I am not sure that this is the right place to jump in but I could use some information on this topic. I am a Catholic who reads the Quran every night and who believes the Mohammad is a Prophet. I frankly do not believe in the divinity of Jesus and tend to look at him as a prophet as well. The Quran actually agrees with many scholars on it's view of the historical Jesus, (however most of them believe that he was crucified). I have gone to Friday services at a Shia (sp?) mosque and have frequently gone to a Sunni Mosque near my home. However, it is hard to leave a faith that my wife and my family embrase and that is such an intricate part of my background and support system.
One of my problems is that while I have found the Muslims I have met to be friendly and encouraging, their cultural orientation is usually very different than my own. Furthermore, the practices that appear to be outlined in the Hadith are for me, overwelming and often appear to be at odds with the world I operate in. How could I tell my wife that she needs to wear a head covering? Most of the Muslims I meet come from families that are Muslim-mine is not. There are other issues that I am struggling with. Possibly much of this is simply my hesitation in changing faiths and saying the Shahada, but I am interested in the idea of "God alone"
Whitaker
PS this is not a new issue. I have been reading the Quran for years and at one point belonged to another web site called "Progressive Muslims". Some of this truely is my own problem, however I would like to continue this dialoge again and would appreciate any imput you all would care to give.