Yemen and the Qur'an

I have been reading this interesting piece in TheAtlantic.com which dates from 1999 and discusses the discovery of fragments from early versions of the Qur'an and suggests that the Qur'an is no different from other religious texts. Specifically, the claim seems to be that further academic study of these fragments will lead to an ability to place the Qur'an into a historical context...

Interestingly, there appears, at least to the author of the article, similarities between the Qur'an and the Bible. Of particular note is that the Qur'an was not in a written form at the time of the Prophet's death and that there are Suras that were not included (kind of like the "missing" gospels - Dan Brown and the Da Vinci Code anyone?).

Unfortunately, further Internet search has only turned up minimal articles and comments on this of note. I will do more reasearch and perhaps post again.

The idea of frank, open, transparent debate on this subject is intriguing. I just do not see how serious academic debate can be had without it being labelled anti-Islam or some kind of Zionist conspiracy to belittle Islam and the Muslim experience. In this regard it is similar to Jewish claims of anything that questions the Jewish experience as being anti-semitic.

Religion and academic study and debate; are they compatible?

I am, albeit slowly and surely, learning more about those things that interest me. Islam is one of those things...The above photo is of some of the Yemeni Fragments and can be found at this link.

Have a good week!

Alchemy & Druidic Tradition

I am a reader and a quick scan of my many bookcases will reveal an interesting mix of subject matter. Perhaps some of my readers might be surprised by this one. The subject matter is alchemy and Druidic tradition. Why, you might ask...and that is a good question!

I have always been interested in the esoteric and the exoteric which has led to a collection of books on these matters. As I get older I am gaining an increasing fascination with alternative medicine. Do not get me wrong here, modern medicine has many benefits, but perhaps there are great healing powers contained in nature that we need to rediscover or discover for the first time (too much National Geographic -- I should spend more time in the office and less time watching TV)! However, my interest in this pre-dated the Da Vinci Code!

But back to the post at hand. I suppose my Welsh ancestry is coming to the fore or something and this is an incarnation of that history, who knows (and who cares). Yet, I have resolved to learn more about acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, and other alternative medicinal practices.

I am currently reading about the properties of various herbs, flowers, and trees. Some of this stuff I knew (it was locked away in my mind somewhere), like garlic (galleg) is good for the digestive system and it also wards of evil (this I probably learned from watching too many vampire movies as a kid!), and stuff that I did not know!

The following list contains a few of these (Welsh name in parentheses) and there physical and magical properties.

Lavender (Lafant) -- treats migraine, exhaustion, and nervous disorders -- invokes love, peace, joy, and healing.

Mint (Mintys) -- treats stomach complaints and nausea, antiseptic -- protection and healing (the Druids most sacred herb).

Marjoram (Mintys y creigiau) -- treats coughs and intestinal problems -- Happiness and relieves depression.

Honeysuckle (Gwyddfid) -- treats headaches and coughs -- increases psychic ability.

Daffodil (Gwaew'r brenin) -- reduces swelling (bulb is narcotic) -- increases self-esteem and binds fidelity and love.

White Clover (Meillionen wen) -- increases skin sensitivity -- Empowers projection and increases psychic ability.

Scottish Thistle (Ysgall) -- treats nervous complaints -- protection, vitality, increases libido.

St.-John's-Wort (Y gantwll fawr) -- treats depression, wounds, sprains, and bruises -- wards off evil (predominant healing herb).

Sage (Sage gwyllt) -- treats catarrh and nasal infections -- wisdom and immortality.

The list goes on! Perhaps as I learn more I will bore you to snores with more postings on my alternative medicine journey.

In the meantime keep healthy!