I am not a big fan of the Quran. Nearly all of my friends, neighbors, and co-workers respond to this simple statement with some level of shock and horror. Of course, the next question is always, "Have you actually read the Quran?" More shock and dismay when I respond, "I have. Three times, in three... Continue Reading →
How old is Mecca? (and other follow up questions)
How old is Mecca? When was the city first built? Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that can give us a definitive answer? Did Abraham and Ishmael first purify the Ka'ba, build Mecca, and institute the Hajj as it seems to say in 2:125-127? Did Abraham really instruct his sons to follow the command... Continue Reading →
Greater
Today is election day here in Turkey. Strike that. It’s actually re-election day since a few months back should have been election day. Problem is, the powers that be didn’t much like the outcome of that first election. They proved too intransigent to allow for a smooth transition of power and a new coalition government... Continue Reading →
Kingdoms Collide 