Thursday, September 30, 2010

An American event, Qur’aan Conference

We are pleased to invite Pastors, Rabbis, Imams, Pundits, Bhikkus, Shamans, Clergy, Civic leaders, Teachers, Educators, Journalists and you to join us on Sunday, December 5, 2010. We hope it would be one of the best Christmas Gifts to Americans living in North Texas.
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Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
When: 3:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
Website:
http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries:
quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP:
Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916

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An American event: Qur’aan Conference

I am pleased to invite you to the Quraan conference on Sunday, December 5, 2010. Please note that this is not a Muslim event, it is rather an American event to sustain harmony and co-existence for the good of our nation. Details in terms of the news coverage, videos, TV interviews about the event are at http://www.quraanconference.com/

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured. We have come a long way to embrace and accept the otherness of other. However, this year has given rise to yet another temptation; to blame Islam, calling it an evil, evil religion and calling its prophet a false prophet.

From times immemorial Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone gain, usually for controlling others. Are we going to let that happen? As Americans, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

We have to be pro-active, we have to dream of a society we desire for our children and work towards creating it. Rather than funding and encouraging destructive forces, we have to invest in efforts that bring about peace for every one. We simply cannot have peace if what surrounds is not in peace.

At this time, Islam is used to further the political agendas of a few; we have to guard ourselves from such tempters. We are pleased to present a purposeful event to bring Americans together and to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

The event is inspired by the comments of Rev. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Jerry Falwell, Rev. Billy Graham Jr. and several others.

We have to consciously create institutions and systems which would become a catalyst in building cohesive societies, where every one is acknowledged of his/her space and the right to the pursuit of happiness.

The Quraan Conferences is an open dialogue with open Quraan in the hands of the panelists made up of non-Muslims Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, elected public personalities and the general public. Fifteen of the most difficult passages will explored and learned.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a gain. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and build a safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear, anxiety or discomfort.

As Americans, we have led the world in science, medicine, technology, business and innovation, and it is time for us to lead the world with the ideals of Pluralism and co-existence. Let us become a model nation, so others can emulate us and not vice-Versa.
Please visit the website and RSVP

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHER
http://www.quraanconference.com/

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Quraan Conference Invitation

We are pleased to invite Pastors, Rabbis, Imams, Pundits, Bhikkus, Shamans, Clergy, Civic leaders, Teachers, Educators, Journalists and you to join us on Sunday, December 5, 2010. We hope it would be one of the best Christmas Gifts to Americans living in North Texas.
____________________________________________

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
When: 3:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
____________________________________________

The conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits in Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex. It is time we replace the ill-will with goodwill, where no American has to live in fear of the other, anxieties or discomfort. We have to restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

Let us gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, so we can separate the myths from the truth and free ourselves from anxieties. Indeed, the truth always brings salvation and we owe that to fellow Americans.

Monday, September 27, 2010

A graceful closure to Dr. Jeffress’ comments on Islam

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
When: 3:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church, 6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
______________________________________________

PRESS RELEASE II


Bringing a graceful closure to Dr. Jeffress’ comments

Monday, September 27, 2010, Dallas, Texas: - The Quraan conference is scheduled for Sunday, December 5, 2010 at the Unity Church of Dallas to demystify the myths about Qur’aan and Islam. The conference is a positive response to a sermon delivered by Pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church of Dallas in August this year.

“Dr. Walter Gilliam, a senior Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Dallas, called me this morning to inform that Pastor Jeffress has said everything that needed to be said and there is no need to meet or talk any further, there was a sense of impatience in the tone of Dr. Gilliam,” said Mike Ghouse.

It is human to manufacture myths about others without any substantiation; most certainly Qur’aan and Islam have received more than their due share.

It is time for us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, so we can separate the truth from the myths and free ourselves from anxieties. Indeed, the truth always brings salvation and we owe that to fellow Americans. We are pleased to honor Dr. Jeffress for becoming the instrument for this positive change. The invitation to the conference remains open.

