Debunking 'Islamophobia'

     The headlines of a recent article in Frontpage Magazine by writer Deborah Weiss read: ‘Geneva Conference Moves Toward Criminalizing Islamophobia.’

     Following are several quotes from her article.

     “Supposedly, the purpose of the conference was to support an OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) campaign to ‘correct the image of Islam and Muslims in Europe and North America.’  By this, it means to whitewash the intolerant, violent and discriminatory aspects of Islam and Islamists.”

     “The present goal (of the OIC) is the international criminalization of all speech that ‘defames’ Islam, which the OIC defines as anything that sheds a negative light on Islam or Muslims, even when it’s true.”

     “…the State Department appears to have adopted the OIC’s view that the West is Islamophobic and that Islam is a religion of peace which should never be associated with terrorism.  Toward this end, the Obama Administration has completely purged all its counterterrorism training programs from any mention of Islamic terrorism.”

     “…the OIC requests that the media censor their reports about Islamic terrorism, Islamic persecution of religious minorities, and human rights violations committed in the name of Islam, as an interim step toward the criminalization of such speech.”

     So the OIC wants the media not to print any story, regardless of facts, that might put Islam in a bad light.

     Recall just last week this column described the major problem of modern day Sadducees which is to attempt to squelch free speech even when it is true.

     And then several weeks ago the Tulsa World had a column written by World Religion Writer Bill Sherman.  He had interviewed John Esposito, a professor of religion and international affairs and Islamic studies at Georgetown University.

     Mr. Esposito described Islam as a ‘monotheistic Abrahamic faith that sees itself connected to the great prophets of Judaism and Christianity.’ 

     Recall Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisees relative to their perceived ‘Abrahamic faith.’    

     “They (Pharisees)…said to Him, ‘Abraham is our father.’  Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham.  But now you seek to kill Me… Abraham did not do this....’”  John 8:39-40

     Mr. Esposito went on to say that ‘Islamophobia’ was an irrational fear of Islam and a social cancer… He continued, “Major politicians are using language about Islam that they would never use about other religions, calling it a threat to the West.”  He then called that viewpoint naïve…

     While expressing his viewpoint he totally avoided any reference to the charter of the Muslim Brotherhood which counters his statements. 

     This column quoted the following several weeks ago but it is entirely appropriate to repeat it today.

     “The Muslim Brotherhood must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and sabotaging its miserable house by their hands…so that it is eliminated, and

     Islam isn’t in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant.  The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on earth.”

     And they want to suppress our free speech?

     The best way to deal with Islam is simply to take them at their word.  Even today the stated goal of Iran is to destroy Israel.

     Every Christian, and in fact, every American citizen should have a thorough understanding of the Biblical prophecies concerning Abraham’s two sons, Isaac and Ishmael.

     Being pro-America as a nation and pro-Bible as a religion is not anti-Islam. 

     Neither America nor the Church is on the offensive towards Islam; however, the Church especially is very much willing and ready to take a stand for Biblical teachings.

     “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”  1 Corinthians 16:13

     “Put on the whole armor of God…that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  Ephesians 6:11, 13

     This column has on several occasions described the present and future conflict as the ‘war of the brothers rages on.’

     Deborah Weiss ended her piece in Frontpage Magazine with:

     ‘The clash of civilizations widens.’

     America, wake up!

     Note: A Christmas present to enlighten:  ‘The Cross in the Shadow of the Crescent’ by Erwin W. Lutzer.

Modern Day Sadducees (Conclusion)

     Shortly after the beginning of the church, Peter healed a certain lame man. The healing was witnessed by many.

     “And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms...and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts 3:9-10

     Then Peter went on to preach to the people that the lame man was healed by faith in Jesus who had been crucified, buried, and then resurrected. He continued by stating that Jesus' suffering and death had been foretold by the prophets.

     Such preaching and teaching did not set well with the Sadducees.

     “Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody...” Acts 4:1-3

     The same ones who condemned Jesus to death demanded that Peter justify his authority.

     “And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest...were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, 'By what power or by what name have you done this?’” Acts 4:5-7

      Peter boldly proclaimed that his power came from the resurrected Christ.

     Now when the Sadducees saw the boldness of Peter and John, they realized that they had been with Jesus. In addition they themselves had witnessed the healing of the lame man. They then sent Peter and John from the council so they could discuss the matter privately.

     “What shall we do to these men…For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all... and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” Acts 4:16-17

     “So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18

     However, Peter and John were not to be silenced. Being filled with the Holy Spirit they performed many miracles and drew great numbers of followers to the dismay of the Sadducees.

     “Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.” Acts 5:17-18

     But an angel opened the prison doors and brought them out and instructed them to continue with their teaching and preaching. Subsequently they were recaptured and set before the Sanhedrin again.

