Post by Rev. Dr. Red on Apr 24, 2012 11:11:32 GMT -5
Originally posted on www.bcbsr.com
Islam is reputed to be the fastest growing religion presently. Although I may dispute that point given the recent influence of Christianity in the Third World through such things as the Jesus Film. As such there are ever increases clashes between Muslims and Christians. Here I attempt to inform Christians on a few points concerning Islam, as well as exhort Muslims who may run across this page. First of to dispell unncessary hostility Muslims may have towards Christians, the Koran affirms Christians are among those who believe in Allah and have no fear on the day of judgement.
“Those who believe (in the Koran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, —any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, shall have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” Koran 2:62
In fact it’s unclear at points where the Koran makes any distinction between Islam, Judaism and Christianity, as the Koran affirms the authenticity of the Bible – at least up to Jesus, “We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam). If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).” Koran 3:84,85
But that last sentence would seem a contradiction – unless Christianity and Judaism are reckoned a part of Islam. And indeed we find that the Koran alleges that Jesus’ disciples called themselves “Muslims”.
Koran 3:52 When Jesus found unbelief on their part He said: “Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?” Said the Disciples: “We are Allah’s helpers: We believe in Allah and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.”
So would the Koran consider Christians and Jews to be muslims just as it considers Jesus’ disciples? It does affirm Christians as devote, learned, holy and humble.
“nearest among them in love to the (Muslims) wilt thou find those who say, “We are Christians”: Because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.” Koran 5.85
And yet it seems to place Christians and Jews in a category separate from Muslims. I take it that their viewpoint may be somewhat like Christian’s view of Jews. For a person can be both a Jew and a Christian at the same time. In fact all the earliest Christians were Jews. And Jesus himself was a Jew. But what is commonly referred to as Judaism today , composed of Jews who do not believe in Jesus, is contrary to the Jewish faith as God intended. They have deviated from the scriptures such that what they practiced may be likened to a cult. (And by the way, such also is the Christian’s view towards Muslims) But conversely I think that’s how Muslims generally view Christians and Jews today.
Someone has to be wrong. And here’s my challenged to Muslims (as well as to Jews). Have you thoroughly investigated the writings of those you claim as your prophets and objectively considered what they were saying? For example, you Muslims, how familiar are you with Jesus? Have you even so much as read your Injil (the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)? Doesn’t the Koran itself affirm the study of the gospel?
Koran 3:3 It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion (of judgement between right and wrong).
Koran 3:48 ”And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,”
Koran 3:65 Ye People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye no understanding?
Koran 5:49 And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: Therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: A guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.
Koran 5:50 Let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.
Koran 5:69 If only they had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course: But many of them follow a course that is evil.
Koran 5:71 Say: “O People of the Book! Ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.” It is the revelation that cometh to thee from thy Lord, that increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow thou not over (these) people without Faith.
Koran 7:157 ”Those who follow the Apostle, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures), —in the Law and the Gospel; —for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); he releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him, —It is they who will prosper.
Koran 9:111 Section 14. Allah hath purchased of the Believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): They fight in His Cause and slay and are slain: A promise binding on Him in Truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Koran: And who is more faithful to his Covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: That is the achievement supreme.
Koran 48:29 Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds Forgiveness, and a great Reward.
Koran 57:27 Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our apostles: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded) only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Allah; but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors.
One thing that both Christians and Muslims need to realize is that the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible is affirmed by the Koran as an uncorruptible revelation from God. As such Muslims should be open to receiving what Jesus said as recorded in the Bible. However the most common objection which Muslims raise is the idea that God’s Word is corrupted. However the Koran itself declares that God’s revealed word – the Law, the Pslams, the Gospel of Christ, cannot be corrupted. For God preserves His Word.
We have, without doubt. Sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).Koran 15:9
It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion (of judgement between right and wrong). Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.Koran 3:3,4
But the message of the gospel is only for the humble. Many if not most Muslims are just too proud to receive Jesus’ words. Even the Koran condemns them.
We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an Apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride? —Some ye call impostors, and others ye slay! They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word: We need no more).” Nay, Allah’s curse is on them for their blasphemy: Little is it they believe. And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them, —although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith, —when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognized, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of Allah is on those without faith. Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, in that they deny (the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of his Grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn on themselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of those who reject Faith. When it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah hath sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us”: Yet they reject all besides, even if it be Truth confirming what is with them. Say: “Why then have ye slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?”Koran 2:87-91
Jesus said, “Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” John 6:45-48 Those minority of Muslims who are listening and learning from the Father will come to Jesus upon hearing his word. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Central to Jesus’ gospel is following:
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3 and Jesus himself said, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”John 3:16-18
Muslims must become born-again and believe in Jesus, the Son of God, to be saved from condemnation.
Conflicts Between the Gospel and the Koran
There are in fact many contradictions between the gospel and the Koran, and as the Koran affirms Jesus as a prophet but Jesus does not likewise affirm Mohammed as a prophet we are left to conclude that Mohammed was neither a prophet of God nor did he even grasp the gospel message itself. For God’s legitimate messengers would not contradict what God’s former messengers said. And yet Mohammed in the Koran does contradict what God’s former messengers said, even while affirming those messengers as being from God. Just like Muslims today Mohammed simply ignored their message. Muslims today are relatively ignorant about what Jesus said. Their teaches may feed them a few verses, but overlook those which contradict the Koran such as I have noted below.
Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
The Bible declares that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Even Jesus declared this before and after his resurrection:
Before his Resurrection:
Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” Mark 9:31
After his Resurrection:
Jesus told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day” Luke 24:46
But the Koran denies that Jesus died and rose again:
And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the apostle of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for sure. [4.157]
Jesus as The Son of God
Jesus declares in the Bible that:
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:16-18
But the Koran denies this saying
He (Allah) begets not [112.3]
“Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: So believe in Allah and His apostles. Say not “Trinity”: desist: It will be better for you: For Allah is One God: Glory be to Him: (Far Exalted is He) above having a son.” [4.171]
“In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary.” [5.19]
The Koran not only denies that Jesus is the Son of God, but also condemns those who believe he is.
the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away! [9.30]
And yet who does the Koran declare was Jesus’ father? Ask a Muslim. For Jesus father according to the Koran was no human being but the Spirit of God.
In the gospel Jesus himself extensively speaks of his relationship with God his Father, as for example in the following:
John 5:
17 Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work
to this very day, and I, too, am working.”
18 For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him;
not only was he breaking the Sabbath,
but he was even calling God his own Father,
making himself equal with God.
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth,
the Son can do nothing by himself;
he can do only what he sees his Father doing,
because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.
Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.
21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life,
even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son,
23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.
He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
24 ”I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me
has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come
when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.
26 For as the Father has life in himself,
so he has granted the Son to have life in himself.
27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
John 10:36
Jesus said, “Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ’I am God’s Son’?”
The Jesus of the Koran
Though the Koran acknowledges the virgin birth and the fact that Jesus did miracles, it denies much of what the Bible records of Jesus. Thus the “Jesus” of the Koran is not the “Jesus” of the Bible. Nor is the god of the Koran the God of the Bible. Islam is an antiChrist religion.
“Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist— he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” 1John 2:22,23
The Trinity
The Koran reckons the doctrine of the trinity to be heresy. But in hypocrisy it often speaks of “Allah” in the plural. Verses can be found throughout the Koran where “Allah” refers to himself as “We” or “Us”. For example speaking of the resurrection it says, “It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:” [75.16] Or [2.34] And behold, We said to the angels: “Bow down to Adam:” And they bowed down: In fact the Koran uses this plural form to describe Allah over 1000 times. The Koran confuses “trinity” with “tri-theism”, concepts which are quite different. But what I would say to a Muslim is that just as the Koran speaks of Allah in the plural using “We” and Us” and yet views God as one, so also Christians speaks of God as plural and yet one. In God there is a plurality just as an individual is body, soul and spirit. A person may be spoken of as each of these individually or collectively and yet this is not considered ambiguous. Man was made in the image of God. In the Bible God says, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” Gen 1:26, speaking of God in the plural just as the Koran does. God is plural and yet one just as man is plural and yet one. The Koran is mistaken in characterizing the trinity as tri-theism in which it says, “They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: For there is no god except One God.” [Koran 5:76] Muslims, Christians and Jews all agree that there is no god expect the One God. What differs is how we view the One God. See also “Understanding the Trinity” and “Jesus as Lord”.
The Issue of “Proof”
The Koran proposes of Christians:
And they say: None shall enter the garden (or paradise) except he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you are truthful. [2.111]
The Bible is full of such proofs
Now some people ask, “How can I know God has spoken?”
Just read His word and I’m not jokin.
Raising the dead and healing the blind.
Oh, there’s lots of proofs, you’ll find.
In the presence of thousands, both friend and foe.
things not done in secret, don’t you know.
For when God speaks His word, He understands
we need proof it’s His and not man’s.
See also Jesus’ Miracles. Furthermore as these and like miracles were publically proclaimed as verification of the messengers being from God, this gives further credence to their actually having occurred. For example when Peter, among a crowd of thousands, proclaim among other things that “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” Acts 2:22 But if the miracles hadn’t occurred then people would believe what they would have factually known was false. Therefore the fact they accepted the message is evidence that the miracles actually did occur. Jesus himself said, “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” John 10:37,38 Mohammed makes no similar claim.What is the “proof” that Mohammed is a prophet of God? For he contradicts what God has already said, and he has no miracles affirming his propositions, unlike the Jesus of the Bible. While the Bible is full of proofs of a miraculous nature, there are not such evidence concerning Mohammed and the Koran.
But there are some muslims today who claim there are miracles in the Koran. That is that you can read the Koran in such a way as to come up with information only available today. For example concerning the verse that says, “God created all the pairs: from what the earth produces and for Themselves and from things unknown to them” they claim this is talking about quantum physics! Yet it seems clear to me it’s just repeating what the Bible says about God creating them male and female. So also they make claims about statistics in the Koran, just as Christians have made concerning Bible codes. But there are muslim among them who rebut their own statisical argument. See www.inet.ba/~hardy/whatmade.htm Alleged “miracles of the Koran” are bogus.
