I was reading about Islam the other day and came across this quote:
Christians and Jews say "I will die for what I believe."
A Muslim says "You will die for what I believe."
I know that people could make the argument that historically, "Christians" have killed in the name of Jesus, etc. And that would be true. But even a cursory reading of the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament would uncover no evidence for killing in the name of Jesus. In fact, Jesus called His followers to just the opposite -- to suffer for the sake of the gospel. To turn the other cheek. To forgive one's enemies.
Islam, on the other hand, is carrying out the very words of their false prophet Mohammed. He called for his followers to cut off the heads of "the infidel" (that's Christians and Jews). He called for the conquering of the world -- submitting it to Islam or the sword.
So while the argument can be made about violence done by those who follow certain religions, it is scary when you take it back to their actual "holy books."
Further, I am skeptical of the claim that Islam is a religion of peace. Islam does not teach peace or love. It teaches submission and domination. And don't be fooled by the politically correct media telling us that Muslims that live in the United States have no agenda. That may be true for some. But Islam teaches the practice known as "Takiyah." Takiyah teaches Muslims to do whatever is necessary to achieve victory over the "enemy" or "infidels". In short, they can lie, promise peace, and even act like an infidel. But when their opponents' guards are down -- they are to crush them.
It is bone-chilling to read reports of things that are being said in American mosques today.
I know many think I am being an alarmist, but we have buried our heads in the sand on this issue. We assume that Islam will play by "American" rules of live and let live. THEY WON'T. To do so is to be an unfaithful Moslem.
I challenge you to go on line and read some of the teachings of Islam. Become informed.
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7 comments:
No doubt ... it is very scary. I don't know when it will happen, but I dread the day when a some unaware congregation is attacked during its assembly.
I don't think you're being an alarmist; rather a realist.
So... what should we (Christians) do after we are informed?
Kyle, I was about to ask the same exact question?
I would want to challenge people to do more--take an Islamic co-worker to lunch. Meet them. Befriend them.
In my opinion, you cannot lump every person of the Muslim faith into this "extremist" category. It is a broad generalization that isn't fair to many Muslims who live in places all throughout the world.
I have trouble with the statement, "And don't be fooled by the politically correct media telling us that Muslims that live in the United States have no agenda." No one can say that every person of the Islamic faith hates peace and will kill for their prophet, just like you can't say that every Christian who is an American votes Republican and hates gay people.
Somewhere in all this, we have to believe that the gospel of Jesus still has the power to break into places in the world that seem impossible. So, we must do exactly what your paragraph says to do:
"In fact, Jesus called His followers to just the opposite -- to suffer for the sake of the gospel. To turn the other cheek. To forgive one's enemies."
We love at all costs. We turn the other cheek. We forgive enemy's.
To make broad generalizations about groups of people will have a negative effect--it will cause people to look down on certain groups at gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and other public places.
I don't know what to make of everything going on with Islam. But I do want to speak from the pulpit about a profound love that calls us to see every human being on earth as people who have been created in the image of God...and that person has something within them that is crying out for redemption and reconciliation.
Josh! Go back and read what I wrote. I DID say that it may be true that some Muslims in our country live at peace, etc.
The argument comparing Muslims following the dictates of their prophet and Christians and the way we vote is arguing apples and oranges. The Quran commands Muslims to kill the infidel. The Bible says nothing about how to vote.
But listen to the rhetoric of Islam -- here and abroad. And there is no way around what their holy book calls them to. If they don't believe it, then why are they following Islam? Why aren't more Muslims coming out publicly against terrorism, etc?
Kyle,
I agree with Josh's solution. But I also think that we need to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" to what is going on. Sitting in silence and pretending that "it won't happen to us" got many millions killed in Europe under Hitler. Islam is not going to live among us like Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism.
Well, I don't think I even know any Muslims. I guess I probably did in dental school.
From my perspective, I agree, the best course of action for Jesus followers is to obey His teaching. By obeying His teaching, we know the truth (and live the truth). What happens when the truth is known? What does Jesus say? He sets people free.
I do "believe that the gospel of Jesus still has the power to break into places in the world that seem impossible", but indeed much suffering for the sake of the gospel may be necessary. The cost may be radically high-- much more than thinking correctly about forgiveness and turning the cheek.
Wow! This is one powerful post. It seems like most preachers shy away from this sort of thing...good for you for addressing it. I completely agree with everything you said! A hamburger at Chili's is not enough to solve this great problem I'm afraid.
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