A joint project of The Human Rights First and The Interfaith Alliance encouraged 50 churches in 26 states of America to open their churches to Muslim Imams and Jewish Rabbis to read texts from their sacred scriptures in the pulpit of these churches. For this reason, thousands gathered in these churches on 26 June 2011, for a “Faith-Shared” event against those who call Islam a violent religion. Imams read texts from the Quran.
Tad Stahnke, the director of policy and programs for Human Rights First said, “We want to send a message to the world that Americans do respect religious differences and reject religious bigotry and the demonization of Islam or any other religion.”
Sources:
faithshared.org
Churches across America Read from the Quran
Muslims in the Pulpit.
There is no doubt that America respects religious differences; otherwise people from different religious backgrounds and ethnicities would not continue to leave their motherlands to reside in America. All Muslim countries know that they do not have the freedom America has. Their laws, no matter how moderate they are, do not allow non-Muslims equal rights with Muslims. It is ironic that those who have been given the freedom to worship as they choose and to voice their opinions in America would then question the level of its tolerance!
The world recognizes that violence is an inseparable part of pious Muslims’ lives in Islamic countries, undermining the basic right to safety. This is not only limited to Islamic countries though. Pious Muslims in non-Islamic countries are also threats. Just recently, the Middle East Quarterly (Summer 2011) revealed some pages from an extensive survey taken in 100 mosques throughout 15 American states, which showed that 51% of the mosques were pro-Shari’a establishment in the West and held materials that conveyed a positive attitude toward employing violent jihad against the West and non-Muslims. Another 30% of the mosques were moderately supportive of violence, while the remaining 19% of mosques did not have violent texts. The report also revealed many other significant things that every western citizen needs to be aware of. One startling fact was on the level of attendance in each mosque and the motivation contributing to it. Mosques with pro-violence materials were the most attended.
Source: Shari'a and Violence in American Mosques
The pro-violence mosques in America are aware that the American governments have been spending millions of dollars to combat the threat of Islamic radicalism. Despite this awareness, these mosques have still been eager to chase their zeal for Shari’a and behave against the safety and freedom of this country. What do Americans need to do in the face of this very obvious threat? Do they need to tolerate this threat and make Islamic countries happy or do they need to stand up and show the Islamic world that they will not compromise the Islamic authoritarianism?
Throughout history, the West has never seen such a level of tolerance towards committed Muslims as we see now. Pro-Shari’a mosques and organizations are springing up everywhere; literatures that demonize Jews and non-Muslims are distributed widely; polygamy, child and forced marriages, honor killings are practices openly. Despite the West’s patience, committed Muslims still hate it and wish to destroy its democracy utterly. Why is this so? You would expect that much tolerance will lead to much respect and appreciation, but the result is quite the opposite.
The contemporary western tolerance is not a biblical tolerance to handle the problem of Islam approapriately. It is taken away from its root, the absolute Truth of the Bible, and given to relativism which serves contradiction, dualism and uncertainty. Good and bad are tolerated similarly. For this reason, what was once called wrong is now called right. You will be attacked by the very advocates of tolerance if you claim that Jesus is the source of all truth. As a result, committed Muslims are also able to establish themselves in the shadow of this tolerance, ultimately at the cost of all other beliefs.
By knowing this, you can now anticipate the outcome of the united action of the Human Rights First, the Interfaith Alliance and their partner churches. It results in compromising the truth and tolerating violent Muslims and mosques.
The hostility of Islam towards non-Muslims, in particular the West, is not a matter to be settled by tolerance. It is a violent doctrine sanctioned by Allah against non-Muslims (Quran: chapter 9, verses 29,123 and chapter 58, verses 20-21). The sincere followers of Allah must follow the will of Allah through every possible channel, including deception, until Islam overcomes. For this reason, they are twisting the word “tolerance” in order to deceive non-Muslims until the task is fulfilled. The solution to such extreme measures is a personal understanding of Islam. Westerners need to understand the seriousness of the Islamic threat and take initiatives to open the eyes of Muslims through dialogue, making them aware that the true God values freedom of choice and never imposes Himself on others. Some will understand the truthfulness of this teaching and will stop threatening our nations. However, those who ignore and still teach violence must be dealt with by the law.