Violence
The Koran advocates violence against non-Muslims:
Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book (Christians and Jews), until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state ofsubjection.[9.29]
So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. [9.5]
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult or oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. [2:190-193]
The main problem with Islamic terrorism is the devaluation of the life of non-Muslims in the eyes of the Muslim community, which has resulted in the callous murder, torture and enslavement of many non-Muslims and even threat of murder of any Muslim who thinks of converting to Christianity along with threats against Christian evangelists. One thing that drives Islamic terrorism is that the rest of the world are viewed as idolators and therefore come under these kind of clauses.
Legitimate Enemies
There is a clause in [Koran 60] which forbids friendships with those who are against Islam, “Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection)”. Also “the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.” [4.101]
Religious Enemies: Today this would involve all non-Muslims who like myself are involved in trying to covert Muslims from their faith. But more generally it involves also fighting those who don’t believe in various aspects of Islam as we see above. Although the Koran also says, “Those who believe (in the Koran), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians, —any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, —on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” So Islamic persecution of Christians and Jews on a religious basis is somewhat ambiguous, as the Koran presumes that true Christians and Jews will not take a stand against Islam on a religious basis. And in fact of non-Muslims, the Koran speaks most highly of Christians saying, “strongest among men in enmity to the Believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the Believers (Muslims) wilt thou find those who say, “We are Christians”: Because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.”[5.85] A problem in modern Islam is that it’s become increasing evangelical and as such less people are allowed even a neutral stand as more and more Muslims are trying to convert non-Muslims. Anyone who resists conversion to Islam is viewed as fighting against it and as such is reckoned an enemy. Thus more and more people are reckoned enemies of Islam simply because they refuse to convert to Islam. This is particularly the case in the Third World.
Secular Enemies: Other enemies are like Israel as a nation perceived to be trying to drive out Muslims from disputed territories. And it involves the US as a supporter of Israel in its activities. But once again this is somewhat ambiguous as the Koran does acknowledge the Law of Moses with its covenants given by God to Israel. But according to the Law of Moses God gave the land of Israel to the Jews, and even much more than what they presently occupy. So the Palestinian position cannot unambigously be defended on an Islamic basis. We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, “Dwell securely in the land (of promise)” [Koran 17.104] Are the Muslims allowing Israel to dwell securely in their land of promise?
Thus the Koran speaks of both secular and religious enemies of Islam, but the greater hostility is spoken against its religious enemies, which now are primarily Christians, being the only group today proactively trying to convert Muslims. But it does allow as an option friendship with those who are neutral on religous issues, who are not hostile against Islam in particular. “Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them.” And it is upon that basis today we find many Muslims living relatively peaceably in the US. But as I said as the Muslims try to evangelize others, their list of enemies increases as non-Muslims resist conversion. Unlike Christianity, Islam does not advocate the concept of “love your enemies” and as such should Christians be more vocal and proactive in converting their Muslim neighbors and as other non-Muslims resist conversion or criticize Islam, there is little ideology to hold back even American Muslims from exercising the kind of hostility we’ve seen by Islamic terrorist groups.
On the other hand it does speak against some of the practices of Islamic terrorism.
Against Suicide
O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be among you traffic and trade by mutual goodwill: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: For verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful! If any do that in rancor and injustice, —soon shall We cast them into the Fire: And easy it is for Allah. If ye (but) eschew the most heinous of the things which ye are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you, and admit you to a Gate of great honor.[4.29-31]
Against Killing other Muslims
If a man kills a Believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (for ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him. [4.93]
Need I point out that many Muslims were killed in the destruction of the World Trade Center for example? But the Muslim terrorists may yet nullify these by claiming these do not apply when carrying out the commands in 9 above. Then it becomes just a matter of interpretation to be argued among Muslims. But the “love your enemy” idea we find in the Bible is certaintly not in the Koran and as such there’s little to hold back the Muslim from justifying any hostility against whoever they label “enemy”.
Acting Against Islam
Christians should certainly not be involved in violent acts against the innocent. Islam as an ideology and false religion should not be attacked with physical violence. No idea of itself can be destroyed by such weapons if people truly believe in it. Communism for example was not brought down by weapons of war. It fell because it simply doesn’t work. Islam needs to be attacked in the realm of ideas and in the realm of the spiritual. Not only is Islam a false religion, but it doesn’t work either. Who practices slavery today? Muslims. In Sudan for example non-Muslims are taken into slavery by Muslims. Who are the world’s terrorists today? Muslims. And Islam is against the kind of freedoms which developed in Western society through the influence of Christianity. And much as they preach charity, yet it is the Christians who are most generous. In fact in cases like the Sudan the Islamic government takes the generous US donations meant for the southern Sudanese suffering at the hand of the government, and uses those to further oppress them. Yet there is no outcry by the rest of the Muslim community against the atrocities committed by their brethren. Furthermore Islam overly oppresses women. It rejects freedom of speech. If Islam is true, then why don’t Muslims allow a free and open discussion of religious ideas? Because if they did many Muslims may become Christians. Why do they threaten other Muslims with death if they think of converting? Because if they didn’t, many Muslims may become Christians. Jesus said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32 So we need to lift up Jesus and preach the gospel. We should walk as Jesus did, and not act violently. Though the Koran mentions the word “gospel”, yet Muslims – and apparently even Mohammed – are largely ignorant of what the gospel actually says.
