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| by Editor Erik Wait |
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The third different kind of setting of attack on Christianity is that of the religious attack, and as an example we will consider Islam. In dealing with the Moslem one must start with an internal critique of the system. For instance the presuppositionalist might choose to show the irrationalism-rationalism polarity in Islamic faith and then explain the Scriptural account for man's ability to receive clear and authoritative word from God, giving this as the basis for thinking and argumentation (even that which is taking place between the Christian and Moslem). The Christian could point to the Islamic doctrine of "mukhalafa" which claims that God is so different from His creatures that it is impossible to postulate anything of Him; then it could be added that the Moslem affirms the doctrine of "tanzih" as well, stripping God of all qualities of impermanence and thereby rendering Him unable to be affected by the actions and attitudes of His creatures. God, then, for the Moslem is far removed from man and unknowable (the irrationalist pole). Yet on the other hand the Moslem claims to know God by means of the Koran, and he claims that by ecstatic enlightenment man can so fan his inner spark of divinity so as to be fused in union with God's being. Hence God for the Moslem is completely drawn into the cosmos (man himself) and made known in a book (the rationalist pole). Hereby we see how hopelessly dis-integrated the Moslem's presuppositions are; he claims that nobody can know God but that the Moslem knows Him! He refutes himself out of his own mouth. The Moslem's troubles are only beginning however. He expects men to submit to Allah, yet endorses a doctrine of fate (wherein volition is meaningless). He sees a unity for history which destroys particularity, while the basis for any historical variations (the arbitrariness of God's decree) undermines the unity itself. No wonder the Moslem renounces philosophy and logic when it comes to the Koran! The Moslem is an irrationalist-rationalist who can actually know nothing or even understand a divine revelation (his obligation is to simply recite the traditions). On the other hand the Christian entertains a view of God such that He is sovereign Creator and Lord over the cosmos and history; while He cannot be directly identified with anything in creation, He can come right into the world with a clear revelation of Himself. He created man to receive that revelation; He redeems man from rebellion so as to receive and obey it. His sovereign plan provides coherence to history, and His creating and guiding hand gives reality to particulars; revelation is the foundation of meaningful thinking within God's creation, calling us to think His thoughts after Him. Etc. Thus the case would be broadly developed, showing that there is every reason to accept the Bible (not the least of which is true guilt and alienation from God which the word of Christ takes care to remedy, a cure the sinner inwardly knows that he needs) while there is no reason at all to accept the Koran. Foolishness and death are set over against wisdom and life; autonomy is contrasted to the Lordship and authority of God which is clearly expressed in His self-attesting revelation.
In dialoging with the Muslim ask the following questions: (1) Are you committed to an apologetical defense of your faith? The primary method of spreading Islam has been via the sword, not argumentation. (2) Are you committed to the Koran and the Haddith as inspired canonical writings? At this point one can demonstrate the ridiculousness of the Haddith.
Christianity In Dialogue With Islam and Judaism [277]
The "Visiting Scholar in Residence Series" at Orange Coast College this fall featured an exchange between representatives of the three major religions from the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. SCCCS was invited to have its own scholar in residence, Dr. Bahnsen, represent the Christian viewpoint. On October 15, there was a two and a half hour public dialogue, with about 750 people in the audience. Each speaker made a major presentation and later offered a brief response to the other two presentations. On October 16 a panel comprised of two professors and a L.A. Times religion writer cross-examined the three religious scholars for two more hours.
Dr. Bahnsen's strategy was to observe that both Judaism and Islam recognize the divine inspiration of the Torah and most of the Old Testament. (In witnessing to Muslims, Christians need to realize that the Koran honors the writings of Moses, David, etc. as previous revelation.) Therefore, on that common basis, the three religions can objectively judge which theological perspective is divinely authorized.
It turned out that the other two scholars shied away from doing exegetical theology and from arguing with Dr. Bahnsen on the basis of the Biblical text. Many in the audience observed this. Many in the audience also heard a clear presentation of the Christian gospel in Dr. Bahnsen's apologetic - Jesus is the promised Messiah, and salvation is not by good works, but rather by faith in the redemptive work of the Messiah.