“It is our responsibility to close this chapter gracefully as seeds of ill-will have been sowed in Pastor Jeffress congregation” Ghouse adds, ‘It is time we replace it with goodwill, where no American has to live in fear of the other, anxieties or discomfort. We have to restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

Details at: http://www.quraanconference.com/

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Dallas Quraan Conference 2010

PRESS RELEASE I
Demystifying the myths about Quraan

Dallas, Texas, Friday, September 24, 2010. The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced a conference in Dallas to demystify the myths about Qur’aan and Islam

Mike Ghouse, representing the organizations, said, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths and purify ourselves from ill-will, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us.

Ghouse adds, “We owe it to our country and fellow Americans to build a safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear of the other, anxieties or discomfort and where everyone’s space is respected. We have to stand up for others. As an individual I have stood up for everyone.”

A panel of clergy and scholars from different faith traditions will respond to questions that the audience or the media will pose. The Panel members will be given a copy of the English translation of the Qur’aan to refer to when a question is asked about a verse. The audience will also have access to such translations.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; most certainly Qur’aan and Islam have received more than their due share. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

As Americans, we have led the world in science, medicine, technology, business and innovation, and it is time for us to lead the world with the ideals of Pluralism and co-existence. Let us become a model nation, so others can emulate us and not vice-Versa.


CONTACT:
Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
MikeGhouse@aol.com
Foundation for Pluralism
2665 Villa Creek Dr, Suite 206
Dallas, TX. 75234

Monday, September 20, 2010

Rev. Jeffress challenged on Quraan

Monday, September 13, 2010

Quraan is challenged by Pastor Robert Jeffress, Pat Robertson, Terry Jones, Fred Phelps and others who have not made any effort to understand the book, let alone reading it with sincerity.

Myths are manufactured about others without any substantiation; it is an old business of maligning others to have a momentary gain.

The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and build a safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear, anxiety or discomfort.

Video presentation

Sunday Morning on Fox
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/christians-and-muslims-meet

Monday Morning on Fox
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor,-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran

MUSLIMS, HINDUS, JEWS ARE GOING TO HELL http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/091310-pastor%2C-muslims-meet-to-discuss-quran

Dallas Morning News Responds: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_19met.ART.West.Edition1.356a575.html

Our Response:

1 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMN8Zy1kc64

2 of 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZOFLQSAOhA&feature=related

Article: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2010/09/rev-robert-jeffress-challenged-on.html

We have to build, rebuild and continuously build the social cohesiveness of our nation
Details at: http://dallasquraanconference.blogspot.com/

# # #

Richard Ray of Fox4 News interviewed me today about Pastor Jeffress and the Quraan at 11:00 AM this morning, however due to time constraints, or other reasons they have edited out the critical points about killing the infidel and Quraan Translations. I will recreate that interview and post it on the web in a few days, right here.

The challenge is simple; I will present the right translations of the Qur'aan to Rev. Robert Jeffress in his congregation and challenge him to find 3 evil things about Quraan, if he does, I will go work for his ministry, if he does not, I ask of him to retract the thoughtless cavalier statements he made about Islam and Quraan, and take up the challenge of becoming a peace maker.

Thanks to the Imam Zia Shaikh, other Imams and friends for their encouragement to challenge the myths and ask the mis-informed to be informed. Thanks to the Islam bashers for telling me what is it that bothers them, they have time and again given me a list of about 60 verses, and I have made serious effort to address them most directly at: http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/ I have dealt with some of the Islamophobes who have made their business by maligning others including Islam, in this case. Look at their websites, they shamelessly ask for money, people should seriously debate if their money is going to bring peace or chaos.

Whether it is Pastor Jones, Jeffress, Phelps or Robertson, the media has failed to nail down the exact words or phrases that cause them to make such divisive declarations, and the unfinished business is frustrating the public.

