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| In this Opinion Page, derogatory comparisons and connections have been made between Islam and Christianity, often using terms like "Islamofascists" and "Christofascists". Those that do this are either dishonest or have not read the Koran and the Bible. These two monotheistic religions do not have the same roots. The Koran perverts the Bible when it refers to it. Those Daily Interlake letter writers further reveal their ignorance when they draw similarities between misbehavior perpetrated by Christians and Muslims. |
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| For the sake of argument, consider common ground statements obvious to loving, reasonable people: that love is good, hate is bad, kind and respectful relations between men and women are good, domineering and otherwise abusive relations are bad, marital fidelity is good, adultery and pedophilia are bad. That being said, important differences between Christian and Muslim belief systems are clarified, based on their founder and foundational book. Mohammed advocated hate, polygamy, all manner of abuse of women, and pedophilia (his second wife was 7 years old when they married and 9 years old when they began sexual relations). Jesus warned and taught about the wrath of God but also preached love, even love of enemies. His teachings and that of other New Testament writers provide guidelines for healthy relations between men and women, and Jesus' sacrificial death restored humanity's broken relationship with God the Father. |
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| Mohammed, in his writings over 600 years after Christ's crucifixion, repeatedly advocated war in the name of Allah against all non-Muslims and all Muslims not true to the Koran. While God in the Old Testament at times advocated war against the enemies of the Jewish people, there is more frequent documentation of His providing harsh consequences to His own chosen people when they were disobedient. Then, as today, God expects more from those given more light. Unlike Allah in the Koran, God Almighty as represented in the Bible does not promote war or other violence for issues of us against them, or one particular belief system against another. Instead, it is reserved for battles of His righteousness and holiness against human wickedness. |
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| God's dislike of war is demonstrated in the Old Testament by such things as the fact that He did not allow King David to build the temple because he was a man of war and by the statement that God despises "hands that shed innocent blood" (Proverbs 6:17). A particularly poignant example is found in the words of the Lord in Ezekiel 18: "Do I take pleasure in the death of the wicked? Declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?...Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live." Though there are occasions of violence that can be justified by reason (such as defense of self and others), and by the will of God in instances like those in the Old Testament, you will find no justification in the New Testament for violence in the name of Christ other than in that final battle as described in the book of Revelation.. |
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| We are a fallen species--full of weakness, self-absorption, and capable of all manner of foolishness and wickedness. Therefore, you will find misbehavior among proponents of all belief systems. Misbehavior is more odious and reprehensible when it is by Christians (especially leaders), but that is because they have "the way and the truth" (John 14:6). It is right to expect more from them. Nevertheless, the individual must be held accountable for their own misdeeds, while their belief system and its founder should only share accountability if they promoted those misdeeds. When Christians behave badly, their behavior can be so judged based on the standards found in their own Bible, the book they claim as their guide. Such behavior misrepresents Christ and the New Testament. On the other hand, when Muslims behave badly, they can justify the most hideous of their actions based on the Koran. This critical difference warrants emphasis. |
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| Anyone with good intentions that incorrectly ties Christians and Muslims together can rise above their ignorance by reading both the Koran and the Bible, paying particular attention to the New Testament. God knows the hearts and minds of those that are aware of the content of both books yet continue to draw incorrect comparisons. A lying tongue is one of the things God despises (Proverbs 6:17), and they must deal with their dishonesty and repent before it is too late. |
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Annie Bukacek MD |
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