Acting Against Islamic Terrorism
The Bible teaches Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19 However, government is one of God’s swords to exercise his vengeance.
Romans 13:
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
This doesn’t deal with the issue of what to do when the governing authorities themselves go outside of their legitimate realm of authority. This deals with the fact that they do indeed have a legitimate realm of authority in which they not only have the right but the responsibility of carrying out God’s punishment upon evil doers. Let God take care of it, and cooperate with the government as they deal with it.
The Attack on the World Trade Center
Could this be the Face of Islam?
Throughout the world Islam has been showing its true colors – its fruit – in the form of oppression and violence against non-Muslims for illegitimate reasons, but the attack on America has brought this particularly to light. Immediately after the attack Muslims around the world from Palestine to China praise the terrorists and mocked the victims of this incident. But to their shame and humilation they had to quickly change their tone as they suddenly realized that this bloodthirsty act of injustice would be a poor reflection on Islam. But even now the same bloodthirsty murdering attitude has surfaced and I think will continue to surface in different areas of the world in reaction against the bringing of Islamic terrorists to justice. Many have humbled themselves falsely and offered false sympathy in order to justify their continue support for terrorism in the name of “Allah”. Why is it that it seems only non-Muslims speak against Islamic terrorism, while many Muslims view such criticism as an attack on Islam? Why don’t the Muslims stop the terrorists? It’s because the Koran teaches, “Never should a Believer kill a Believer” [Koran 4:92] And as I pointed out above the Koran advocates fighting against Unbelievers. The fact that they’ve done nothing in the past to stop Islamic terrorists, neither in speech nor in action, but rather have criticized those who take actions to defend against terrorists indicates that Muslims generally don’t really view such actions as contrary to their religion.
And this is just one of a multitude of acts of terrorism by Muslims which occur practically on a daily basis. Consider this example which occurred in March of 2008.
Muslim Rejoice over Murder
Whenever Muslims murder non-Muslims you can be sure that the Islamic community rejoices. There are multitutes of examples of this. Here’s one recorded in March of 2008:
“Jerusalem: A gunman entered the library of a rabbinical seminary and opened fire on a nighttime study session Thursday, killiing eight and wounding nine before he was slain by a soldier, police said. … Hamas militants in the Gaza strip praised the operation, and thousands of Palentinians took to the streets of Gaza to celebrate.”
That’s Islam for you!
Now Islam is at a crossroads. Muslims will either have to renounce terrorism or view it as a legitimate part of their Holy War. People ask why God allowed it to happen. But they forget that God may have prevented such things from happening many times in the past. It’s amazing that we lasted through the Cold War without a serious nuclear incident for example. But I think God is sick and tired of Islamic terrorism. But neither Muslims nor non-Muslims have been willing to take serious action against it until God allowed the terrorists to succeed in this case. I don’t know of any time in history when the vast majority of Muslims have publically denounced Islamic terrorism as we’ve seen in recent days. Many are of course are doing so falsely in the name of political correctness. But what will be interesting to see after the dust settles and actions have been taken by the US is which crossroad the Islamic community will finally take.
An Exhortation to the sons of Ishmael
Galatians 4:
22 It is written that Abraham had two sons,
one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
23 His son by the slave woman (Ishmael) was born in the ordinary way;
but his son by the free woman (Isaac) was born as the result of a promise.
28 Now (we Christians), like Isaac, are children of promise.
29 At that time the son born in the ordinary way (Ishmael)
persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. (Isaac) It is the same now.
30 But what does the Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son,
for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”
(Interesting to note that Bin Laden himself, the master terrorist, was called the son of a slave women by his half-siblings. His father was a polygamist who divorce his mother shortly after she gave birth)
The world’s terrorists today are primarily Muslims. Why is that? Christians and Jews have suffered persecution from them and especially in those places where the religion of Islam is dominant. As of late I would note the murder of Christians in Sudan and Indonesia and now even in the US. While the Bible advocates loving your enemy, the Koran advocates violence and hatred. Secondly I would note the religous hypocrisy of many such Muslims. For while they claim to position themselves on the moral high road, they fall far short of it. They are like the religious hypocrites Jesus exhorted in Matthew 23:13+.
Woe to you Muslims, you hypocrites. For you really are not morally superior nor are you pleasing in God’s sight as you reject Jesus as the Son of God. Where is your atoning sacrifice? What is the basis for God forgiving your sins? Jesus paid for our sins and for all those who put their faith in Him as the Son of God.
Isaiah 53:4-6
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Your rejection of the Bible is a rejection of the God of the Bible. And your persecution of Christians is a persecution of Christ, the Son of God. Unless you repent, your judgment awaits you. Speaking to Christians suffering persecution the Bible says:
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. 2Thessalonian 1:6-10
By Steve Amato
9/21/2001
updated 3/30/2005
To Militant Muslims who reject the Gospel
This is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant. It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern.” This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:12-15
Islam is reputed to be the fastest growing religion presently. Although I may dispute that point given the recent influence of Christianity in the Third World through such things as the Jesus Film. As such there are ever increases clashes between Muslims and Christians. Here I attempt to inform Christians on a few points concerning Islam, as well as exhort Muslims who may run across this page. First of to dispell unncessary hostility Muslims may have towards Christians, the Koran affirms Christians are among those who believe in Allah and have no fear on the day of judgement.
