Dutch bishop suggests calling God "Allah" to ease tensions

innerSpaceman · 08-15-2007, 04:32 PM

But as I understand it, Jews and Christians use "God" as a name-substitute, not as a designation. So Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians using "Allah" where they would otherwise use "God" are, in fact, using it precisely as Muslims use it (i.e., as one of the many names of God).

Alex · 08-15-2007, 04:50 PM

That's my point (not sure if we're disagreeing). When speaking in Arabic, "western" religions already call their deity Allah. In fact, the use of the word "allah" to refer to god long predates the existence of Islam.

Doesn't seem to be easing any tensions anywhere.

08-15-2007, 04:32 PM	#1
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	But as I understand it, Jews and Christians use "God" as a name-substitute, not as a designation. So Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians using "Allah" where they would otherwise use "God" are, in fact, using it precisely as Muslims use it (i.e., as one of the many names of God).
	Submit to Quotes

08-15-2007, 04:50 PM	#2
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	That's my point (not sure if we're disagreeing). When speaking in Arabic, "western" religions already call their deity Allah. In fact, the use of the word "allah" to refer to god long predates the existence of Islam. Doesn't seem to be easing any tensions anywhere.
	Submit to Quotes