Why Muslims can be an example to us
We often hear of the pronouncements of radical imams and mullahs, the fatwahs condemning America, and even issuing sentences of death upon American soldiers. One thing that can't be denied about these people, however, is their fanatical zeal for their faith, and willingness to spread that faith to the uttermost parts of the earth.As a devoted Catholic Christian, obviously I believe the theological basis for Islam is pure rubbish. Indeed, I am amazed when studying the religion how much is taken from our tradition and twisted. Hagar is not Abraham's slave, she is his wife. He sacrificed Ishmail on the mountain, not Issac. "The comforter" Christ spoke of...that was the Prophet Muhammed. (I learned this from a former roommate of mine who was a Palestinian Muslim. Among other things, he showed me a video on Islam narrated by the infamous Cat Stevens.) Considering that Islam is the youngest of all the major faiths (7th Century A.D.), it is safe to say that it is a copy-cat religion for a people who have been without Christ since the 6th Century, and some of them never had him historically as a group.
However, when you listen to many Muslim leaders' rants against America and the West, as I have done, there are some recurring themes:
Media. Many Imams argue that America is filled with sex and violence in its television and media.
Worldliness. Many Muslim leaders openly complain that Americans are concerned more with their own pleasure and enrichment than with service to others, or with pleasing God.
Haughtiness: Many Muslims see Americans as proud and haughty. Rather than feeling blessed and humbled that God has chosen to bless our nation with great wealth and power, something that might otherwise be viewed as a sign of Divine favor, we are overly proud and think ourselves better, forgetting that God can take away as sure as he can give.
Cultural decay: Some Muslim leaders even say that Americans have little respect for their own cultural heritage.
Family decline. American families are never kept together and Americans often artificially limit their number of children. This is often seen as greedy.
Is it any wonder why many in the Muslim world DO view America with such disdain? Not only do their religious leadership tell them these things about America, but by and large, on the social and moral questions at least, those leaders are telling them the truth.
I have heard from multiple sources more familiar with the Middle East than I am that one of the most popular shows on Arab television is Dallas, a program about oil barons, no less. Let us see what American things the Muslim world sees from JR and Bobby:
Promiscuous fornication or adultery.
Deceit in business and public life.
Hatred for other members of one's own family.
Immodest dress.
Foul tongues.
Drunkenness.
And we wonder why the mullahs hate America...
Although I believe the theology of Islam to be misguided, I find no surprise in the fact that Islam is gaining many converts in America. It offers a belief system that sees things in black and white, and offers many in America's predominately poor black inner-cities a way out of a cycle of poverty, illegitimacy, and moral bankruptcy. Islam is a "new way" for many because Christians have not risen to the challenge. Muslims want to convert the world, and they answer a call to prayer five times a day.
Every morning at 6 am all over the Muslim world, Muslims are called to prayer. Part of that invocation "There is no God but Allah [God] and Muhammed is his Prophet" are added the words "prayer is better than sleep." Oh the zeal in such a statement...oh for the followers of Our Lord and Savior to have such unquenchable zeal!
posted by Deacon David Oatney @ 3:38 PM
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