“Those who believe (in the Koran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, —any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, shall have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” Koran 2:62
In fact it’s unclear at points where the Koran makes any distinction between Islam, Judaism and Christianity, as the Koran affirms the authenticity of the Bible – at least up to Jesus, “We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam). If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).” Koran 3:84,85
But that last sentence would seem a contradiction – unless Christianity and Judaism are reckoned a part of Islam. And indeed we find that the Koran alleges that Jesus’ disciples called themselves “Muslims”.
Koran 3:52 When Jesus found unbelief on their part He said: “Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?” Said the Disciples: “We are Allah’s helpers: We believe in Allah and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.”
So would the Koran consider Christians and Jews to be muslims just as it considers Jesus’ disciples? It does affirm Christians as devote, learned, holy and humble.
“nearest among them in love to the (Muslims) wilt thou find those who say, “We are Christians”: Because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.” Koran 5.85
And yet it seems to place Christians and Jews in a category separate from Muslims. I take it that their viewpoint may be somewhat like Christian’s view of Jews. For a person can be both a Jew and a Christian at the same time. In fact all the earliest Christians were Jews. And Jesus himself was a Jew. But what is commonly referred to as Judaism today , composed of Jews who do not believe in Jesus, is contrary to the Jewish faith as God intended. They have deviated from the scriptures such that what they practiced may be likened to a cult. (And by the way, such also is the Christian’s view towards Muslims) But conversely I think that’s how Muslims generally view Christians and Jews today.
Someone has to be wrong. And here’s my challenged to Muslims (as well as to Jews). Have you thoroughly investigated the writings of those you claim as your prophets and objectively considered what they were saying? For example, you Muslims, how familiar are you with Jesus? Have you even so much as read your Injil (the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)? Doesn’t the Koran itself affirm the study of the gospel?
Koran 3:3 It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion (of judgement between right and wrong).
Koran 3:48 ”And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,”
Koran 3:65 Ye People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye no understanding?
Koran 5:49 And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: Therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: A guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.
Koran 5:50 Let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.
Koran 5:69 If only they had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course: But many of them follow a course that is evil.
Koran 5:71 Say: “O People of the Book! Ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.” It is the revelation that cometh to thee from thy Lord, that increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow thou not over (these) people without Faith.
Koran 7:157 ”Those who follow the Apostle, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures), —in the Law and the Gospel; —for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); he releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him, —It is they who will prosper.
Koran 9:111 Section 14. Allah hath purchased of the Believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): They fight in His Cause and slay and are slain: A promise binding on Him in Truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Koran: And who is more faithful to his Covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: That is the achievement supreme.
Koran 48:29 Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds Forgiveness, and a great Reward.
Koran 57:27 Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our apostles: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded) only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Allah; but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors.
One thing that both Christians and Muslims need to realize is that the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible is affirmed by the Koran as an uncorruptible revelation from God. As such Muslims should be open to receiving what Jesus said as recorded in the Bible. However the most common objection which Muslims raise is the idea that God’s Word is corrupted. However the Koran itself declares that God’s revealed word – the Law, the Pslams, the Gospel of Christ, cannot be corrupted. For God preserves His Word.
We have, without doubt. Sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).Koran 15:9
It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion (of judgement between right and wrong). Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.Koran 3:3,4
But the message of the gospel is only for the humble. Many if not most Muslims are just too proud to receive Jesus’ words. Even the Koran condemns them.
We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an Apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride? —Some ye call impostors, and others ye slay! They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word: We need no more).” Nay, Allah’s curse is on them for their blasphemy: Little is it they believe. And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them, —although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith, —when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognized, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of Allah is on those without faith. Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, in that they deny (the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of his Grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn on themselves Wrath upon Wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of those who reject Faith. When it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah hath sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us”: Yet they reject all besides, even if it be Truth confirming what is with them. Say: “Why then have ye slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if ye did indeed believe?”Koran 2:87-91
Jesus said, “Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” John 6:45-48 Those minority of Muslims who are listening and learning from the Father will come to Jesus upon hearing his word. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
Central to Jesus’ gospel is following:
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” John 3:3 and Jesus himself said, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”John 3:16-18
Muslims must become born-again and believe in Jesus, the Son of God, to be saved from condemnation.
Conflicts Between the Gospel and the Koran
There are in fact many contradictions between the gospel and the Koran, and as the Koran affirms Jesus as a prophet but Jesus does not likewise affirm Mohammed as a prophet we are left to conclude that Mohammed was neither a prophet of God nor did he even grasp the gospel message itself. For God’s legitimate messengers would not contradict what God’s former messengers said. And yet Mohammed in the Koran does contradict what God’s former messengers said, even while affirming those messengers as being from God. Just like Muslims today Mohammed simply ignored their message. Muslims today are relatively ignorant about what Jesus said. Their teaches may feed them a few verses, but overlook those which contradict the Koran such as I have noted below.
Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
The Bible declares that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Even Jesus declared this before and after his resurrection:
Before his Resurrection:
Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” Mark 9:31
After his Resurrection:
Jesus told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day” Luke 24:46
But the Koran denies that Jesus died and rose again:
And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the apostle of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for sure. [4.157]
Jesus as The Son of God
Jesus declares in the Bible that:
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:16-18
But the Koran denies this saying
He (Allah) begets not [112.3]
“Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: So believe in Allah and His apostles. Say not “Trinity”: desist: It will be better for you: For Allah is One God: Glory be to Him: (Far Exalted is He) above having a son.” [4.171]
“In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary.” [5.19]
The Koran not only denies that Jesus is the Son of God, but also condemns those who believe he is.
the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away! [9.30]
And yet who does the Koran declare was Jesus’ father? Ask a Muslim. For Jesus father according to the Koran was no human being but the Spirit of God.
In the gospel Jesus himself extensively speaks of his relationship with God his Father, as for example in the following:
John 5:
17 Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work
to this very day, and I, too, am working.”
18 For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him;
not only was he breaking the Sabbath,
but he was even calling God his own Father,
making himself equal with God.
19 Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth,
the Son can do nothing by himself;
he can do only what he sees his Father doing,
because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.
Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.
21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life,
even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son,
23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.
He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
24 ”I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me
has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come
when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.
26 For as the Father has life in himself,
so he has granted the Son to have life in himself.
27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
John 10:36
Jesus said, “Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ’I am God’s Son’?”
The Jesus of the Koran
Though the Koran acknowledges the virgin birth and the fact that Jesus did miracles, it denies much of what the Bible records of Jesus. Thus the “Jesus” of the Koran is not the “Jesus” of the Bible. Nor is the god of the Koran the God of the Bible. Islam is an antiChrist religion.
“Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist— he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” 1John 2:22,23
The Trinity
The Koran reckons the doctrine of the trinity to be heresy. But in hypocrisy it often speaks of “Allah” in the plural. Verses can be found throughout the Koran where “Allah” refers to himself as “We” or “Us”. For example speaking of the resurrection it says, “It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:” [75.16] Or [2.34] And behold, We said to the angels: “Bow down to Adam:” And they bowed down: In fact the Koran uses this plural form to describe Allah over 1000 times. The Koran confuses “trinity” with “tri-theism”, concepts which are quite different. But what I would say to a Muslim is that just as the Koran speaks of Allah in the plural using “We” and Us” and yet views God as one, so also Christians speaks of God as plural and yet one. In God there is a plurality just as an individual is body, soul and spirit. A person may be spoken of as each of these individually or collectively and yet this is not considered ambiguous. Man was made in the image of God. In the Bible God says, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” Gen 1:26, speaking of God in the plural just as the Koran does. God is plural and yet one just as man is plural and yet one. The Koran is mistaken in characterizing the trinity as tri-theism in which it says, “They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: For there is no god except One God.” [Koran 5:76] Muslims, Christians and Jews all agree that there is no god expect the One God. What differs is how we view the One God. See also “Understanding the Trinity” and “Jesus as Lord”.
The Issue of “Proof”
The Koran proposes of Christians:
And they say: None shall enter the garden (or paradise) except he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you are truthful. [2.111]
The Bible is full of such proofs
Now some people ask, “How can I know God has spoken?”
Just read His word and I’m not jokin.
Raising the dead and healing the blind.
Oh, there’s lots of proofs, you’ll find.
In the presence of thousands, both friend and foe.
things not done in secret, don’t you know.
For when God speaks His word, He understands
we need proof it’s His and not man’s.
See also Jesus’ Miracles. Furthermore as these and like miracles were publically proclaimed as verification of the messengers being from God, this gives further credence to their actually having occurred. For example when Peter, among a crowd of thousands, proclaim among other things that “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” Acts 2:22 But if the miracles hadn’t occurred then people would believe what they would have factually known was false. Therefore the fact they accepted the message is evidence that the miracles actually did occur. Jesus himself said, “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” John 10:37,38 Mohammed makes no similar claim.What is the “proof” that Mohammed is a prophet of God? For he contradicts what God has already said, and he has no miracles affirming his propositions, unlike the Jesus of the Bible. While the Bible is full of proofs of a miraculous nature, there are not such evidence concerning Mohammed and the Koran.
But there are some muslims today who claim there are miracles in the Koran. That is that you can read the Koran in such a way as to come up with information only available today. For example concerning the verse that says, “God created all the pairs: from what the earth produces and for Themselves and from things unknown to them” they claim this is talking about quantum physics! Yet it seems clear to me it’s just repeating what the Bible says about God creating them male and female. So also they make claims about statistics in the Koran, just as Christians have made concerning Bible codes. But there are muslim among them who rebut their own statisical argument. See www.inet.ba/~hardy/whatmade.htm Alleged “miracles of the Koran” are bogus.
