User talk:Atheistig: Difference between revisions

Direction of the Companions of the Cave article

Hi Atheistig. I've had a quick look at that page in your sandbox. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be an appropriate article for this website. As a resource for all critics, we try to keep our articles focused on Islam and avoid commentary on other religions and their beliefs (see here and here). Thanks. --Sahabah (talk) 19:40, 29 November 2013 (PST)

Hi Sahabah,

I think the article is on topic, as it's about The companions of the cave story. I am making some connections to Christianity, as the story originates there, but I didn't think there was much commentary about the Christianity beyond what I needed for connecting the story to its origins and some scholarship around the legendary developments of the story. At least nothing more than what was in the Alexander legend and the other "parallels to Christian and Jewish scripture" articles. I'm not quite done so there's a bit im thinking to edit out and some more to add in. What part did you think violated the "no critizing" other religions" rule? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Atheistig (talk • contribs) on 07:56, 30 November 2013

Hi. The difference between this and the Alexander legend (as far as I can gather from reading what you wrote) is that there are some Christian sects that actually believe this, and the first draft that I read also seemed to be aimed at both Christians and Muslims. We are read and linked to by both theists and non-theists (e.g. Answering-Islam.org and RichardDawkins.net), so the tone and wording of articles like this one are important. I thought I'd jump in early so you don't waste any of your time, but feel free to continue if you think the final version will be okay. --Sahabah (talk) 17:31, 30 November 2013 (PST)

Got ya. There are literally thousands of these kind of martyrdom stories in Christianity. They wax and wane in popularity over the years. While a small number of Christians might object to this one being called a myth, it would have virtually no theological impact to them. However, because this same story is found in the Qur'an, it being mythical has major repercussions for them. I'll try and keep the wording as neutral as possible around Christianity, but I also want to be accurate. I get what wikiislam is trying to be sensitive to a diverse array of readers' beliefs. I think this one is pretty minor, especially compared to the site's stance on Evolution.