America needs peacemakers who can boldly clarify the un-truths and myths about each other for the sake of peace. We owe peace and security to each one of the 301 Million Americans, our efforts ought to be directed so every one us can live without fear, without harassment and without prejudices. My question to Pastors Jeffress, Jones, Phelps, Robertsons and their likes is this; Didn't Jesus pray and worked to create the kingdom of heaven on the earth, so all of us can live freely?

Some 2000 years ago, Jesus delivered the sermon "Blessed are the peace makers" on Mt. Beatitude, I was there and felt the power of that statement. I walked where Jesus walked on via Dela Rosa; I was baptized in the river Jordan where Jesus was baptized. Symbolically, I accepted Jesus’ message to become a peace maker by drenching myself in the holy water.

The role of people of religions is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. I ask Rev. Robert Jefferess, Rev. Pat Robertson, Rev. Fred Phelps and Rev. Terry Jones to walk the journey of peace with me.

Pastor, Muslims Meet to Discuss Quran
Published : Monday, 13 Sep 2010, 4:52 PM CDT

Richard Ray
FOX 4 News
Adapted for Web by Tracy DeLatte, myFOXdfw.com

DALLAS - First Baptist Church of Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress said he has no regrets about calling Islam an evil religion. But on Sunday he gave a warm welcome to a group of Muslims visiting his church.

It was an unusual meeting of the minds. A pair of Muslim leaders showed up unexpectedly wanting to talk to the pastor, not sure what kind of reception they’d get.

“We have some very special guests here this morning. Leaders, members of the Islamic faith in Dallas and I want you to join me in giving them the warmest First Baptist welcome you can,” Jeffress said to his congregation.

Muslim Mike Ghouse was part of that small delegation and afterward met with Jeffress to discuss the Quran.

“He asked us to stand up and there was a good welcome. It was beautiful. I really liked that,” Ghouse.

He is convinced that Jeffress and most Americans have only read mistranslations of the Quran, where ugly language about Christians and Jews has been incorrectly inserted.

“What he said about the Quran and Islam I agree with him. He has read the wrong translation. To find the truth, to be peacemakers, we have to find the truth for the sake of a secure America. His statements are divisive and offense,” Ghouse said.

A study last month by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that over the past five years the percentage of Americans with a positive view of Islam has dropped dramatically from 41 to 30 percent.

Jeffress said he enjoyed his meeting with Ghouse and the others, but still believes he has read an accurate translation. He expresses no regret for what he’s said about the religion.

“I have to regrets at all. I think some of my statements have been mischaracterized simply because the whole statement wasn’t given. I don’t believe most Muslims are terrorists. I don’t think most Muslims oppress women. But there is something within the religion of Islam itself that I believe incites violence,” he said.

Jeffress said he thinks he can disagree in a loving and kind way.

“I think we need to quit walking on egg shells. I think we do need to tell the truth. We tell it in love. But we still tell the truth,” he said.

Ghouse and the others involved in the meeting said they’d like to meet with Jeffress again in the future to have a deeper discussion.
# # #

I will continue with the points later.

Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Islam and Pluralism offering pluralistic solutions to the media and the public on the issues of the day, his work is expressed in 22 blogs and 3 websites listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

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In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue
Steve Blow
Dallas Morning News
12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, September 19, 2010
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/localnews/columnists/sblow/stories/DN-blow_19met.ART.West.Edition1.356a575.html

Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?

If that has been you, Mike Ghouse ought to be your hero.

It is hard to imagine that anyone has worked harder than the Carrollton resident to demonstrate the peaceful and moderate side of Islam.

And that effort includes personally visiting Dallas' First Baptist Church last Sunday just to put a friendly face on the "evil, evil religion" that the Rev. Robert Jeffress denounced a few weeks before.

"It was wonderful," Ghouse said of the visit. "We were so warmly received."

He hopes a quick chat with Jeffress will be the start of deeper discussion about Islam and the importance of respect between religions.

"I want to have a dialogue with him, not to say he is wrong but to share another point of view," Ghouse said.