It is clear that American (and western) freedom is not compatible with the authoritarianism of Islam. Therefore, establishing a church’s pulpit for an Imam to lift the name of Allah is not only against God and His Bible, but also against the very nature of freedom that is rejected by Allah and his prophet, Muhammad (Quran: chapter 21, verse 23 and chapter 33, verse 36). An Imam never steps foot in a church except to leave Allah’s authoritarianism and follow Christ, or to destroy the church. There is no middle ground.
Church pastors can test Imams to determine whether their approaches to tolerance are genuine. These Imams will use church pulpits to praise Allah, but will they ever open their pulpits to the pastors of these churches to praise Jesus as their God and Savior? It is hard to imagine them allowing the teaching of the Gospel of Christ to become a part of their so called ‘shared-faith’ movement. Islam does not permit Muslims to befriend non-Muslims unless as a last resort to achieving a hidden agenda to dominate (Q.3:28).
We know that friendship and tolerance should be reciprocal. A one-way tolerance results in the destruction of those who tolerate. This is what 1400 years of Islamic history has proven. The majority of the Copts of Egypt, Maronites of Lebanon, Assyrians of Iraq, Catholics of Syria, Zoroastrians of Iran, Hindus and Buddhists of Indonesia became the victims of the Islamic one-way tolerance, and are now persecuted for the sake of their beliefs.
It is a shame that some of our contemporary church leaders, including evangelicals, are blinded to the doctrine and political philosophy of Islam, deceived by those children of Islam who follow the model of Allah as the best of deceivers (Quran: chapter 8, verse 30). Imams and committed Muslims see deception as an inseparable part of their belief and must deal with infidels accordingly.
We are called by Jesus to love all humanity, including Muslims and Imams. But this love does not mean that we allow them to occupy our church pulpits and mislead our people with the teachings of Allah, an enemy of freedom. The true and heavenly love can only be expressed in doing away with compromise and standing courageously for the Truth. Tolerance that compromises the Truth is a passive and destructive tolerance.
No Problem with Saudi Arabia’s Racism!?
For years, we have been hearing that a Jew or anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport is not permitted to enter Saudi Arabia, among several other Islamic countries. Many have been hoping for our democratic politicians to take democratic steps and put an end to this bigotry by insisting that Saudi Arabia and similar minded countries put in practice their oath to the UN for a reciprocal relationship. Instead, our politicians chose to play along with this racism, without realizing that the racist pundits aimed to spread their racism to our countries too. Now, some major businesses are adapting themselves to Saudi Arabia’s hate law and also indirectly using our money to finance its cause.
Delta Airlines has recently entered a negotiation for an international deal with the Saudi Arabian Airline to join its “SkyTeam” network in 2012. The details of this mutual deal reveal that Jews from all countries and holders of Israeli passports cannot enter Saudi Arabia, even as transit passengers (NetDailyNews, June 22, 2011; USAToday, June 24, 2011).
It is truly shocking to see our post-modernist democracy compromising with racist ideologies for the sake of a narrow business venture. Saudi Arabia is internationally pronouncing its anti-race policy and many of our democracy-lovers are remaining quiet, not only towards Saudi Arabia, but also towards our own native business corporations which are serving as channels for this hatred. Ignoring racism, in its purest form, is racism itself.
It is concerning that a portion of the money from this network will be going to Saudi Airlines, funding further racist policies. In other words, Delta’s customers will indirectly finance Saudi Arabia’s religious hatred, dehumanizing their own fellow Jewish citizens. Delta justified its deal by saying that it has to comply with all applicable laws in every country it serves. In other words, since anti-Semitism is a law in Saudi Arabia, Delta has no choice but to submit to it and allow it to be put into practice through its own organization in America. Can such a justification be acceptable in our current day and age?
Of course, it's not Delta's fault that the Saudi government is anti-Semitic. But it is Delta’s fault for choosing to become an implementing agent (Shariah-compliant, according to Islam) for Saudi Arabia’s discriminatory policy.
