Recently a number of prominent Christian Evangelical leaders have spoken out concerning the nature of Islam. The statements made by these leaders reveal that the so-called "radical terrorists" are acting in accordance with the Koran and the historical tradition of Islam.
Some of the statements include:
"The Koran speaks of violence against Christians and Jews. I didn't write the Koran — read it for yourself. It's there. So you make up your own mind whether you think it's evil or not." — Franklin Graham."Islam's prophet was a violent man, a man of war." "I think Muhammad was a terrorist." — Jerry Falwell
"Somehow I wish the Jews in America would wake up, open their eyes, and read what is being said about them. This is worse that the Nazis. Adolf Hitler was bad, but what the Muslims want to do to the Jews is worse."
"It's the religion that's the problem, not necessarily the adherents to it. But read the man who has considered himself the spokesman of God Almighty and what his statement[s] are."
"Well, and the Koran teaches, read it for yourself, the Koran teaches that the end of the world will not come until every Jew is killed by the Muslims. Now that is what it says in the Koran written by Mohammed." — Pat Robertson
The Bush administration was quick to voice its opposition to statements like these made by Christian leaders. Mr. Bush responded: "Some of the comments that have been uttered about Islam do not reflect the sentiments of my government or the sentiments of most Americans".
Secretary of State Colin Powell said that he is trying to expand programs to bring educators, journalists, and political and religious leaders from Islamic countries to the United States. "We are committed to ensuring that our program reaches out to Muslims in all walks of life." Secretary Powell condemned America's Christian right from propagating hatred against Muslims.
Note, in particular, that the language used by Mr. Powell is very close to accusing Evangelical leaders of "hate" language. This trend, if continued, holds ominous possibilities for the future of any who would proclaim Biblical truth if it happens to conflict with the administration's policy.
To understand the basis of the conflict between the Bush administration and Evangelical leaders, we must consider the unique mindset of each.
Evangelical Leaders: Christian leaders are beginning to study the Koran and understand the real nature of Islam. They see the array of conflicts worldwide and that almost all involve Moslems. Since many Evangelicals are strongly patriotic and nationalistic, they are beginning to recognize the threat of Islam to America. What they do not frequently recognize are the implications of the U.S. quest for global dominance — a New World Order — and that this ultimately leads to conflict with opposing powers who also are vying for dominance.
Moslem Fundamentalist: Moslem fundamentalist, like Osama bin Laden, are attempting to reform Islam and to define it in terms of the period of conquest and glory which characterized Islam in the seventh and eighth centuries AD. This brand of Islam embraces a vision for global dominance and, therefore, conflicts directly with the West and its pursuit for the 'New World Order'. Many of the autocratic leaders of Moslem nations maintain their power and wealth from oil revenues or U.S. foreign aid. They are compromised between the need to cooperate with the West and the need to maintain credibility with their Moslem countrymen.
The Bush Administration: The administration is committed to continuing the quest for the 'New World Order' characterized by U.S. hegemony in international policy backed by U.S. military might for the purpose of an expanding global trade. Since Moslems make up roughly 1/6 of the global population and control an enormous percentage of world's oil reserves, Islam must be incorporated into the 'New World Order'. For the administration to accomplish this goal it must define Islam as a "peaceful religion" and work to alter the traditional pursuits of Islam to make it into an "acceptable" world religion in much the same way that has occurred in institutional Judaism and Christianity. Each has had to surrender its most basic defining mission in order to be accepted in the world system. Fundamentalist Islam has yet to be tamed.
Most likely, the U.S. will prevail in the current struggle against terrorism. Islamic fundamentalists will be defeated and marginalized. They probably won't be totally eliminated but their capacity will be limited to ensure that they are unable to inflict an unacceptable number of casualties. This situation existed prior to September 11th. The price of this "victory" will be a compromise with corrupt Moslem leaders like the Saudi royal family. Policies that are important to the Moslem nations but which do not threaten U.S. hegemony will be adopted. These policies have to do with Israel.
In the aftermath of a "victory" over terrorism, the U.S. will embrace anti-Israel policies. These policies will be recognized by Israel and the believing, Christian community as life-threatening to the State. The vast majority of Americans will accept such policies simply on the basis that they are necessary to maintain a robust economy and, hence, the maintenance of American lifestyle.
When one chooses to compromise with evil, he will be drawn down into its destruction. Eventually, the world's outrage over the perceived injustice being perpetrated by Israel against the 'Palestinian people' will no longer be tolerable. Historical accuracy and truth will be thrown out due to the need to accommodate Moslem sentiments. This is already evident in the government and the media. Ultimately, the nations will become so emboldened that a great "international coalition army" will be sent to deal with Israel. According to Biblical prophecy, this will be the army that meets not just Israel but also the God of Israel on the plains before the mountain of Megiddo.
Which side will you and your church be on in this crucial battle?