Violence
The Koran advocates violence against non-Muslims:
Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book (Christians and Jews), until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state ofsubjection.[9.29]
So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. [9.5]
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult or oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. [2:190-193]
The main problem with Islamic terrorism is the devaluation of the life of non-Muslims in the eyes of the Muslim community, which has resulted in the callous murder, torture and enslavement of many non-Muslims and even threat of murder of any Muslim who thinks of converting to Christianity along with threats against Christian evangelists. One thing that drives Islamic terrorism is that the rest of the world are viewed as idolators and therefore come under these kind of clauses.
Legitimate Enemies
There is a clause in [Koran 60] which forbids friendships with those who are against Islam, “Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection)”. Also “the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.” [4.101]
Religious Enemies: Today this would involve all non-Muslims who like myself are involved in trying to covert Muslims from their faith. But more generally it involves also fighting those who don’t believe in various aspects of Islam as we see above. Although the Koran also says, “Those who believe (in the Koran), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians, —any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, —on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” So Islamic persecution of Christians and Jews on a religious basis is somewhat ambiguous, as the Koran presumes that true Christians and Jews will not take a stand against Islam on a religious basis. And in fact of non-Muslims, the Koran speaks most highly of Christians saying, “strongest among men in enmity to the Believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the Believers (Muslims) wilt thou find those who say, “We are Christians”: Because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.”[5.85] A problem in modern Islam is that it’s become increasing evangelical and as such less people are allowed even a neutral stand as more and more Muslims are trying to convert non-Muslims. Anyone who resists conversion to Islam is viewed as fighting against it and as such is reckoned an enemy. Thus more and more people are reckoned enemies of Islam simply because they refuse to convert to Islam. This is particularly the case in the Third World.
Secular Enemies: Other enemies are like Israel as a nation perceived to be trying to drive out Muslims from disputed territories. And it involves the US as a supporter of Israel in its activities. But once again this is somewhat ambiguous as the Koran does acknowledge the Law of Moses with its covenants given by God to Israel. But according to the Law of Moses God gave the land of Israel to the Jews, and even much more than what they presently occupy. So the Palestinian position cannot unambigously be defended on an Islamic basis. We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, “Dwell securely in the land (of promise)” [Koran 17.104] Are the Muslims allowing Israel to dwell securely in their land of promise?
Thus the Koran speaks of both secular and religious enemies of Islam, but the greater hostility is spoken against its religious enemies, which now are primarily Christians, being the only group today proactively trying to convert Muslims. But it does allow as an option friendship with those who are neutral on religous issues, who are not hostile against Islam in particular. “Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them.” And it is upon that basis today we find many Muslims living relatively peaceably in the US. But as I said as the Muslims try to evangelize others, their list of enemies increases as non-Muslims resist conversion. Unlike Christianity, Islam does not advocate the concept of “love your enemies” and as such should Christians be more vocal and proactive in converting their Muslim neighbors and as other non-Muslims resist conversion or criticize Islam, there is little ideology to hold back even American Muslims from exercising the kind of hostility we’ve seen by Islamic terrorist groups.
On the other hand it does speak against some of the practices of Islamic terrorism.
Against Suicide
O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be among you traffic and trade by mutual goodwill: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: For verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful! If any do that in rancor and injustice, —soon shall We cast them into the Fire: And easy it is for Allah. If ye (but) eschew the most heinous of the things which ye are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you, and admit you to a Gate of great honor.[4.29-31]
Against Killing other Muslims
If a man kills a Believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (for ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him. [4.93]
Need I point out that many Muslims were killed in the destruction of the World Trade Center for example? But the Muslim terrorists may yet nullify these by claiming these do not apply when carrying out the commands in 9 above. Then it becomes just a matter of interpretation to be argued among Muslims. But the “love your enemy” idea we find in the Bible is certaintly not in the Koran and as such there’s little to hold back the Muslim from justifying any hostility against whoever they label “enemy”.
Acting Against Islam
Christians should certainly not be involved in violent acts against the innocent. Islam as an ideology and false religion should not be attacked with physical violence. No idea of itself can be destroyed by such weapons if people truly believe in it. Communism for example was not brought down by weapons of war. It fell because it simply doesn’t work. Islam needs to be attacked in the realm of ideas and in the realm of the spiritual. Not only is Islam a false religion, but it doesn’t work either. Who practices slavery today? Muslims. In Sudan for example non-Muslims are taken into slavery by Muslims. Who are the world’s terrorists today? Muslims. And Islam is against the kind of freedoms which developed in Western society through the influence of Christianity. And much as they preach charity, yet it is the Christians who are most generous. In fact in cases like the Sudan the Islamic government takes the generous US donations meant for the southern Sudanese suffering at the hand of the government, and uses those to further oppress them. Yet there is no outcry by the rest of the Muslim community against the atrocities committed by their brethren. Furthermore Islam overly oppresses women. It rejects freedom of speech. If Islam is true, then why don’t Muslims allow a free and open discussion of religious ideas? Because if they did many Muslims may become Christians. Why do they threaten other Muslims with death if they think of converting? Because if they didn’t, many Muslims may become Christians. Jesus said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32 So we need to lift up Jesus and preach the gospel. We should walk as Jesus did, and not act violently. Though the Koran mentions the word “gospel”, yet Muslims – and apparently even Mohammed – are largely ignorant of what the gospel actually says.
