HappyMama

Comment by Jerry

October 2, 2007 @ 5:01 pm

Hi [Name],

I am sure you have heard of Michael Novak, the prominent Roman Catholic intellectual! Have you read his book “Universal Hunger for Liberty: Why the Clash of Civilizations is not Inevitable”? In this book, Novak makes the case that Islam is not doomed to violence. He contends that history provides examples of an Islam that respects the dignity of the human being. If the Islamic community could only nurture these historical models, there could be future hope for a peaceful and respectful variant of their religion.

At one time, I believed in Novak’s assertions, but I have begun to believe that there is some inherent weakness in Islam from which it will be difficult to recover. Anyway, the bottom line is that I agree that there can be no true peace without the light of the Gospel.

Tell [Name] I said hello, and I hope you don’t mind the response. Speaking of peace. . . .

Peace of Christ,

Jerry

Comment by happymama

October 3, 2007 @ 1:25 pm

Hey Jerry! I always welcome your thoughts!

I have had Islamic co-workers & friends who were some of the most admirable people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I think the problems that seem incurable are where there is a lack of “separation of Church and state” in the Islamic countries run by fundamentalist Islams. I do believe we are called to preach the Gospel of Christ to every soul on earth, and only in this way can peace flourish…

Comment by Jerry

October 5, 2007 @ 10:31 am

Hi,

Separation of Church and state is nearly impossible from their perspective. Check out this quote form one of their prominent salafist theologians named Najeeh Ibrahim:

“Allah says (which means), “This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah (5). Ayah 3.] This is part of a verse which consists of three statements, each of which provides ample evidence that Islam is perfect and all comprehensive and serves to be implemented everywhere and at all times. Perfection of religion means that Islam has not ignored anything, be it great or small, incorporating everything one way or the other. This also means that no-one, at any time and anywhere, can add something new and claim that he has perfected Islam, whether this new addition is in the domain of ‘Aqeedah, economics, politics, peace, war or government, (Ibrahim).”

Their ideal of an all encompassing, perfect religion is difficult for we Westerners to come to terms with. Personally, I don’t care if they have a theocracy as long as it doesn’t embrace violence, a difficult proposition.