Peace all,
I think this forum does a fine job at what it does: allowing a largely unmoderated space for new and old ex-Muslims to express and (sometimes) analyze what's wrong with the religion of Islam. Sometimes it's very funny at this as well, although possibly a bit too youthful and fresh for older guys like me and Brother Hassan.
I haven't seen much in the way of "reaching out" to Muslims -- apart from offering this space, as it is. (I believe some of you guys also do stuff outside of the forum that is helpful.) I think offering this space is already quite a significant thing and not to be belittled. I'm sure a number of people walking along the edge found some courage to jump thanks reading the often humorous and dirty stuff written here and realising -- they are not alone.
I suspect my Brother is questioning what happens next -- and how CEMB can play a part in that. I asked that question of the forum a while back when I joined -- when you've vented your frustration, wounds are completely healed and so on -- what happens next?
Speaking as a belated Sufi, I've come to the conclusion that, sadly, "reaching out to Muslims" is not something that happens next. Da'wah, for any purpose, atheist or Muslim, is a fallacy: there is no compulsion to the Truth. But, happily, the Truth will prevail -- for everyone -- and we're all just part of the cycle, man. Though you and I might feel like we see things a bit clearer than those who still perform salat goose steps blindly behind stupid minded sheikhs ... actually, although Love is understood through our relationships with others, the path is ultimately for the individual and can take many lifetimes to fulfill.
The only thing we can do is offer a glass or two of wine and friendship on our individual journeys. And most will not accept that: it's a cold world after all.
One of my favourite religious texts puts it this way (it's the perfect song for the melancholic ex-Muslim, singing to the Muslim -- or to anyone with the wool over their eyes, that we'd wish to help or feel a responsibility for -- better than any kind of reaching out or da'wah):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=671AgW9xSiAIf my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
Would you hear my voice come thru the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.
Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.
There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.
Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then whos to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.
Topic: I Want a New Way