     “...they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them saying, 'Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine...’” Acts 5:27-28

     But Peter and the apostles responded by saying that they ought to obey God rather than men. They had no intention of easing up on proclaiming what they had personally witnessed relative to Christ. Then they really stunned the Sanhedrin with their accusation.

     “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree...Him God has exalted to His right hand...” Acts 5:30-31

     Upon hearing Peter say they ought to obey God rather than men the council (Sanhedrin) was not only frustrated but furious. They convened again to decide how to silence Peter and the Apostles. And once again they met behind closed doors to decide on a strategy to suppress the truth.

     They decided to let the new movement run its course hoping it would self-destruct.

     History revealed and recorded the growth of the church.

     So even though the formal sect of the Sadducees may have disappeared, their doctrine and agenda lives on. Many remember them for their lying, hypocrisy, and blasphemy.

     The primary problem, however, with the Sadducees both then and now was/is their zealous attempts to restrict freedom of speech, especially relative to the truth of Christ and in fact all Christian doctrine

  

Dealing with Modern Day Sadducees

     The other major Jewish sect during the first century was the Sadducees. They were very active in both religious and political issues. They were typically wealthy, aristocratic, members of the priestly tribe and generally maintained the temple during the time of Jesus' earthly ministry. High priests Annas and Caiaphas were Sadducees.

     Both Sadducees and Pharisees were part of the 71 member Sanhedrin which was in fact headed by the prevailing high priest.

     Sadducees were in nearly direct opposition to the theology of the Pharisees. They were firm adherents to the Mosaic Law and the Pentateuch, but rejected the traditions of the Pharisees. The Sadducees were worldly minded and believed in complete moral freedom during one's life and rejected the doctrine of afterlife. 

     “...For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection – and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.” Acts 23:8

     Jesus warned his followers to beware of the doctrine of both Pharisees and Sadducees.

     “Then Jesus said to them (disciples), 'Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees'...Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6, 12

     The Sadducees and Pharisees did however, have several things in common. When John the Baptist initially confronted the Sadducees he classified them together with the Pharisees.

     “But when he (John the Baptist) saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, 'Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?’” Matthew 3:7

     The term 'brood' is synonymous with offspring and the term 'viper' refers to snakes and serpents which meant that John called them sons of the devil.

     The major common issue that the Sadducees shared with the Pharisees was their hatred for Jesus. That can be easily understood seeing that both Jesus and John considered the Sadducees and Pharisees to be of the devil.

     When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane He was initially brought before Annas and then to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.

     “...Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none.” Matthew 26:59-60

     Subsequently two false witnesses did come forward and quoted Jesus as previously saying that if the temple was destroyed He would build it up again in three days. Such testimony was just the opening that Caiaphas was looking for.

     “...And the high priest answered and said to Him (Jesus), 'I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’”

     “Jesus said to him, 'It is as you said…’”

     Caiaphas immediately responded, saying:

     'He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses?...What do you think?’”

     “They answered and said, 'He is deserving of death.’ Then they spat in His face and beat Him...” Matthew 26:52-67

     The Sanhedrin had done what they set out to do. The next step was to convince the Roman government that Jesus should be put death.

     “When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.” Matthew 27:1-2

     On the day when the Passover Lamb was killed, the conversation between the Jewish leaders and Pilate was concluded.

     “Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he (Pilate) said to the Jews, 'Behold your King!’ But they cried out, 'Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, 'Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, 'We have no king but Caesar!’ Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified.” John 19:14-16

     Therefore, the Sadducees, as hypocritical as the Pharisees, through deceit and blasphemy, unaware they were little more than puppets, were implementing that part of God’s master plan for Jesus which He had established from the foundation of the world.

     To be completed next week.

...but Few are Chosen

     The Greek base for the word 'few' in the title means small or little in number, and the term 'chosen' in the Greek is synonymous with 'elect'. 

     Consider the term ‘few’ in the following Scripture passage:

     “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

     Generally people are more comfortable if their thoughts and ideology blends in with the majority. There is comfort in numbers. That is the basic rational for governing by polls. That rational also secures votes.

     The concept of 'few' is closely related to the term 'remnant' which is defined in both Hebrew and Greek as 'remainder' or what is left or remaining from the whole. The term remnant is found numerous times in the Scriptures to describe the redeemed of Israel.

     “And it shall come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel...will never again depend on him who defeated them, but will depend on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God. For though your people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, a remnant of them will return...” Isaiah 10:20-22

     The phrase 'in that day' refers to the millennial kingdom when Israel will cease depending on other nations for their safety and general well being but will rather depend wholly on God. Only a small portion, or remnant, of total Israel will return to God.

     Thus, a remnant of the seed of Israel will exist as a nation forever while the majority will be destroyed. The Bible also sheds light on the size of the chosen remnant of Israel who will enjoy millennial and eternal blessings.

