The terrible upheaval that has occurred in the world in these past few weeks has left people shaken and insecure. It was not just the World Trade Centre that was destroyed by those terrorist-controlled aeroplanes, it was the sense of peace and well-being of millions of ordinary people around the world. In just one hour the dream was shattered. The illusion that the world was steadily getting better, and if there were problems they were a long way away from ordinary people, has gone forever. Suddenly, the world is at war, but we are not quite sure who the enemy is!

The general view is that the enemy consists of a relatively small group of fanatical Muslims, who may well have infiltrated many countries including their own. Because most people are ignorant about the religion of Islam, there has been a tendency to be suspicious of all Muslims, and, tragically, several mosques have been attacked.

A number of Muslim leaders have tried to make the point very strongly that Islam is a religion of peace, and most Muslims are quiet and peaceable. With a prevailing world view that all religions are but similar paths to the same god, and a prevailing ethnic of tolerance, we might be inclined to accept these reassurances. However, they are not strictly true. The following extract from a Prayer Letter from Reuven Doron, a Messianic Jew in Jerusalem, gives a very good, balanced picture of the true situation:

A clear distinction must be placed between Islam and Muslims. Islam is a false religion, while Muslims are lost human beings in need of salvation. It is the foundation nature and teachings of Islam that we are concerned about and endeavour to expose for the purpose of prayer.

Islam is a pagan religion born of mystical/demonic revelations to one man, its main "prophet", Muhammad, whose personal life is stained with immoral conduct, deception, treachery and violence. Its teachings are often contrary to our Judeo/Christian Biblical doctrines. It promotes moral and behavioural patterns which separate the human soul from the Saviour, and it has postured itself historically time and again to resist God (most recently in the Muslim/Nazi alliance during WW2, and in the violent persecution of Christians to this day).

A simple study of Islamic origins and history will validate these general assertions and help any honest Christian to adopt a Biblical and practical approach to this spiritual battle. Loving our Muslim neighbours in realistic terms requires an honest evaluation of their religion so that we can be better equipped to address their need and witness to them. Any other approach is not Biblical.

There is no such thing as moderate Islam, only moderate Muslims. The Koran is an open book, its doctrines are set forth in full view of any honest researcher, and its oppressive, aggressive, and racist nature has been exposed time and again. When questioned by Israeli police recently regarding public incitement during his Friday sermon on Temple Mount when he called for the help of Allah to demolish America, Britain and Israel, the Mufti (head Muslim cleric) of Jerusalem, Sheikh Ikrimah Sabri, said, "what I said was simply religious statements taken from the holy Koran they are said during every worship."

For a simple test of this religion's grim character, consider the fate of women and children in Islamic nations, the lack of even one democratically elected government throughout the whole Muslim world, and the prevailing poverty, primitive economies, and social disorder that characterize its vast territories. Are these coincidences, or could they possibly be the fruits of an unclean and ungodly religious root?

Of course one could find positive verses and pleasant sayings in the vast totality of Islamic writings, but, sadly, these do not portray its foundational doctrines. For example, the "Jihad", the holy war commanded by Allah against all infidels, is central to Islamic thought. Or the "house of Islam vs. the house of war" doctrine, whereby the only two options for humans are to either belong to the "house of Islam", or to be found in the "house of war" which encompasses all who are not Muslim and are therefore considered enemies.

Yes, there are moderate Muslims, those non-fundamentalist folks whose beliefs are not deeply anchored in overriding spiritual convictions, but are rather traditional and cultural in essence. These folks, especially those residing in the West, would be "loved" by Christians, befriended, and approached with the grace and truth of the gospel as any other person on the planet.

In our treatment of the subject of Islam, its grip over millions of souls, and its militant strategies, we often make the point that to truly love Muslims, one must hate Islam and seek its demise...

What manner of warfare should be employed against the fundamentalist, militantly driven Islamic nations?...our most powerful weapon will be a large dosage of God's truth, love, and the powerful life of the Holy Spirit. (R Doron)

It is significant, I believe, that the terrorists have declared this to be a "Holy War". That should alert us to the fact that the real issues are spiritual, and the ultimate battle will be fought in the heavenlies. We ned to recognise the true nature of the enemy, put on the spiritual armour that God has provided, and to learn to use our spiritual weapons, which have divine power. (2Cor 10:4).

John Davies
30 September 2001