The 57-year-old Muslim was born in India and has lived in the United States for 30 years. He owns a small property management firm. But most of his day is devoted to building bridges between people of different faiths.

"It is my passion," he said in his distinctive raspy voice.

He has been a guest a dozen times on Sean Hannity's TV and radio talk shows. "I don't like the way Sean cuts me off, but I have to honor him for giving the American public a semblance of another point of view."

Ghouse said he can understand fear and criticism of Islam because he went through a time of similar feelings. As a teen, he was troubled by passages of the Quran. He called himself an atheist for a while.

But he said deeper study led him to realize the Quran had been purposely mistranslated down through history.

In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders.

Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.

"It was all for politics," he said.

Ghouse said he hopes to present Jeffress with a modern, faithful translation and challenge him to find evil verses.

"If he can, I will convert. I will join his church," Ghouse said. "If he can't, I will call on him to retract his statements and become a peacemaker."

Ghouse acknowledges that deep problems persist within Islam. "Three steps forward, two steps back," he said with a sigh.

And he agrees that mainstream Muslims have not done enough to counter violent images of their faith.

"That is very true," he said. "But part of it is that many Muslims have given up hope that we will ever be heard."

He said repeated denunciations of terrorism seem to fall on deaf ears.

And some efforts have backfired – like the proposed Islamic information center in New York. He said it should be hailed for furthering the moderate Muslim cause.

Instead, it has deepened hostility toward Muslims.

I have been astounded by the amount of anti-Islam propaganda that circulates via e-mail. Tons of it has come my way in the last few weeks.

One theme is that people like Mike Ghouse can't be trusted, that Islam encourages deception.

But Ghouse says actions speak louder than words. And he points to elections in Muslim nations.

More than half of Muslims live in countries with some degree of democracy. And time and time again, Islamist parties are overwhelmingly rejected in favor of secular, mainstream parties.

"The religious parties don't get more than 3 percent of the vote," Ghouse said.

Polls show deep mistrust of Muslims. "But the most important question in those surveys is: 'Do you know anything about Islam?' " Ghouse said. "Most people say no."

What keeps him going is faith in Americans, he said.

"The majority of Americans, if they know the truth, they will change their minds."

Dallas Quraan Conference 2010

DALLAS QURAAN CONFERENCE
SUNDAY 12/05/10

Myths are manufactured about others; it is an old business of maligning others to have a gain. Qur’aan and Islam are no exception. It all started in 1142 by the Monastery of Abbey who were paid to deliberately mistranslate Quraan to foster hate towards Muslims in the name of Christianity and then in 1922, the hate was resuscitated towards Christians and Jews by a Muslim Hilali Khan.

Thank God for the comments at Dallas Morning News, thank God for opening people’s hearts and minds to share what is bothering them. I want to thank abh00 for sharing the following statement, “In fact, in this very book, it states that they are to pretend to be friends with non-Muslims in order to take advantage of their non-Muslim counterparts in order to force their beliefs upon our society.” This is one of the strongest reasons to hold the conference. Please highlight the verse from the Qur’aan that even matches closely with the statement. Let’s do it in open public forum to remove the phobias and fears based on hearsay and propaganda. One of my friends suggested that it would be great Christmas Gift to Christians and Americans to remove the fears and ill-will from all our hearts and towards each other.

Unless Pastor Jeffress wants another date, I want to announce Sunday, December 5th to hold a conference to demystify the myths propagated out there. You cannot get a better challenge than this, bring all the fears, all the hearsay and all the propaganda, let’s put it all on the table and find solutions. Let's have a civil dialogue and address those issues.

We owe it to our country; we owe it to our nation to build safe and secure America, where no American lives in fear, anxiety or discomfort. We cannot let anything destroy the social cohesiveness of our nation. Join me with your skepticism and good will, let's find the way forward. We are all Americans with a common goal; peace and prosperity of every one of the 301 Million Americans.

Mike Ghouse