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Hollywood star Liam Neeson says he may convert to Islam

Irish actor is moved by Muslim calls to prayer in Istanbul

PATRICK COUNIHAN,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 7:20 AM

Updated Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 12:30 PM

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Liam Neeson, photographed promoting "The Grey", is considering Islam

Photo by Google Images

Irish actor Liam Neeson has confirmed he is considering converting from Catholicism to Islam.

The Ballymena born star told the Irish Sun that Islamic prayer ‘got into his spirit’ while filming a new movie in the Turkish city of Istanbul.

Neeson said: “The Call to Prayer happens five times a day and for the first week it drives you crazy, and then it just gets into your spirit and it’s the most beautiful, beautiful thing.

“There are 4,000 mosques in the city. Some are just stunning and it really makes me think about becoming a Muslim.”

Raised as a devout Catholic, Neeson has admitted that his faith was challenged after his wife Natasha Richardson died in a freak skiing accident in 2009.

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He added: “I was reared a Catholic but I think every day we ask ourselves, not consciously, what are we doing on this planet? What’s it all about?

“I’m constantly reading books on God or the absence of God and atheism.”

Neeson was heavily criticised in 2010 when he openly refuted claims by author C.S. Lewis that Narnia lion Aslan is based on Christ.

After he voiced the character in the film adaptation, Neeson instead claimed Aslan was based on other spiritual leaders including Mohammed and Buddha.

“Aslan symbolises a Christ-like figure but he also symbolises for me Mohammed, Buddha and all the great spiritual leaders and prophets over the centuries,” said Neeson at the time.

“That’s who Aslan stands for as well as a mentor figure for kids - that’s what he means for me.”

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117 Comments

15 - 117 | See all comments

seanomelbourne | Jan 28, 2012, 05:02 PM EST

I must admit sitting on the terrace of the Cairo Hilton overlooking the Nile with a G and T in hand listening to the call to prayer is a fantastic experience. I half expected Omar Moktar to walk onto the terrace accompanied by lawrence of Arabia. The stuff dreams are made of.

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seanomelbourne | Jan 27, 2012, 06:19 PM EST

obpiper what a bigotted racist tune you play.

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ciaradexy | Jan 27, 2012, 12:14 PM EST

OBPiper-''Liam's problem is that he goes from one extreme (Roman occupation "Catholicism") to another (home of Jihadism).'' Catholicism-endemic rape of children and pedophile rich organisation who covered up and facilitated abuse for years in my country. Facilitate the stealing of babies and the locking up of women who were also abused and raped for the rest of their lives. Wealthiest religious organisation on the planet, do as I say not as I do is the mantra. Its easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven so says the pope in his prada shoes from his marble palace with his gold throne while his followers in parts of the world die from hunger. Hmm. Pot, kettle, black? Religion is a daft idea.

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OBPiper | Jan 27, 2012, 10:25 AM EST

"Raised as a devout Catholic, Neeson has admitted that his faith was challenged after his wife Natasha Richardson died in a freak skiing accident in 2009." Whoa! Wait until one of his Muslim Brothers (there are no sisters except camels) detonates himself! Liam's problem is that he goes from one extreme (Roman occupation "Catholicism") to another (home of Jihadism). Good luck, Liam. May you find God, not prophets and profits.

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ciaradexy | Jan 26, 2012, 06:27 PM EST

Hedonistic! Now theres a great word!

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ciaradexy | Jan 26, 2012, 06:20 PM EST

I hear ye Sean! Its kinda like the 6th Sense film!

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seanomelbourne | Jan 26, 2012, 06:15 PM EST

They are trying to marginalise us hedonistic atheists Ciara.WE don't colour or creed we see Irish people.

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ciaradexy | Jan 26, 2012, 05:19 PM EST

Many of my friends arent catholic and are from Dublin, Cork, Clare, Mayo etc. Doesnt mean they arent Irish! There are plenty of catholics in the UK who are English, Scottish, British etc! its not a religious issue! They dont feel 'less Irish' because they arent Catholic!

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Curitiba | Jan 26, 2012, 04:58 PM EST

Exactly. These are people who are born in Ireland (your definition of Irish) who feel less irish because they are not Catholic.

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ciaradexy | Jan 26, 2012, 04:51 PM EST

Im trying to get your point here but I dont. Most people who live around the Shankhill road dont consider themselves Irish anyway and I have a couple of mates there who class themselves as Northern Irish or British. The head of the Shankhill butchers was a Murphy but most people would assume Murphy is an Irish catholic name.

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Curitiba | Jan 26, 2012, 04:07 PM EST

It might not be a good idea for you to go to the Shankhill Road and ask the citizenry there "do you feel less Irish because you are not Catholic"

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ciaradexy | Jan 26, 2012, 03:45 PM EST

Curitiba, I have made it very clear that I think ALL religions are nonsense but it is a personal issue for people if they choose to follow one. If they decide to follow the religious route I dont want it shoved in my face. There were a few issues here yesterday where no one could ansewer my question regarding someone being 'less Irish' because they werent catholic. This still hasnt been answered!

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snakehips | Jan 26, 2012, 03:41 PM EST

The Dalai Lama believes taht we should find our spiritually through the traditions that we know best, but if Liam Neeson finds spiritual fulfillment and peace through Islam than I would go a step further and say that we should find spiritual fulfillment through the traditions in which we feel most comfortable. Certainly, one would feel a little insecure about the Roman Catholic spiritual traditions (if they in fact still exist)based on some of the shenanigans we have learned about lately.

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Khalid2012 | Jan 26, 2012, 03:09 PM EST

@borefield, Did you ever read the Bible O_o? Have you seen this 1 Corinthians 11:5, Or more, Why you always try to delude yourself? O_O If you are already ignorant! I think this is problem, But If you really know that and you only trying to lie O_O Believe me the problem would be bigger. I don't know Why you forget the Best Woman EVER (Mary) the Mother of Jesus Peace Be Upon Her & Upon Her son. Every Muslim Woman is Happy to be as same as Mary the Mother of Jesus PBUT. IF you don't like to be like her, This is your problem. The Muslim Women didn't ask your help. Did they? O_o?

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Curitiba | Jan 26, 2012, 02:25 PM EST

Rights are enshrined by law. Needs are not. You need to eat and drink, but you don't have any right to demand it if you don't have any money. You have to rely on other's goodwill, but they are under no obligation to give it to you. Just wondering, Ciara, why didn't you re-emphasise your opinion that all religions are nonsense when replying to Khalid?

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