In his response to the Muslim scholar, Dr. Bahnsen argued that the Koran claims to be the inscription of an eternal book in heaven, and yet later portions of the Koran "abrogate" earlier ones. He argued that the Bible - which Muslims say they accept - teaches that later revelations from God must conform with previous revelations. Moreover, the Koran claims to be continuous with the Bible and a confirmation of it. Yet there are clearly contradictions between the two books (for instance, regarding Christ's deity, His dying on the cross, etc.). Likewise, there are numerous conflicts between Biblical stories and the Koranic versions of them. There are also embarrassing historical errors in the Koran (for instance, the mother of Jesus is called the sister of Aaron: "Mary" becomes "Miriam"). Further, there are contradictions right within the Koran itself (for instance, all of Noah's family is said to be saved through the flood, but one of Noah's sons is elsewhere said to have drowned in the flood).
Dr. Bahnsen argued that the Islamic doctrine of "tanzih" (or transcendence) - which says that no human language can positively describe Allah because he is allegedly "incomparable" (Surah 42:11) - would render it logically impossible for the Koran to be what it claims to be, a positive revelation and description of Allah. The following text comes from the concluding section of Dr. Bahnsen's major presentation delivered during the first evening of dialogue:
"Neither Judaism nor Islam have an anointed one or Messiah who fulfills the anticipation of the Old Testament scriptures, even though they acknowledge them to be God's inspired self-revelation. For this reason the theologies of Judaism and Islam lack material adequacy: they do not do justice to the message of God's revealed word. That is why we look upon them as heretical versions of the Biblical faith, versions which do not deliver good news to mankind. Following upon their failure to affirm the promised Messiah, Judaism and Islam cannot proclaim an assured word of salvation to those who know that they stand guilty before a holy and just God. Christianity is uniquely the religion of salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of the Christ. Paul puts it in these words: "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christianity teaches that Christ paid the price of sin, and that through faith in Him and His saving work, men may be forgiven by God. They cannot earn this forgiveness by good works, nor can they take any credit before God. Salvation comes as a gift, appropriated by faith, rather than meritorious good deeds. Judaism and Islam cannot and do not teach such good news about grace and salvation. By not trusting in the work of God's Messianic Son for redemption, both Judaism and Islam are in their own distinctive ways committed to some form of works-righteousness or legalism. They are left to seek a right standing before God through imperfectly good works performed in human wisdom and strength. The Apostle Paul knew the burden and bondage of such a futile approach unto God. Those who attempt such do not properly comprehend the high demands of God's personal holiness, as set forth in His perfect law. Paul says that before the law of God "every mouth may be stopped" (Romans 1:19), for all are condemned by it. God does not judge on a curve or by moral averages. He judges according to His own flawless character, and as the prophet Habakkuk declared, His eyes are too pure than to look upon iniquity (1:13) - whether it be the iniquity of idolatry and murder, or the iniquity of selfishness, lust or gossip. Thus, as Paul wrote in Romans, "by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in His sight" (3:20). As the Psalmist said, "If you Yahweh should mark iniquities, who could stand?" (130:3). We flatter ourselves if we believe that our moral goodness somehow outweighs the many ways in which we sin and fall short of God's glory. But even worse, we insult the unchanging and holy character of God if we believe that anything good done by ourselves could take away the offense and offensiveness of our unrighteous attitudes and actions which we have admittedly done before God. God cannot deny Himself and simply pretend that we have not sinned, even if we wish to add to the balances a few kind deeds or decent attitudes (as humans might judge them). Good works simply do not eliminate the fact of our past sins or atone for them. And as long as those sins stand in our record before God, we have no hope of forgiveness and communion with Him. This is clearly the message of the Torah, as well as the rest of God's inspired word. The penalty of sin must be paid by another, if we would personally hope to escape that penalty ourselves. Christianity uniquely proclaims the coming of the Messiah, in accordance with God's inscripturated promises, to pay the price of sin and make atonement. Through faith in Him, God's people may be justified before the Lord without sacrificing His unchanging justice. This is at the heart of the Christian message. Without this heart of the gospel, neither Judaism nor Islam present an alternative which is both formally and materially adequate to the nature of God, the human condition, or the truths of God's word in Scripture."
WWMD? VS. WWJD? [278]
Undoubtedly we have all seen the bumper stickers, buttons, t-shirts, ties, etc. which have the logo “WWJD?” which is an acronym for “What Would Jesus Do?” The idea behind the message is that Jesus provides an example of what we should do and how we should act morally. Thus He is the example of what it means to obey God’s Law. Jesus died, not killed, for His followers. Hence, to be a Christian is to follow Jesus.
With this same theme, what if a Muslim were to seek to follow Muhammad’s moral example? Thus what if Muslims had bumper stickers, buttons, t-shirts, ties, etc. with the logo “WWMD?”, an acronym for “What Would Muhammad Do?”? How would Muslims live if they sought to follow Muhammad’s moral example? An overview of the history of the life of Muhammad and his introduction and spread of Islam will suffice to demonstrate the results of a Muslim asking himself, “WWMD?”
(1) The meaning and justification for “Jihad”:
If a Muslim sought to live by the motto, “WWMD?” they would like all “fundamentalist” Muslims declare jihad (holy war) against the world and seek to convert people to Islam by the sword. While Islamic apologists would insist that to declare “jihad” is only to defend oneself or to retaliate for an attack, Muslims have declared jihad against Israel and anyone who has supported Israel in anyway whether directly or indirectly. To support Israel is to attack Muslims. The U.S.A. has supported Israel at times, therefore it has attacked Muslims. Thus jihad is justifiable against the U.S.A..
(2) Are the recent events in New York and Washington D.C. merely the acts of extremists, or are they the logical consequence of living by the motto, “WWMD?” A look at the birth of Islam and its founder will illustrate an example of what it means to declare, “jihad.” “Islam” means “Resignation to God,” and this stands at the heart of what the religion is about. It had a fatalistic outlook on God. Islam arose in Arabia in those who saw themselves as descendants of Ishmael and Esau, which from the Jewish and Christian point of view, is not a best start for the emergence of a new religion. Islam emerged from the life and teaching of Muhammad, born in Mecca, around the year 570. Muhammad was of respectful family, but a relatively poor family, family related to the keepers of Al-Kabab. Islamic Tradition holds that Adam worshipped at Mecca after his expulsion and Abraham and Ishmael rebuilt it after the flood. In its Northeast corner, there’s what’s known as the “Black Stone,” the stone that supposedly turned black from white at the time of the Fall. At the time of Muhammad’s birth, it was used for pagan idolatrous worship, and one of the great moments in the history of Islam was when Muhammad and his followers purified this temple and removed the idols. Legend has it that Muhammad was born already circumcised, with a seal of prophecy on his back, that three heavenly figures appeared to bless him as the prince of mankind. He was raised by his grandfather; did not seem to have been educated, probably couldn’t read or write, but dictated the Koran directly from God by inspiration; at 25 he married a rich widow who was an older woman; he adopted a son named Ali; Muhammad was a businessman who spent much of his time in spiritual matters praying and fasting, and became a militant monotheist--this seems to have been one of the greatest themes in Muhammad’s life--he hated polytheism; at 40 years of age at the year 610, he said that angel Gabriel called him to be the messenger of God and from that point of God he continued to have revelation from God. First three years of his new work, he received little encouragement. He preached against idolatry in the city of Mecca, but in 622 he was forced to flee from Mecca to Medina, 150 miles north. This flight came to be known as the Hegira that marked the beginning of his success; he preached toleration of other religions, but turned to more violent and compulsory means, raised a small army and returned to Mecca in 630 in triumph to purify the temple there. Adopting as his battle cry: “There is but one God, and Muhammad is His Prophet.” He died in Mecca on June 8, 632, his last words were “The Lord destroyed the Jews and Christians but His anger rekindled against those that turn the tombs of the prophets in places of worship.” The followers of Muhammad adopted a policy of coercion in the matters of religion. The Prophet said that “The sword is the key of Heaven and Hell,” “A drop of blood shed in the cause of Allah or a night spent in arms is of more avail than two months of fasting or prayer.” To idolaters they were given a choice, they could be converted to Islam or they would be executed or reduced to slavery. It’s amazing how many people took the option of conversion.
(3) The “bible” of Islam is the Quran (sometimes spelled “Koran”) and the Bible of the Christians is the Old and New Testaments. To further consider whether or not the recent attack by terrorists are consistent with Islamic jihad we might look to it, as it was supposedly written (actually dictated since Muhammad was illiterate), to see if the religion of Islam condones such actions. Thus the Quran teaches us what it means to live by the motto, “WWMD?” In contrast, we shall compare the teaching of Christ in the Gospels, as well has one of his apostles, to see what it means to live by the motto, “WWJD?”
Muhammad told his disciples that they should use violence to convert people to Islam according to the Quran , “And kill them wherever you find them [opposers of Islam] and drive them out from whence they drove you out” [Jerusalem for example] (Surah 2:191)
In contrast, Jesus said, “Blessed are the gentle [meek], for they shall inherit the earth” and “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Gospel of Matthew 5:5;9)
The fanatical suicide bombing is supported by the Quran as dying in the cause of Islam guarantees heaven for Muhammad says,“Therefore let those fight in the way of Allah, who sell this world’s life for the hereafter; and whoever fights in the way of Allah, then be he slain or be he victorious, We shall grant him a mighty reward.” (Surah 4:74)
In addition Muhammad says, “Those who believe fight in the way of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight in the way of Satan” [for example the U.S.A.] (Surah 4:76)
What does Muhammad say about Christians? According to the Quran, “...and the Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of God [Allah]’; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they have turned away!” (Surah 9:30)
While American Muslims would want you to believe that Islam teaches religious tolerance, Muhammad says, “And fight [jihad/holy war] with them until there is no more persecution and religion should be only for Allah.” (Surah 8:39)
In contrast, the Apostle Paul said, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (First Epistle to Timothy 2:1-3).
Muhammad says, “So when you meet in battle those who disbelieve [anyone who is not a Muslim], then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make them prisoners...” (Surah 47:4)
In contrast the Apostle Paul says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing you will heap coals upon his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:18-21)
Allah says to hate your enemies: “O you who believe! do not take My enemy for friends: would you offer them love while they deny what has come to you of the truth.” (Surah 60:1)
In contrast, Christians are suppose to love their enemies for Jesus said “You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Gospel of Matthew 5:43-44)
Jesus also said, “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.... But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Gospel of Luke 6:27-36)
Jesus also said the nature of His kingdom is not furthered by war, “My kingdom is not of the world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)
(4) Not only does living by the motto “WWMD?” lead to the recent attack on the U.S.A. but if Muslims followed Muhammad’s moral example they would become pedophiles. One of Muhammad’s wives (Aesha) was only 8 years old! In addition, Muhammad lusted after his daughter-in-law and forced his adopted son to divorce her so that he could add her to his harem and justified it by claiming Allah had given Muhammad permission to do so, according to the Quran:
“36. And it behooves not a believing man and a believing woman that they should have any choice in their matter when Allah and His messenger have decided a matter; and whoever disobeys Allah and His messenger, he surely strays off a manifest error. 37. And when you said to him to whom Allah had shown favor: Keep your wife to yourself and be careful of your duty to Allah; and you concealed in your soul what Allah would bring to light, and you feared men, and Allah had a greater right that you should fear Him. But when Zaid had accomplished his want of her, We gave her to you as a wife, so that there should be no difficulty for the believers in respect of the wives of their adopted sons,when they have accomplished their want of them; and Allah’s command shall be performed. There is no harm in the Prophet doing that which Allah has ordained for him; such has been the course of Allah with respect to those who have gone before; and the command of Allah is a decree that is made absolute.” (Surah 33:36-38)
Conclusion: While many Muslims may and have objected to the recent attack on civilians in the United States by terrorists, such acts of war are not out of line with the teaching of Muhammad. In fact, they reflect the actions and teachings of Muhammad himself. While Christians have and do terrible things at times it CANNOT be said that such actions are a result of following the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
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