Acting Against Islamic Terrorism
The Bible teaches Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19 However, government is one of God’s swords to exercise his vengeance.
Romans 13:
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
This doesn’t deal with the issue of what to do when the governing authorities themselves go outside of their legitimate realm of authority. This deals with the fact that they do indeed have a legitimate realm of authority in which they not only have the right but the responsibility of carrying out God’s punishment upon evil doers. Let God take care of it, and cooperate with the government as they deal with it.
The Attack on the World Trade Center
Could this be the Face of Islam?
Throughout the world Islam has been showing its true colors – its fruit – in the form of oppression and violence against non-Muslims for illegitimate reasons, but the attack on America has brought this particularly to light. Immediately after the attack Muslims around the world from Palestine to China praise the terrorists and mocked the victims of this incident. But to their shame and humilation they had to quickly change their tone as they suddenly realized that this bloodthirsty act of injustice would be a poor reflection on Islam. But even now the same bloodthirsty murdering attitude has surfaced and I think will continue to surface in different areas of the world in reaction against the bringing of Islamic terrorists to justice. Many have humbled themselves falsely and offered false sympathy in order to justify their continue support for terrorism in the name of “Allah”. Why is it that it seems only non-Muslims speak against Islamic terrorism, while many Muslims view such criticism as an attack on Islam? Why don’t the Muslims stop the terrorists? It’s because the Koran teaches, “Never should a Believer kill a Believer” [Koran 4:92] And as I pointed out above the Koran advocates fighting against Unbelievers. The fact that they’ve done nothing in the past to stop Islamic terrorists, neither in speech nor in action, but rather have criticized those who take actions to defend against terrorists indicates that Muslims generally don’t really view such actions as contrary to their religion.
And this is just one of a multitude of acts of terrorism by Muslims which occur practically on a daily basis. Consider this example which occurred in March of 2008.
Muslim Rejoice over Murder
Whenever Muslims murder non-Muslims you can be sure that the Islamic community rejoices. There are multitutes of examples of this. Here’s one recorded in March of 2008:
“Jerusalem: A gunman entered the library of a rabbinical seminary and opened fire on a nighttime study session Thursday, killiing eight and wounding nine before he was slain by a soldier, police said. … Hamas militants in the Gaza strip praised the operation, and thousands of Palentinians took to the streets of Gaza to celebrate.”
That’s Islam for you!
Now Islam is at a crossroads. Muslims will either have to renounce terrorism or view it as a legitimate part of their Holy War. People ask why God allowed it to happen. But they forget that God may have prevented such things from happening many times in the past. It’s amazing that we lasted through the Cold War without a serious nuclear incident for example. But I think God is sick and tired of Islamic terrorism. But neither Muslims nor non-Muslims have been willing to take serious action against it until God allowed the terrorists to succeed in this case. I don’t know of any time in history when the vast majority of Muslims have publically denounced Islamic terrorism as we’ve seen in recent days. Many are of course are doing so falsely in the name of political correctness. But what will be interesting to see after the dust settles and actions have been taken by the US is which crossroad the Islamic community will finally take.
An Exhortation to the sons of Ishmael
Galatians 4:
22 It is written that Abraham had two sons,
one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
23 His son by the slave woman (Ishmael) was born in the ordinary way;
but his son by the free woman (Isaac) was born as the result of a promise.
28 Now (we Christians), like Isaac, are children of promise.
29 At that time the son born in the ordinary way (Ishmael)
persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. (Isaac) It is the same now.
30 But what does the Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son,
for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”
(Interesting to note that Bin Laden himself, the master terrorist, was called the son of a slave women by his half-siblings. His father was a polygamist who divorce his mother shortly after she gave birth)
The world’s terrorists today are primarily Muslims. Why is that? Christians and Jews have suffered persecution from them and especially in those places where the religion of Islam is dominant. As of late I would note the murder of Christians in Sudan and Indonesia and now even in the US. While the Bible advocates loving your enemy, the Koran advocates violence and hatred. Secondly I would note the religous hypocrisy of many such Muslims. For while they claim to position themselves on the moral high road, they fall far short of it. They are like the religious hypocrites Jesus exhorted in Matthew 23:13+.
Woe to you Muslims, you hypocrites. For you really are not morally superior nor are you pleasing in God’s sight as you reject Jesus as the Son of God. Where is your atoning sacrifice? What is the basis for God forgiving your sins? Jesus paid for our sins and for all those who put their faith in Him as the Son of God.
Isaiah 53:4-6
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Your rejection of the Bible is a rejection of the God of the Bible. And your persecution of Christians is a persecution of Christ, the Son of God. Unless you repent, your judgment awaits you. Speaking to Christians suffering persecution the Bible says:
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. 2Thessalonian 1:6-10
By Steve Amato
9/21/2001
updated 3/30/2005
To Militant Muslims who reject the Gospel
This is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant. It will break in pieces like pottery, shattered so mercilessly that among its pieces not a fragment will be found for taking coals from a hearth or scooping water out of a cistern.” This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:12-15
