I have found the reports of Islamic terrorist threats against the Olympics in China to be quite telling. Just a few variously phrased observations:
1. Give Islamic terrorists credit for consistency and commitment- there is no international event in which they wouldn't like to scare and kill people.
2. I wonder how China will handle the "processing" of any Islamic terrorists it apprehends? You think Guantanamo is hard on such folk?
3. Honestly, what other kind of terrorists are there but Islamic ones? Sure, there are psycho's like Timothy McVeigh and other mass murderers, sporadic nationalistic revolutionary groups, but what other international groups or religions sanction such widespread terrorist actions? When's the last time you heard "Budhist terrorists bomb marketplace"? Or how about, "Christian radicals claim responsibility for the downing of Flight 434"? Seriously.
4. I sense a small amount of repudiation in the American Islamic community toward the issue of "radical" Islamic terrorists, but not enough. This is why it's hard for the average person to see the difference between "radical" Islam and what some call "true" Islam. Maybe mainstream Muslims aren't that offended by so-called radical Islam?
5. As for "true" Islam, it certainly seems the "radical" wing is more in line with it's founder. Just read the facts of history.
6. If Christians were as committed to the ideals of it's founder as radical Islamic adherents are to theirs, the Geo-political picture would be far different.
5 comments:
Honestly, what other kind of terrorists are there but Islamic ones?
Weren’t those “other kind of terrorists” called “Militiamen” in the 90’s? You know, all those rednecks from the mid-west that right wing talk radio show hosts whipped into a fever!
When's the last time you heard "Budhist terrorists bomb marketplace"? Or how about, "Christian radicals claim responsibility for the downing of Flight 434"? Seriously.
It’s those Quakers and Mennonites you really have to keep your eye on!
As for "true" Islam, it certainly seems the "radical" wing is more in line with it's founder. Just read the facts of history.
Mohammed conquered infidels by the sword, bloodshed, and slavery -- so where’s the connection?
Great points Tony. My dad was a former sniper for the PLO under Arafat. The only thing that changed him was the love of Jesus Christ. He's got a book coming out detailing his story and journey to faith with God. www.OnceAnArafatMan.com
See you!
You crack me up Roger. Good points.
Ben, thanks for that link. What an amazing story that has to be! I'm gettin' me one of those books for sure. Thanks.
Today, as I was driving to Redeemer to have a meeting with Pastor Tony, I passed the “Islamic Church of Johnson County”. Don’t know what kind of service they were having but the parking lot was full, and many cars were parked on the lawn. Every time I drive by an Islamic Temple, I wonder in my heart, “What do these people know about Christ and true believers? Are these folks patriotic Americans, radical terrorist or just lost folks who want to be left alone?” Even though I am really not that interested in the Olympics, I promised my wife that tonight, we would watch the opening ceremonies together. I pray all goes well. And I agree Tony, if something does go bad, God forbid, these Chinese police folks ain’t going to put too much emphasis with cares of Human Rights violations.
I too have passed by the Islamic Center of Johnson County on 151st Street and know that their view about Jesus Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH) The Holy Quran and the teachings of the final Prophet of God to humanity, Muhammad ("sallallahu alayhi wa salaam") (SAWS), speak highly of Jesus (PBUH) and his respected mother, Mary "Radhiyallaahu `anhu/`anha" = may Allah be pleased with him/her (RA) The Islamic view of Jesus (PBUH) lies between two extremes, the one advanced by Jews, who reject him outright, and the one taught by the Western Churches, which present him as the Son of God or part of Divinity. According to Islam, Jesus (PBUH) was the son of Mary (RA) and a chosen Messenger of God who, like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad(SAWS), was sent to call mankind to the righteous and divine way of life. Muslims love and respect Jesus (PBUH), as much as they do all other Prophets of God.
The Holy Quran confirms that Jesus (PBUH), was born miraculously without the intervention of any man, but that event is compared to the creation of Adam(PBUH),), who had no parents at all: God willed it and it took place. Similarly, the miracles performed by Jesus(PBUH), have been recounted and confirmed, but, like the miracles of all Prophet, they are counted as manifestations of the Might and Power of the Creator. Muslims have been told that Jesus((PBUH), was neither crucified nor killed; rather, he was raised to heaven to return as a Sign for the coming of the Day of Judgment. For instance, in the Quran:
Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow you superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall you all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein you dispute." (Holy Quran, Al-Imran, 3:55)
And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow you Me: this is a Straight Way.
(Holy Quran, Az-Zukhuruf, 43:61)
Yet they believe Muhammad (SAWS) is the final prophet and messenger of God.
As for Christians living their faith or following Jesus as Muhammadans do, one way would be to show up on primary day and not allow Phill Kline to lose by 20%!
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