YOURSAY | 'We should preach the similarities of religions and not the differences.'

'Bible sessions' to dispel fear of Muslims under siege, says Penanti's Norlela

6th Generation Immigrant: Penanti assemblyperson Norlela Ariffin's efforts are very commendable.

And she is undertaking the tasks that the government should be doing, in fact, they are perfect for agencies like Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Pahang Islamic Religious Department (Jaip).

Perhaps the use of the term “conversion” or the “fear of conversion" is too strong or sectarian or biased. This is where Malaysia has failed, and this has led to the conversion phobia in this nation.

The Torah, the Gospels and the Quran are all the books of believers, and in truth, they all share the same prophets - Adam, Noah, Lot (Lut), Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael (Ismail), Isaac (Ishak), Jacob (Yaacob), Joseph (Yusuf), Moses (Musa), Aaron (Haron), Mary (Maryam), Jesus (Isa), et cetera.

The people of the Books are close to one another. All these prophets profess one God, and one is monotonously singular, no matter what He is called or addressed.

The problem lies in interpretations and claims of the religions by humans, hence the conversion phobia.

Malaysia regulating religion is actually counter-productive. We should preach the similarities of religions and not the differences.

Once we were all gentiles. Once we were not Christians. Once we were not Muslims.

However today, add Jews, Christians and Muslims all together, through the commonality of the Books, they are a much larger gathering than most other unions.

Shovelnose: Understanding the guiding words of the God of others does not mean discarding your own faith.

It's the start of the journey to be aware of the sensitivities of others around us and to be able to live together harmoniously.

The career politicians create a siege mentality along communal lines in order to control and keep their supporters in tow, and in line with their personal whims and fancies.

It's time people break free from these shrouds hung on them by these false emperors.

Malaysianheart: Norlela, thank you for taking the initiative to build bridges between people of different religions.

I have had the privilege myself of having long beautiful conversations with a Muslim colleague about what's in the Quran and the Bible (I am a Catholic).

There was no occasion of blasphemy or insult, but a beautiful sharing of things common in both these holy books.

We parted enriched with more knowledge and appreciation of each other's faith. I wish more people would enjoy this experience.

Determined Sarawakian: Norlela is right. Reading the Bible will not change anything. It only makes you a better person.

I read both the Bible and the Quran. I am a Catholic and I am still a Catholic, and I understand my brethren much better by not being discriminatory. In Christianity, it's important to "love thy neighbour".

Mazilamani: I know of many of different races who read a spread of books of other religions, but who continue being very strong in the faith of their own religion.

There are always some useful or supportive lessons in other religions to make you a better, open-minded person.

Many of us forget that the leaders who preached a particular brand of moral laws (religion) must be accepted as universal teachers, and not be limited to just a particular group of people or country.

Most religions were formed after the death of the leader. Many things would have changed over the years. Indeed, most sacred books were not even written by the original leader.

David Dass: Norlela, you are a very enlightened woman.

Knowing what others believe will not undermine or threaten our own beliefs. Quite often, we deepen our belief in God and our understanding of the spiritual by learning about the beliefs of others.

Indeed, thousands of Christians learn the art of meditation from Hindu and Buddhist practitioners.

Dummies Dhimmi: Hmm, this runs contrary to the PAS/Umno narrative that if Muslims see, touch or read the Bible, they will become confused and may even instantly become Christians.

Of course, it’s their propaganda that Muslims are stupid. Apparently not so, according to one brave Muslim.

Malaysian-United: Norlela, while you are at it, please tell them not to be terrified of anything that resembles a cross, like the symbol "+" or the letters "t" or "x".

They are harmless and will not convert them into Christians.

Drngsc: Norlela, you are a brave woman. That is the right thing to do. Education drives out fear.

Anonymous_Gem49: Here is an enlightened Muslim dispelling the lies that have been propagated by PAS and Umno.

This is the type of Islam Malaysia needs, not the siege mentality of backward-looking PAS and Umno.

Anonymous_1565629164778.0191565628799150: Well done, Norlela. Your effort to provide interfaith understanding is very exemplary and commendable.

I hope nobody or authority give you trouble following this Malaysiakini report.

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.