Is 'Chrislam' the Answer?

A lengthy letter was drafted by Muslim scholars entitled ‘A Common Word between Us and You’ and sent to the Pope and many other world religious leaders. The letter attempts to find common ground between Islam and both Christianity and Judaism. In the summary statement of their letter they state:

“Muslims and Christians together make up well over half of the world’s population. Without peace and justice between these two religious communities, there can be no meaningful peace in the world. The future of the world depends on peace between Muslims and Christians.”

The context of the title of the Muslim letter is found in Koran 3:64.

“Say: O people of the Scripture! Come to a common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him…”

Within their lengthy letter the phrases ‘and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him’ and ‘He hath no associate’ are found 15 times. In essence they recognize Jesus as a Messenger of God, but deny His deity. Their letter states:

“Muslims recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah, not in the same way Christians do (but Christians themselves anyway have never all agreed with each other on Jesus Christ’s nature), but in the following way: ‘…the Messiah Jesus son of Mary is a Messenger of God…’” Koran 4:171

Their letter implies that Christians themselves are divided on the nature of Christ, i.e. whether He is basically a Messenger of God, or in fact deity as the Son of God, or as Jesus Himself states, “I and My Father are one.”

Mary was indeed the mother of Jesus but the Bible clearly states that He is much more than a messenger, i.e. He ‘will be called the Son of the Highest.’

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God…to a virgin…whose name was Mary…the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive…and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’”

The issue of Jesus’ deity was a point of contention between Jewish leaders and Jesus during Jesus’ time on earth also but was settled abruptly.

“But He (Jesus) said to them (the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes)… ‘Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.’ Then they all said, ‘Are You then the Son of God?’ So He said to them, ‘You rightly say that I am.’” Luke 22:66-70

Then after Jesus’ resurrection the eleven disciples saw Jesus and He spoke to them saying:

“…All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18

So before we examine further the letter from Islam entitled ‘A Common Word between Us and You’ we need to keep in mind that Islam not only denies the deity of Christ, but they also deny that Christ was crucified and resurrected. Such Biblical facts, however, are at the very center of Christianity.

Their letter further quotes from their Koran:

“Say (O Muslims): We believe in God and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them…” Koran 2:136-137

The Bible makes numerous references to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob but not Ishmael.

“Moreover He (God) said, ‘I am the God of your father – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’” Exodus 3:6

The New Testament confirms that the descendants of Isaac have little in common with the descendants of Ishmael. Recall that Ishmael was the progenitor of the twelve tribes of Arabia and the ancestor of Muhammad while Isaac was the progenitor of the twelve tribes of Israel and the ancestor of Jesus.

“For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman (Ishmael) was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman (Isaac) through promise…Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise…what does the Scripture say? ‘Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.’” Galatians 4:22-31

Therefore, while Muslims state ‘The future of the world depends on peace between Muslims and Christians’ and while Muslims recognize Jesus as a messenger of God, but not as deity, perhaps Christians should settle the issue by reviewing the Bible and simply ask:

“What would Jesus do?”

Power Struggles Continue

Power struggles are not new. The first such instance was between God and His created being, Lucifer, son of the morning. Notice the excessive use of the personal pronoun ‘I’ in Lucifer’s following proclamation.

“…I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:13-14

The Bible is very clear concerning God’s reaction to Lucifer’s prideful intentions and rhetoric.

“Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.” Isaiah 12:15

When the Assyrian king Sennacherib was planning to overrun Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah he took full credit for his imperialistic endeavors and spoke boastfully about his powers.

“I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the limits of Lebanon; I will cut down its tall cedars…I will enter the extremity of its borders…I have dug and drunk strange water, and with the soles of my feet I have dried up all the brooks of defense.” 2 Kings 19:23-24

But the king of Assyria was rebuked, in fact laughed at, by Israel’s God who reminded Sennacherib that He, God, was using Sennacherib to perform His plan. When world leaders attribute their successes to their own doing, they will be deposed in God’s time.

“The virgin, the daughter of Zion, has despised you, laughed you to scorn…whom have you reproached and blasphemed: Against whom have you raised your voice, and lifted up your eyes on high: Against the Holy One of Israel…Did you not hear long ago how I made it, from ancient times that I formed it?...Now I have brought it to pass, that you should be for crushing fortified cities into heaps of ruins…Because your rage against Me and your tumult have come up to My ears, therefore I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way which you came.” 2 Kings 19:21-22, 25, 28

Following the Assyrian empire appeared the Babylonian empire and king Nebuchadnezzar who made an image of gold representing his own greatness and required everyone to fall down to worship his image. Anyone who refused to do so was to be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. We all know the rest of that story. Subsequently Nebuchadnezzar was humiliated by being consigned to eat grass like oxen until he acknowledged the sovereignty of God.