     “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David...And it shall come to pass in all the land, says the LORD, 'that two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one-third shall be left in it...They will call on My name, and I will answer them.’ I will say, 'This is My people...’” Zechariah 13:1, 8-9

     Zechariah confirms Isaiah's prophecy that a remnant of Israel will be delivered into the millennial kingdom. Zechariah, however, quantifies the remnant as being one-third of those surviving at the time of Christ's return.

     As would be expected the New Testament confirms Old Testament teachings. Paul in fact quotes a portion of Isaiah's prophecy about the remnant of Israel.

     “Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: 'Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant will be saved.’” Romans 9:27

     Paul loved the Jews inasmuch as he was one by birth being it the lineage of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob and Benjamin. He wrote extensively about Israel's future in his epistle to the Christians in Rome.

     “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly Not!...God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.” Romans 11:1-2

     Paul goes on to explain that when Elijah thought he was the only one remaining who was faithful to God, God responded by revealing that there were 7,000 who remained faithful to Him. Paul continues by stating that God has always preserved a remnant of Israel.

     “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Romans 11:5

     Consider that in America today approximately 75% of the population claim they are Christians. Many would, therefore, conclude that this same percentage of Americans would be delivered from destruction. However, is there any reason to believe that a larger percentage of Americans would be saved than the one-third of Israelites?

     Recall what God said to Israel.

     “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself; a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6

     No other nation has been awarded such status.

Unlikely Alliance

     Recently on national television Bob Beckel and Rand Paul on separate occasions both soundly denounced Islam's persecution and killing of Christians.  Both of them contend that Islamism and their war against Christianity is one of the world's most serious problems.

     Other than their shared concern over Islamism, the two have very little in common.  Beckel is a textbook liberal having served as the youngest deputy assistant secretary of state for the Carter administration.  He subsequently served as campaign manager for Walter Mondale in 1984.  Beckel is currently a political commentator and a contributor for Fox News Channel and serves as co-host for Fox's popular daily afternoon television show 'The Five'.

     Rand Paul on the other hand definitely leans to the right.  Senator Paul is a republican and supports the Tea Party, but it is unclear whether he really is a republican or a libertarian.  Needles to say he and Beckel are on opposite ends of the political spectrum, except when it comes to Islamism.

      Beckel frequently asks where are the moderate Muslims, while Rand Paul is hesitant to use the term 'Islam' without the word 'radical' preceding it.

     Islamic literature states that the revived Islamic Caliphate will be located in Turkey.  Their present Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a Muslim and he states that the term 'moderate Islam' is offensive because 'Islam is Islam'.

     America must learn to take Islamists at their word, literally.

     Recall the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood Hassan al-Banna and his words:

     “...We believe that Islam is an all-embracing concept which regulates every aspect of life...It is the duty incumbent on every Muslim to struggle towards the aim of making every people Muslim and the whole world Islamic, so that the banner of Islam can flutter over the earth...”

      The charter of the Muslim Brotherhood contains the following two statements which have never been renounced or refuted:

     “The Muslim Brotherhood must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and sabotaging its miserable house by their hands...so that it is eliminated.”

     “Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant.  The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on earth.”

     Consider renowned ex-Muslim author and American citizen, Abdullah Al Araby.  He offers insight on Islamism in his writings as highlighted below.

     “It (Islam) uses our democratic laws to gain entrance to our country and uses Muslim petrol-dollars to fuel misinformation campaigns about us...”

     “Strangely, we tolerate those who despise and oppose the traditional spiritual values that most Americans embrace.”

     “...they (Islamists) have found a loophole that will work in their favor.  It's our democratic laws that ensure freedom of speech, religious tolerance and equal rights for aliens as well as American citizens.”

     “The law is the most potent weapon used by Islamists.  CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) is an Islamic organization that retains a massive team of lawyers.  They sue anybody who dares to say something that can be construed as objectionable about Islam.”

     “The tool that empowers Muslim activist(s) to advance the Islamic agenda against us is our historically lenient immigration policies and liberal laws.”

     And then there is the openly pronounced goal of Iran, for example, to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.

     Many are beginning to believe that Islam is not the major problem; rather it is our political correctness that fails to take Islam at their word and give serious consideration to what they say.  It is a major mistake to ignore them or think their goals will just go away, and it is wishful thinking to wait for 'moderate Muslims' to rise up and renounce the self-proclaimed Islamic agenda.

     When a liberal like Bob Beckel adamantly agrees with a right winger like Rand Paul on an issue, maybe others will listen, or maybe as Senator Paul stated in his recent speech before the Heritage Foundation that many are more concerned with who is winning 'Dancing with the Stars'.

     Perhaps President Barack H. Obama will address the issue after helping determine an appropriate name for the Washington Redskins.