James White, known otherwise on YouTube as Dr.Oakley, is a very, very mean man. This is painfully obviously illustrated in his latest videos responding to renowned ex-Christian and convert to Islam, Yusef Estes. In his first video, Dr. White makes some incredible assertions on the psychology of converts, which got me thinking. Does Dr. White have professional training in the field of Psychology or did he just watch too many Dr. Phil episodes? Nevertheless, he confidently and authoritatively (the books in the background appearing in White's videos subconsciously make him appear authoritative and intelligent, but his various sundry plaid shirts squelch that perception to be sure, no two ways about it!) explains the definition of "convert syndrome," which is when people flaunt their "conversion testimony" as a weighty argument in an attempt to bolster their new found faith. Moreover, he makes the assertion that the decision to convert to another religion is not always based on serious study, investigation, and contemplation. I believe Dr. White is making a sweeping generalization... because when I analyze the state of religion in this world, I see rational, logical, and clear thinking individuals making well informed decisions. And I believe this is due primarily to the exceptional state of our public education system where principles of critical thinking and logic are taught. Now, let me give you a personal testimony proving that, at least in my case, one can make an informed and rational decision when converting to another faith. When I was 19, I converted to Christianity from Islam. As a Muslim, I never once read the Quran nor the Bible, but one day I read Hal Lindsey's Late Great Planet Earth, and watched Henny Binn on the TBN cable channel. And their messages resonated and convinced me that I could no longer attend the Muslim temple and participate in the festivities, but more importantly, I could no longer believe in the 10 statutes of Islam's faith. What do I do today? On Pal Talk, I educate Islams on their faith and carefully explain to them the doctrine of tallweed, and explain how praying the Zakah five times a day won't get them to heaven, but for some reason they don't respond kindly to my message...something about misrepresenting their faith...oh well..