“…In order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.” Daniel 4:17

The Roman military governor Pilate provided a vivid New Testament example of self exaltation.

“Then Pilate said to Him (Jesus), ‘…Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?’ Jesus answered, ‘You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.’”
John 19:10-11

Acknowledging the sovereignty of God according to the Bible has been an issue throughout the ages. There are those who put forward their own agenda without first consulting Biblical teachings. Such occurrences are also marked by the excessive use of the personal pronoun ‘I’. A relatively current example was seen in our president’s ‘new beginning’ address to the Muslim world in Cairo in 2009.

• I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world…

• I also know civilization’s debt to Islam…

• I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America’s story…

• I consider it part of my responsibility…to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear…

• I made clear that America is not – and never will be – at war with Islam…


• I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy…let it be clear; no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other…

• I am committed to working with American Muslims…it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit…

• I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance…

• I am a Christian…

It is clear that President Obama believes that Christianity and Islam are not only compatible, but are in fact synergistic. The name given to such common ground is ‘Chrislam.’ We need to accept that our president means well, however, many believe that he ascribes more power and wisdom to himself than Biblically warranted. We also need to remember that God sets over kingdoms whomever He chooses to fulfill His purpose.

“…For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God…” Romans 13:1

There is little question that President Obama is a strong willed individual. Time will tell if history will repeat itself.

Organized Labor gets out of Hand

As reported there has been severe unrest among organized labor in a certain city. Apparently one man has proposed radical changes that are perceived to affect the wellbeing of certain segments of organized labor both in that city and in fact the entire state and nation. Supporters of organized labor have gathered in mass to protest both the man responsible for the proposed changes and the proposed changes themselves. The protesters have really gotten out of hand to the point the safety of the man proposing the changes along with those supporters involved in introducing the changes are at risk.

No, this isn’t about Madison Wisconsin. It’s about a similar situation which serves as an example and purveyor of the events in Madison.

“And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.” Acts 19:23

The ‘Way’ was the new found movement of Christianity so named because Jesus said He was the Way…

“For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana (Artemis), brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: ‘Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people…So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.’” Acts 19:24-27

The leader of the organized labor movement stressed that not only was their financial wellbeing under attack, but the very basis of their prosperity was being targeted. That rhetoric really stirred up the crowd.

“Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, ‘Great is Diana…!’ So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord…” Acts 19:28-29

The crowd vehemently protested the proposed changes with great confusion as they rushed into the public meeting place. Then Paul, the one accused of instigating the changes, wanted to address the crowd.

“And when Paul wanted to go into the people…his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.” Acts 19:30-31

Paul’s friends feared for his safety.

“Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.” Acts 19:32

Then a representative from a neutral faction attempted to explain to the crowd that his constituency was not part of, or responsible for, the proposed changes.

“And they drew Alexander out of the multitude…and Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. But…with one voice (they) cried out for about two hours.” Acts 19:33-34

So Alexander was shouted down for two hours without being given an opportunity to express his position. The crowd was completely out of hand.

Finally a city official stepped in to restore order.

“And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: ‘Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana…Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly.’” Acts 19:35-36

The city official restored order by convincing the crowd that things really wouldn’t change and they would not lose the coveted niche that provided for their prosperity as they had feared. He further suggested they settle down and be civilized. Then he continued his plea for order by justifying the accused.

“For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers…nor blasphemers of our goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another." Acts 19:37-38

The crowd was reminded there really was nothing illegal about the proposed changes; furthermore, if organized labor had a problem the judicial system was in place to address any such grievances. The city spokesman then reminded the crowd they may face more serious problems.

“But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” Acts 19:39-40

“And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.” Acts 19:41

This brings to mind the words of the wisest man in the world, i.e.

“That which has been is what will be…and there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

Defense of Marriage Act

Approximately fifteen years ago congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act by large margins in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Section 3 of this law reads in part… “The word ‘marriage’ means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.” This section of the law was ruled unconstitutional by a federal district court judge in July 2010.

Now during a time of extreme world unrest and unprecedented domestic fiscal upheaval, President Obama without judicial proceedings decided that section 3 of the law was indeed unconstitutional and he would not support its enforcement. His decision was announced by Attorney General Holder on February 23, 2011 while the judicial ruling was still in the appeal process.

The purpose of this column is not to discuss the gay issue, but rather to illustrate how our leaders are handling the issue.

Marriage is clearly defined in the Bible.

“So God created man in His own image…male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and…said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it’…Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24

This definition of marriage was repeated by Jesus in the Gospels and reaffirmed by Paul in the Epistles.

