assumption because it is a fact. We know it's a fact because we believe it to be a fact." This is a circular argument if ever I heard one. If it is not "shoving religion onto you" then what exactly is it? Such blinkered arrogance is typical of many followers of religions which purport to be the "one true way", Moslem or otherwise. It's worth keeping in mind that there are a myriad paths to the creative force of the universe. To tell people who differ in their interpretation of the path that they are wrong is the cause of much of the strife we see in the world today.

Borealis

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan