WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE |
The World, the Word & You! Broadcast
Commentary by Dennis L. Finnan
“As violence escalates dramatically in the Middle East, religion seems to be at the center of the crisis.
Just recently, Palestinians attacked Joseph's Tomb, a Jewish holy site in the West Bank, and in retaliation, Israelis destroyed mosques. Even Americans felt the sting of death with the attack on the Destroyer, US Cole.
Where is this all headed? What is the underlying cause
of this terrible death and destruction?”I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about some of the reasons for the terrible fighting and hatred that embroils our world today…
…Hello listening friends and welcome again to another broadcast edition of the World, the Word & You! Speaking today is Dennis Finnan, your host and speaker thanking you for joining us on this fine weekend. Now our radio program comes to you each week on this fine station, supported exclusively by the prayers and financial care of friends like you. Indeed this year marks our 20th anniversary of God's grace in being on the air around the nation, broadcasting on the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and beaming out the Good News Gospel to the entire South Pacific, via short wave satellite broadcasting.
Now, with such a potential of reaching millions people with the Good News message of Jesus Christ you who help keep us on the air play a major roll in this evangelistic missionary outreach for Christ. In addition, each week our programming touches the hearts of Christians and non-Christians right here in your neighborhood bringing the power of the Word to rescue and restore lives.
Together, let us thank and praise God for such opportunity and privilege. Well today as I briefly introduced today's topic, we're going to talk about the unrest in the Middle East, and specifically about the great religious system of Islam that has fueled the fighting and destruction of lives and property. But first, let’s pause and listen to this lovely moment of music. Then I’ll return with today’s message ¾ WILL THERE BE PEACE?…
…The latest violence in the Middle East highlights the role of religion as the accelerant and fuel for conflict. Why even the terrorist bombing of the USS Cole, and the resulting loss of lives and injury, reflect this religious fanaticism that alone comes from the faith called Islam. Now what is this religion and why is it so violent? In another moment we’ll look at the basics behind it, to gain an understanding of the problems in the Middle East, especially between the Muslim Palestinians and the ancient people of Israel. Stay tuned…
…Islam! That is a word that rings loud and sure in the hearts and minds of more than 450 million people worldwide, and dominates more than three dozen countries on three continents. The Word Islam is a noun, which is formed from the Arabic verb meaning “to submit, surrender or commit oneself.” Thus, the very idea of the faith of Islam is submissive commitment to the faith and teachings of its originator, Muhammad. This faith unlike any other is a major driving force in the lives of its followers, particularly of the nations in the Middle East, West Asia and North Africa. Today Islam is the fastest growing religious faith in the world! It is in the context of this faith, I believe that many of the problems of the Middle East and its wars have originated.
Today the world cries out for peace there, but truly permanent peace will NEVER come to the region because of the teachings and goals of Islam itself. Let’s then look at Islam’s teachings and goals.
First of all, Islam is comprised of two things, (1) Faith (imam) and (2) duty or practice (din) The basic of both faith and practice come from its religious doctrines found in their holy book called the Koran (Qur’an). This book is the absolute and authoritative rule of every Muslim’s life. Now its founder, Muhammad, wrote parts of the Koran but the rest is based on his oral teachings.
What is the “faith” taught in Islam? Well, it’s based on two things: (1) "The Six Articles of Belief," and (2)"The Five Pillars of the Faith." These two bodies of teachings found in the Koran are the heart of Islam. The Six Articles of Belief are:
THE SIX ARTICLES OF
ISLAMIC BELIEF1. God only is eternal and is One, and this alone is Allah.
2. The Koran is eternal and uncreated, and God's only and final infallible inspired book.
3. God's angels are heavenly beings created to serve God, and they are opposed to evil spirits.
4. God sent His prophets to earth at stated times for stated purposes; the last of these was Muhammad, and God makes no distinctions between His messengers.
5. The Day of Judgment will find good and evil weighed in the balance.
6. The lives and acts of men are foreordained (predestined) by an all-powerful God who is the author of all good and evil too.
These six articles of faith are the foundational beliefs all Muslims must follow. Of course, the interpretation of them is further defined by the Five Pillars of Faith, which are:
THE FIVE PILLARS OF THE
ISLAMIC FAITH1. The Recital of the Islamic Creed or "Shahada:" Every day the Muslim must publicly affirm, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet." This is the core assertion upon which membership in the community depends.
2. Ritual Prayer - Five times every day upon rising, noon, during mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before retiring prescribed prayers must be recited while kneeling with one's forehead touching the ground, and facing Mecca. The Cebba (kaaba) at Mecca, housing the "sacred "black stone," is believed to be the first house Abraham built for his son, Ishmael, for worship, and where Adam uttered his first prayers to God.
3. Almsgiving - The required almsgiving is separate and distinct from voluntary alms and is set at 2 ½ percent of all that a person possesses. Muslims distribute alms where they see the most need. In Muslim countries this has become a tax. As such, faithful Muslims are generous loving people and truly try to help others who have needs.
4. Fasting - Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and even sexual relationships from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. Such fasting Muslims believe teaches self-discipline, aids in the curbing of appetites also at other times, and commemorates the month supposedly when Gabriel dictated the Koran to Muhammad.
5. A Pilgrimage to Mecca - It is obligatory for every Muslim during his or her lifetime to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, if they can. The purpose of this is said to be a reminder of the equality of all people and the devotion that all owe to Allah, as well as a deed facilitating one's salvation.
In addition to the "Five Pillars of Islam" other rules and prohibitions have been laid down for the faith. And, where the Koran fails to speak to an issue, traditions or the "Hadith," Muhammad’s oral teachings and personal practices bind the faithful to follow. However, because of differing interpretations of these traditions, Islam is a fragmented faith. Recognized Islamic scholars (Imam's) today lead the divided in following three major sects - the Ahab, Sunnites, and Shiites.
The largest sect of Islam is called the "Sunnah." The term means "well-trodden path." This branch of Muslims is called the Sunnites. The Sunnites over the centuries have become the overwhelming party of God. At least 90% of all followers of Islam are in the sect of the Sunnites. The Sunnites, for the sake of comparison, are the most tolerant, allowing differing interpretations of tradition and faith to coexist among them. Their leaders are not granted hierarchical succession, rather nominated by representatives in each community. As such, no group would be excluded unless they of course, renounced Allah and Mohammed.
Now saying all that we come to the great problem Islam presents to the world. Islam like Judaism is not just a religious faith, it is a “culture” and identity that cannot be separated from its followers. It demands to be woven into every fabric of societal life. Since many of the Muslim beliefs come from the Bible there is a small measure of agreement between Christianity and the faith of Judaism. However the differences of these faiths is catastrophic. Islam operates under a very legalistic and punitive system where every Muslim must earn his salvation and place in the afterlife. For the Muslim sin is any lack of obedience to Allah, their god. Islam rejects the key doctrinal teachings of Christianity such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, Christ’s sacrificial crucifixion and resurrection, the sin nature of man and his salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ. They also vehemently reject the Judeo-Christian Bible as the only authoritative book on which to base matters of doctrine, faith and practice.
Since Islam is founded upon a dead prophet whose teachings were filled with anger, hatred, and war mongering ¾ today’s followers of Islam are perplexed. They must either follow hard after all the Koran says, or be in danger of denying their faith. In Muslim countries this can be the death sentence for anyone and even fall hard on their loved ones as well. I say this because there are many good, kind, loving followers of Islam, who struggle with the violent and aggressive calls and commands found in the Koran.
Yet within Islam are the fundamentalists, a neutral term in and of itself, but when coupled with a false religion, and a corrupt book of teachings, its incendiary power inflames all around them. Hence the troubles of the Middle East and the warfare against all whoa re considered its enemies.Now realize the battles in the Middle East are not over land as much as over ideology and faith. The true Muslim follower of Islam cannot, and never will be able to live in peace with any follower of what denies their faith and teaching. Particularly Christianity and Judaism. Since America was founded upon Christianity and the great majority of missionaries come forth from us, Islam’s fundamentalist followers have dubbed all Americans as the “Great Satan.” That means we are the sworn and avowed enemies of Islam. Likewise are the Jews in Israel, who further inflame Islam’s followers by claiming to be the legitimate son of Abraham, and rightful heir to the land of Palestine. Ishmael, Abraham’s first-born son through the bond-slave Hagar is claimed to be the originator of most Arab peoples whoa re followers of Muhammad’s faith of Islam. They angrily reject Israel’s claim as well as their faith. The radical, fundamental followers of Islam reading Muhammad’s words are sworn to their deaths to kill and destroy their enemies, all Christians (America) and all Jews ( Israel.) Here then is the unsolvable problem.
Now following up on this thought, the Muslim, in addition to observing the Five Pillars of the Faith, most Shiite Muslim's add a sixth pillar called "exertion." This is most important for you to know. "Exertion," in Arabic is called Jihad. This enjoins a Muslim to exert themselves to the utmost to disseminate the Koran and make it's rules and teachings supreme in the world.
Therefore, to the Shiite Muslims, all impediments to the spread of Islam must be removed - through the tongue, the pen and if necessary, the sword. Muhammad himself sanctioned plundering and raiding all who didn't follow the faith.
Remember, Salmon Rushdie the author who early on criticized the Islamic faith? He was instantly put under a death sentence by the Iranian, Shiite leader Ayatollah Kohmeini, for questioning and defaming the sacred book of the Koran. This is why the Shiite Moslems have become the most dangerous people in the world! We must never forget the brutal massacres of Christians (5 million in Turkish Armenia) and regular persecution of Christian missionaries for which fanatical Muslims are known.
The followers of the Shiite Islamic faith believe there is no price to steep to pay for world dominion. The conflicts and wars in the middle east waged by the terrorist party "Ebola" and "Hamas" are Shiite fanatical Muslims who live for one purpose, destroying the "Great Satan," which is for them is a description of Christianity, Judaism and the entire West. The deadly truck bombing of the US Marine barracks a few years ago in Lebanon, the incident in Kuwait that killed 19 marines, the downing of the jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland and now the terrorist bombing of the USS Cole and the extreme violence in Palestine -- all are linked to the extremism of Islamic Fundamentalism that will stop at nothing to destroy all the "enemies of Allah."Will there be peace negotiated in Israel? According to the Muslim faith of Islam, there can never be until Israel is driven out and all Israelis are DEAD! Until the west comes to understand this, all the peace negotiations will utterly fail or at best be temporary and transitory. Peace for the Muslim is simply time to regroup, restock arms, and get ready for another assault for the glory of Allah. This is why in the Sudan in Africa the Jihad there is destroying, killing and enslaving millions who are not Muslims ¾ all in the hopes of gaining full control over the lives of everyone that they too will serve Allah.
Friend this faith of Islam is a wicked, sinful faith founded upon as the Bible says, “doctrines of Demons.” Satan has raised it up to destroy mankind, and especially Israel who brought forth the Christ child and Savior of the world. The fanaticism of Islam is fueled by demon forces that bitterly are working towards destroying every child of Israel and Christianity, who have brought about Satan and his evil angels defeat. Thus, the wars, the bombing, the terrorist attacks, the brutality and violence are a spiritual battle. So Paul the apostle tells us in,
Eph 6:12 (NIV) "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
The only way to have lasting peace is as the Bible says for the PRINCE OF PEACE to come and rule. When the living and resurrected Savior Jesus Christ returns to the earth and is promised, He will bring peace among men. First by casting out all false religions and faiths that do not honor the one true God of the Bible, Islam’s aggressive, and imperialistic world vision of conquest will one day be destroyed by God Himself. Until then the only way we can have peace, is to CONTROL those under Satan’s delusionary faith of Islam, who will not live in peace with those around them. Now just because this religious faith is aggressive, violent and uncompromising in its call to enslave the world, does not mean all religion is too. Christianity is a faith of peace, it’s a faith that gives hope and assurance to all its followers that God loves them, care for them and in the best of ways grants to all humanity fairness, fellowship, and most of all complete full and final forgiveness for all of our sins.
Islam offers no hope is unfulfilling and every follower faces Allah, an impersonal god of strict judgment. Allah offers no mercy, lover or any sacrifice on his part for the needs of his followers. Yet that’s the GOOD NEWS of Christianity. Our God, who created all things, has shown us His great love by sending to our world, His Son Jesus Christ. God loved us so much that He offered Himself to die in our place for our sins. The Bible says,
John 3:16-17 (NIV) ""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
Rom 5:8 (NIV) yes, “ ..God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
The Bible tells us you may go to heaven without wealth, health, fame, fortune, without learning, without culture, beauty and any friends, but NO ONE can ever go to heaven without Christ as their sin bearer. Jesus emphatically said,
John 14:6 (NIV) "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 8:24 (NIV) Remember, "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be [God], you will indeed die in your sins.""
What does God want from us? Well four things.
1. We are all called to REPENT – The Bible says, “God commands all men everywhere to repent.”(Acts 17:30-31) That means we are all to change our minds about God, about faith, about life, death and of course who Jesus Christ is. Islam says he is one of God’s prophets and Muhammad is the greatest. God says that’s a lie and worthy of everlasting Hell. We repent by simply turning around in our philosophy and faith in life and turn to God through Christ.
2. WE ARE TO BELIEVE – Acts 16:31 (NIV) "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Again this word carries much more than any intellectual assent. To believe in the Bible means as Islam’s faith directs to a complete surrender of the mind, heart and will to trust what the bible says is true about ourselves. We are sinners, we are under judgment, we are headed for an eternal Hell, we justly deserve this death because of our sins. But we also believe God loves us so much that He took our place and died for us, thus freeing us to be granted heaven and eternal life simply by believing in His name and work on the cross. Have you so believed? If so the next thing God expects from us is…
3. WE ARE TO CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD - Rom 10:13 says, "for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."" To call on the Lord is to exercise a personal faith by energizing our mind, emotions and will to reach out and say to God, “ I have sinned, Jesus is my Savior and my God. Accept me, Father God, on the basis of Christ’s death on the cross and grant me eternal life and full forever forgiveness of all my sins. Come into my life I fully surrender it to you now!” And lastly we are to,
4. PUBLICLY CONFESS & FOLLOW JESUS – In the Bible Jesus said frankly, John 14:15 ""If you love me, you will obey what I command." Now this outward confession and obedience doesn’t save anyone, but it usually is proof to ourselves and others that we are truly saved, and a new nature has come to us that loves Jesus. All true Christians will confess Christ openly. The first way of course I by public baptism, regular worship and fellowship with other Christians.
Radio talk #4500
- Broadcast date: November 05, 2000
- Speaker: Dennis L. Finnan, Commentator
- Program: The World, the Word & You! Radio Broadcast
- Address: P.O. Box 40133, Grand Junction, CO 81504
The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries can be heard in selected areas around the nation. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for 20 years, and serves as General Director. These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of all messages is available upon request also.
For further information, reprints, or a listing of all topics, please write to our speaker, Dennis L. Finnan(dennis@wwy.org),or visit our webpage at http://www.wwy.org/