need advice - religion as a barier

[sie]

Hi there,

I would appreciate some advice regarding Christian vs. Islamic religious views. I am a Christian dating a Muslim guy. To make it short- we have been dating for few years in the past (at that time his family did not know about me because he was afraid to tell them), then we broke up for 2 years and went back together for the past year to present. This time around he told his family about me as, I guess, he has come to the realization that I am "the one" for him. Anyway, his mom is a nice lady but seems to be very religious (she also covers her hair -not the face, and wears long dresses), while on the other hand my boyfriend is completely Americanized and lives a life to the fullest (goes out, drinks, smokes, has sex, etc - pretty much does everything that is forbidden according to the Qur'an). However his family knows ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about this and he's good at camouflaging. Please don't get me wrong here, he's also the most amazing, sweetest, understanding, smartest, kind being that I know and he's my best friend.

The thing is that when his mom came over for Christmas dinner (this was her first visit to my house), she bought me 2 presents, a bracelet and a book called "The Bible The Qur'an and Science". As she was giving me this book she said to be open minded when I read it. It wasn't until after I researched about the book that I realized that my Christmas present is actually anti Bible book - to some degree. It has been few months since and I still haven't dressed this with her. I am a little confused as to how to address this issue with her so that she understands that I am open minded, but at the same time that she needs to respect the boundaries. Also, during the same night she told us (me and my mom) that she is a bigger Christian because she covers and we don't. (she was implying how Jesus's mother covered and so should we). This was a hot topic at the time - she ended up apologizing for making that statement. However, I still feel that I need to bring this book back into conversation and am not sure how to go about it. As much as difficult and sensitive this topic is I still want to remain respectful when it comes to our communication, but at the same convey my message.

Does anyone have any advice? I would be very appreciative.

Thanks,
D

[basilandthyme]

I always understood that there were similarities between Islam and Christianity, so I questioned this book being 'anti-bible' I Googled it and found quotes such as

"The Bible, the Qur'an, and Science is an objective study of the Old Testament, the Gospels and the Qur'an. This book seeks to spiritually unite by highlighting similarities in the texts. It sheds new light and dispels many preconceived ideas in separating what belongs to Revelation from what is the product of error or human interpretation"

and "This book strips away many long-standing--and in the author's view, incorrect--nations about the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the Qur'an, by looking deeply at all three and examining their complex histories and their relationship with science. Emphasizing particularly the Revelation sections of these holy books, Maurice Bucaille inspires the reader to meditate on those factors that should spiritually unite, rather than divide, Jews, Christians, and Muslims."

I believe that his mother has given you a gift intended to show the similarities between your beliefs. It's a show of acceptance and goodwill from her. But instead of looking at it with the positive of finding similarity, you've chosen to take it as an insult to your beliefs.

I can't fault your boyfriend's mother.

[surfhb2]

Why do you feel you need to dig up old shite? Religious beliefs are opinions....she as hers and you have yours. THEY ARE NOT TO BE DEBATED! As long as your BF is NOT influenced by his mother, there no need to worry about anything here