One can’t help but wonder why Muslim scholars and leaders in the West are quiet on this issue, since they have always spoken in defense of pluralism. Obviously, this anti-Semitic proclamation of Saudi Arabia is against pluralism. Do they have a different definition for pluralism? Is it a kind of pluralism that excludes Jews? Or, is it a short-term pluralism until Islam gains power and its law (Islamic Sharia) is established in our countries? If not, why are they not speaking out against Delta’s anti-pluralistic approach? When we reveal the anti-Semitic and anti-Christian doctrine of Islam, they call us racists, even though criticizing a religion or a doctrine has nothing to do with racism. Now, Saudi Arabia itself has pronounced that the Islamic law is anti-Jew, but these Muslims have chosen silence towards this obvious racism.
Can we not see the obvious threats of committed Muslims in our countries? They have been threatening our freedom both nationally and internationally. In our contemporary world, where globalization has closely connected nations, the breach of human rights in any corner of the world will certainly create a ripple affect across borders. Saudi Arabia’s anti-Semitism is an international problem, threatening our democracy.
Despite Saudi’s years of obvious racial and religious incitements, our western leaders continue to see it as potential for establishing peace between Israel and Palestine. Sounds rather irrational and impractical that a nation who openly hates Jews can be expected to promote peace with them. The reason that the decades of peace negotiations in the Middle-East have proven unsuccessful is a clear sign of this insincere approach to peace despite Israel’s readiness for a two state solution; the state of Israel and the state of Palestine. In contrast, Palestinians’ initiatives have always been based on the establishment of Palestine and the destruction of Israel. Just recently, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas to "just say six words - 'I will accept the Jewish state" (A7 Israel’s National News, Tuesday, June 28, 2011). Netanyahu said that he stood before his own people and said numerous times that he would accept a Palestinian state. He challenged the president of Palestine and said, “Now President Abbas must stand before his people and he has to say these six words, 'I will accept the Jewish State’.”
Of course, it will not be easy for Abbas to accept the sovereignty of Israel since anti-Semitism is rooted in his doctrine. Also, the problem becomes two-fold as he has to please the religious and money lords; including Saudi Arabia. For Saudi Arabia, the mother-land of Islam, every place is a no-go zone for Jews, even the airplanes of our democratic countries. Saudi Arabia’s prophet said:
The last hour would not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim, or the servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him... (Muslim :: Book 41 : Hadith 6985 & Bukhari :: Volume 4 :: Book 52 :: Hadith 177).
The Quran also teaches in Q.9:1-9 that Muslims cannot enter treaty with non-Muslims, as they are wicked people who do not follow Muhammad. This is the main reason for Saudi Arabia in openly expressing its hatred towards Jews and in investing millions of dollars abroad to achieve its legitimacy internationally.
Decades of history show that politicians have turned a blind eye to this racism; failing to deal with it in an honest manner. The main reason for this has been Middle-Eastern oil. Its influence runs deep into our economic and political systems. We may expect a stand for justice and equality from our politicians only when their love for their country exceeds love for their title. A politician who cares for their people will in no way tolerate such racism.
Is there a future for Israel and Palestine with such a force of anti-Semitism? Can we place our trust in countries like Saudi Arabia for the establishment of real peace in the Middle-East? After all, the fruit of a tree can only be determined by its roots.
What, then, is the solution? What must we do in the face of this hatred and the wide-spread indifference towards it?
The entire Bible points to Jesus as the solution. The Prophet Isaiah wrote:
Delta Airlines has recently entered a negotiation for an international deal with the Saudi Arabian Airline to join its “SkyTeam” network in 2012. The details of this mutual deal reveal that Jews from all countries and holders of Israeli passports cannot enter Saudi Arabia, even as transit passengers (NetDailyNews, June 22, 2011; USAToday, June 24, 2011).
It is truly shocking to see our post-modernist democracy compromising with racist ideologies for the sake of a narrow business venture. Saudi Arabia is internationally pronouncing its anti-race policy and many of our democracy-lovers are remaining quiet, not only towards Saudi Arabia, but also towards our own native business corporations which are serving as channels for this hatred. Ignoring racism, in its purest form, is racism itself.
It is concerning that a portion of the money from this network will be going to Saudi Airlines, funding further racist policies. In other words, Delta’s customers will indirectly finance Saudi Arabia’s religious hatred, dehumanizing their own fellow Jewish citizens. Delta justified its deal by saying that it has to comply with all applicable laws in every country it serves. In other words, since anti-Semitism is a law in Saudi Arabia, Delta has no choice but to submit to it and allow it to be put into practice through its own organization in America. Can such a justification be acceptable in our current day and age?