But progressivism entered the arena and its proponents recognized the fact that the ‘social landscape has changed,’ and in just the last two months Obama urged congress to repeal ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’ In 2009 Obama addressed the Human Rights Campaign and stated the following:

“My expectation is that when you look back on these years, you will see a time in which we put a stop to discrimination against gays and lesbians – whether in the office or on the battlefield. You will see a time in which we as a nation finally recognize relationships between two men or two women are just as real and admirable as a relationship between a man and a woman. You will see a nation that’s valuing and cherishing these families as we build a more perfect union – a union in which gay Americans are an important part. I am committed to these goals. And my administration will continue fighting to achieve them.”

Well he is certainly living up to his promises. Not only is his stance anti-Biblical, he is involving the federal government which means all tax paying citizens will help fund such activity. Senator Feinstein of California stated:

“My own belief is that when two people love each other and enter the contract of marriage, the federal government should honor that.”

Other progressives stated in part:

“…ending an egregious injustice against thousands of loving, committed couples who simply want the protection, rights and responsibilities afforded other married couples.”

“This…should be a final nail in the coffin for the different treatment of gay and non-gay people by the federal government.”

The General Accounting Office has identified over 1,100 statuary provisions related to marital status. Such protection and rights include filing status for income tax, federal estate tax rules, Social Security survivor benefits, federal Family Medical Leave Act benefits, federal and state laws applying to pension plans, employer provided health insurance plans, etc. These items will place additional financial burdens on tax payers.

It is interesting that President Obama decided to deem section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional which agreed with judicial rulings but not the health care bill which has been ruled unconstitutional. One wonders how he prioritizes issues.

But the most significant aspect of all this is that decisions are being made by our Federal Government that protects and reward people for breaking God’s laws.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21

Many have speculated that President Obama made this decision for political reasons, i.e. to build his base for 2012 inasmuch as his campaign rhetoric reflected his then contradictory opinion that marriage was strictly between one man and one woman. If his current decision is in fact political another applicable verse can be added.

“…Who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man!” Isaiah 5:23

Progressives may mean well, however, while manmade laws may change to keep pace with societal trends, the word of God is immutable and remains the benchmark for this nation’s ‘sure to come’ reckoning.

It is not hard to understand why only 34% of Americans believe their president is a Christian.

So while our president condemns Israelis for building housing units in their own land, he advocates the breaking of God’s basic laws and protection of the offenders. Once again, what in the world are we thinking?

Golden Calf or Krugerrand

There are numerous commercials these days on the advisability of buying gold as a hedge. One of the major selling points touted is that gold is tangible, i.e. it can be weighed and touched.

Gold is referenced in every section of the Bible beginning in Genesis and ending in the Revelation. Inasmuch as gold is an element, it has a half life which means that it is corruptible or subject to decay. Because of its scarcity gold is used as a metric to express relative value. Gold’s value in the Bible was commonly compared with wisdom.

Recall the definition of wisdom offered by Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Righteous Job introduced the comparative values of wisdom and gold.

“But where can wisdom be found? …Man does not know its value…It cannot be purchased for gold…Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold…Nor can it be valued in pure gold…” Job 28:12-19

Solomon’s father King David spoke likewise.

“The law of the LORD is perfect…more to be desired…than gold, yea, than much fine gold…” Psalms 19:7, 10

Job further addressed the vanity, in fact the sinfulness, of placing one’s trust in gold. Job said if a man placed his trust in gold he was in essence creating an idol or a personal god. He further stated that such an action was the same as denying God.

“If I have made gold my hope, or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’…This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, for I would have denied God…” Job 31:24, 28

Then in the New Testament epistles Peter reminds us that the greatest gift to mankind, i.e. the vicarious redemptive death of Christ is not attainable with the most valuable corruptible tangible assets such as gold.

“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, …but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot.” I Peter 1:18-19

One of the final revelations of the Bible is the appearance of New Jerusalem. Gold in a much purer form i.e. incorruptible (no half life) will be abundant and remain forever.

“Then one of the seven angels…showed me (John) the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God…The city is laid out as a square; …And he measured the city…twelve thousand furlongs (nearly 1500 miles). Its length, breadth, and height are equal…and the street of the city was pure gold…” Revelation 21:10, 16, 21

So gold by itself is not the problem. It is the use of and the priority given to the gold that causes consequences. The initial problem began way back in the book of Exodus. Recall that after Moses led the Israelites out of their Egyptian bondage he went up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments.

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.’…So Moses …said to the elders, ‘Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.’ So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” Exodus 24:12-14, 18

But the Israelites were impatient, their confidence waned, they took matters into their own hands and made provision for their own security.

“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, ‘Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’” Exodus 32:1

“…And he (Aaron) received the gold…and he…made a molded calf. ‘This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!’” Exodus 32:4

Even before Moses left the mountain to return to his people, God spoke to him.

“And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it’…and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people!’” Exodus 32:7-9

When examining this great Old Testament event and reviewing other Biblical references to gold we need to be prepared to explain to our children and grandchildren the perceived differences between the Israelites molding a gold calf and the molding of gold ingots and Krugerrands 3500 years later.