UI – Part 390 – All the World for Allah vs The Kingdom of God (2 of 2)

Continued from a few days ago….

Which Do You Prefer – All for Allah or the Kingdom of God?

If asked as a question for which there is a rational answer as to the potential for peace on earth, understanding the major two religions, the ideology of Islam and the faith of Christianity, is needed.  Equipped with enough knowledge the conclusion presents itself.  Are all the people of the world to be considered?  If Michael Jackson were alive he would certainly support the We Are the World all inclusive concept that is pluralistic, tolerant and open to everyone, yet safe and secure in freedoms enjoyed of speech, religion and independent thought.  It would not be Islamic.  It would not be Christian, but the Christian’s would fail to see the world as a House of War (which the Islamists refer to as ‘Dar al Harb’).  Yet that is all the Muslim would see.  Islamists could not live in a We Are the World environment if plurality is common.  The Mosque might be a sanctuary for Muslims, for the devout and the moderate seeking greater knowledge, while at the same time a base-camp for the warriors. Church is a mini-kingdom on earth for the Christian.  In it the fruits of the Spirit (of the Lord) are shared, taught, encouraged and practiced.  “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).  Christianity is a part of the world, a part everyone who accepts God’s gift and repents can enjoy and find hope and joy, but it is not the world. That might be nice, but it is not the case.

Christianity

Universal Christianity has not been achieved and when attempts have been made to impose this religion, in many forms, but especially when “conflating religion and ethnicity,” as said by Ross Douthat (Bad Religion), revolts have taken place. When a group refers to themselves as ‘chosen,’ especially if their claim is that God made the choice, resistance, a feeling of exclusion, and various forms of hatred arise.  Now if you consider yourself ‘chosen,’ what does it matter, except to you.  It is not intended to be forced upon anyone, but a gift from God.  None are being set apart, apart from themselves, possibly denial, and their own desires and wants.  Nations may feel they have a role to play in God’s grand plan, but they must be careful to avoid a conflict with freedom of choice and speech. They also must remain humble.  God’s choices are without color, region, ethnicity or sex. As Abraham Lincoln stated in his Second Inaugural address, “The Almighty has His own purposes.”

Christians are reminded to defend themselves by being strong in their faith, strong in the Lord, noted in Ephesians 6:11-18,  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over the present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts on the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints….” 

This is the Christian, loving and coming in peace.

Islam

The example of Islam, Muhammad, engaged in treaties with those who refused to follow, granting a peaceful, with strings attached, existence, but on terms acceptable to him which included an inability by others to proselytize and/or encourage his followers to consider a different path of life.  Many oaths with those conquered were entered into under duress.  If those vanquished sought a return to their culture, their faith and their way of life, resisting the new Muhammadian way, then any protection offered by Muhammad would be off the table and war would be upon them. Any persecution of a Muslim, even expressing doubts or criticism, would not be tolerated. The Quran is considered the ‘message of truth’ and Sura 9 calls for Muslim communities to contribute men to carry this message to the whole world. Verse 5 writes, “Slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captive and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush. If they repent and keep up prayer (convert) and pay the poor-rate (tax), leave their way free.”  The non-Muslim can pay for protection, and if they stop or refuse to convert to Islam, then the devout are to “Fight them; Allah will chastise them at your hands and bring them to disgrace, and assist you against them and relieve the hearts of a believing people” (Sura 9:14).  Sura 9:29 restates the compulsion to “fight” any who disagree with Islam. This includes those, such as the atheist, who live their lives differently than required of a Muslim.  They may drink, women dress as they like, they may gamble and not pray according to the dictates of Islamic Law.  They may even love and marry whom they choose. This cannot be tolerated. The hate in the heart of the Islamist is made to boil their blood at the slightest infraction against this ideology, even doubt.  This verse also has as an objective recognition by non-Muslim-believers of the “superiority” of Islam, and recognizing they are “in a state of subjection” to the dictates of Islam, its governmental authorities and Imams.

Thus, in summary, being averse to Islam is a crime in the eyes of a devout Muslim (some call them fundamentalists or fanatics) and justifies committing acts of terrorism, fighting to cleanse societies of anything but Islam.  Resistance is considered aggression, and any who resist Islam, encroaching Sharia or the immigration of Muslims, is an enemy of Islam and calls for war, the warriors of Islam acting for Allah.

Within Islam, Arab Muslims, Iranian Muslims, Asian Muslims, et al, they all read (if they could understand the original Arabic), at least are taught, from this common Scripture, the Quran, and their prayers call upon the same Allah.  Yet they are prone to conflict within their ideological framework, as much if not more than with the outside peoples of other faiths, to include the People of the Book.

This is the Muslim, hateful and prepared for war, internally and externally.  There is no peace in Islam. Islam is a religion of violence.  For them their only peace may be when they die and rest in the arms of virgin after virgin.  That actually may not be as peaceful as they imagine either.

Preference

Which do you prefer, or which suggests a greater opportunity for peace on earth, of the two discussed, Islam or Christianity?

Grace and Peace

Options:

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