Of course, it's not Delta's fault that the Saudi government is anti-Semitic. But it is Delta’s fault for choosing to become an implementing agent (Shariah-compliant, according to Islam) for Saudi Arabia’s discriminatory policy.
One can’t help but wonder why Muslim scholars and leaders in the West are quiet on this issue, since they have always spoken in defense of pluralism. Obviously, this anti-Semitic proclamation of Saudi Arabia is against pluralism. Do they have a different definition for pluralism? Is it a kind of pluralism that excludes Jews? Or, is it a short-term pluralism until Islam gains power and its law (Islamic Sharia) is established in our countries? If not, why are they not speaking out against Delta’s anti-pluralistic approach? When we reveal the anti-Semitic and anti-Christian doctrine of Islam, they call us racists, even though criticizing a religion or a doctrine has nothing to do with racism. Now, Saudi Arabia itself has pronounced that the Islamic law is anti-Jew, but these Muslims have chosen silence towards this obvious racism.
Can we not see the obvious threats of committed Muslims in our countries? They have been threatening our freedom both nationally and internationally. In our contemporary world, where globalization has closely connected nations, the breach of human rights in any corner of the world will certainly create a ripple affect across borders. Saudi Arabia’s anti-Semitism is an international problem, threatening our democracy.
Despite Saudi’s years of obvious racial and religious incitements, our western leaders continue to see it as potential for establishing peace between Israel and Palestine. Sounds rather irrational and impractical that a nation who openly hates Jews can be expected to promote peace with them. The reason that the decades of peace negotiations in the Middle-East have proven unsuccessful is a clear sign of this insincere approach to peace despite Israel’s readiness for a two state solution; the state of Israel and the state of Palestine. In contrast, Palestinians’ initiatives have always been based on the establishment of Palestine and the destruction of Israel. Just recently, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas to "just say six words - 'I will accept the Jewish state" (A7 Israel’s National News, Tuesday, June 28, 2011). Netanyahu said that he stood before his own people and said numerous times that he would accept a Palestinian state. He challenged the president of Palestine and said, “Now President Abbas must stand before his people and he has to say these six words, 'I will accept the Jewish State’.”
Of course, it will not be easy for Abbas to accept the sovereignty of Israel since anti-Semitism is rooted in his doctrine. Also, the problem becomes two-fold as he has to please the religious and money lords; including Saudi Arabia. For Saudi Arabia, the mother-land of Islam, every place is a no-go zone for Jews, even the airplanes of our democratic countries. Saudi Arabia’s prophet said:
The last hour would not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim, or the servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him... (Muslim :: Book 41 : Hadith 6985 & Bukhari :: Volume 4 :: Book 52 :: Hadith 177).
The Quran also teaches in Q.9:1-9 that Muslims cannot enter treaty with non-Muslims, as they are wicked people who do not follow Muhammad. This is the main reason for Saudi Arabia in openly expressing its hatred towards Jews and in investing millions of dollars abroad to achieve its legitimacy internationally.
Decades of history show that politicians have turned a blind eye to this racism; failing to deal with it in an honest manner. The main reason for this has been Middle-Eastern oil. Its influence runs deep into our economic and political systems. We may expect a stand for justice and equality from our politicians only when their love for their country exceeds love for their title. A politician who cares for their people will in no way tolerate such racism.
Is there a future for Israel and Palestine with such a force of anti-Semitism? Can we place our trust in countries like Saudi Arabia for the establishment of real peace in the Middle-East? After all, the fruit of a tree can only be determined by its roots.
What, then, is the solution? What must we do in the face of this hatred and the wide-spread indifference towards it?
The entire Bible points to Jesus as the solution. The Prophet Isaiah wrote:
The virgin will conceive and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).The Gospel of Christ writes:
There cannot be Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).It is our Lord Jesus, the Son of God, who is able to bring down the walls of hostility between Jews and Muslims, and establish an everlasting peace between them. Let us cry to Him to intervene in such a moment, for such a desperate need.
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