If it is pre-determined and planned for us then the choices we are making are not our own are they?
Does it matter what choices we make if the end result is pre-determined?
IMO, i believe that God has given us the tools (the brain) to make the most of what have in life. We can use this life to the bestest and go down God's path or take the worst path and have a real miserable, bad life. Yes, if God has decided that i will die at 63yo, then the way i choose to live that 63 years is in my hands. God will give me tests along the way but will allow me to choose how i handle them. Yes, we all come to crossroads and think "what the hell do i do now, i'm in such a bad rut" but i believe that these are all situations which God has placed us in to test our capabilities.

Princess Xanthe - BW I understand feeling like people use it as a cop-out. I think both free will and determinism can co-exists, without man blaming God (hey God, you determined this, so I'm not going to take responsibility for my decisions
i really think that if people do blame God when things have gone is a real cop out. There have been many times where i've gotten angry at God for some things, but then when i calm down i try and reason with myself as to how i got in that situation and work out some solution. God has really given us the tools to cope and deal with nearly all situations. What He is capable of is truly amazing.

Salvation - Allah is very forgiving. I am a muslim and i believe in the Koran, but there are some things which i often question, which does not mean that i am disbeliever. I guess it is not wrong to find out the answers to the questions which you seek. Now, Bron with her wealthy knowledge at which i am truly amazed at is reaping many, many, many good deeds in her favour as she is teaching me and us about Islam. Sharing her knowledge. I believe this would be the same for Christianity too. In a sense, we are spreading the word of God, whether it be for Christianity or Islam or some other religion who believe in God. There is a Turkish saying that it is not wrong/bad to seek the answers to the questions that you have but it is wrong/bad if you do not seek them IYKWIM.

I too love talking about the different religions and sharing the similarities or disimilarities. I am not very knowledgeable about Islam but know a little. I am also awed at some of you such as Candice, who can quote from the Bible.

i believe that Christianity and Islam have very similar teachings. We both share the same the God. There is A God and that if you choose to follow Jesus or Muhammad (pbuh) it is just a path to God.

Geez. I had another question to ask... but i forgot

if you guys have any Q's please ask. The more the merrier..