Re: Quran, cultural Islam, and what is outdated

I think I fall into the same catagory as Carl when it comes to my 
relationship w/ Islam. The Quran & writings by various writers & poets such as Rumi & 
Chittick & others seemed to make sense to me. My background is Episcopalian & the 
whole concept of the Trinity, original sin, & the astonement of Christ have 
never made much sense to me. I have heard it said that every verse of the Quran 
has 7 meanings & that you must let it guide you. Some passages I have trouble 
understanding or applying to my life but is that the fault of the Quran or of 
myself? I personally think that although the Quran was revieled by God, 
Mohammad-the vessel by which the Quran was reveiled-was a man in a certain time & 
context. If God chooses to communicate w/ us won't time & culture have to be 
part of it for us to understand? I think that we need to approach this stuff w/ 
the attitude of humility-Whitaker.