Rioting over cartoons

If you’ve been following the news as of late you know that the Islamic world is having a fit over cartoons that were published depicting Allah and their prophet Muhammad. Danish newspapers were the first to publish the cartoons. Shortly after their publication, the Islamic World starts rioting. Not only has Denmark refused to apologize for the cartoons (defending their right to “blaspheme”), now several other European nations have republished the cartoons in protest of the Muslim violence. Their bold refusal to back down in the face of childlike behavior from Muslims has me very impressed. It is a wonderful day when I can report something positive about European politics and culture *grin*

I couldn’t believe my ears when I first heard the news about the havoc Muslims were causing in protest of a few cartoons. Has anyone else thought to themselves, “Are they really rioting over some silly cartoons???” Once you actually look at the cartoons (linked above) it is clear that they were meant to communicate a certain message: Islam produces terrorists. Personally, I would never print cartoons like that, knowing how the Muslim World would react. Rather I would try to communicate with Muslims through verbal or written communication in a respectful and polite fashion. Having said that … the cartoons are really not that bad. One of the cartoons I particularly enjoy – the one depicting Muhammad declaring to four men who are still smoking (presumably from suicide bombings), “STOP! STOP! – We have run out of virgins!”

Weeks and weeks have passed since the initial publication of these silly cartoons, and the rioting continues. I try to stay up to date on what’s going on in our world, and each day as I’ve read the news headlines there is a new story of some large group of Muslims rioting. Pakistan one day, Iran the next. Do these people have jobs? How are thousands of Muslims around the world able to drop what they’re doing on a moments notice to rally around the burning of American, Israeli, (and now) Danish flags?

One positive result from all of this rioting and violence is that many people are beginning to recognize that violent Muslims are not in the minority. The Islamic World is violent. Don’t believe me? Read Foxnews, CNN or MSNBC for one month, and you’ll be convinced. Islam spread by the sword under the direction of Muhammad, and throughout history has consistently relied on violence to further its cause wherever it went.

Consider the contrast between how Muslims and Christians react when faced with scrutiny. Muslims blow themselves up, riot, bring violence to the streets, and proclaim “Death to America! Death to Israel! Death to Denmark!” Christians, on the other hand, persuade with reasonable arguments. The contrast is telling.

I don’t know about you, but in the face of such hatred for our triune God, it is easy to become discouraged. One of my elders, James, pointed me to a verse that is immensely beneficial to keep in mind: Ephesians 3:20-21, where we read: “20Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (NASB). Paul makes such a comforting promise in this text! God, who is able to do far more than we can imagine, will receive glory in His church in all generations! This means that the saints of God will continue proclaiming the gospel of Peace to all men. The gospel will go forth. Christ’s kingdom will continue expanding. And our Lord will continue to receive the glory and praise in it all! What a spectacular statement by the Apostle! Therefore, as the people of God, we should not fear. For God sovereignly rules this world, and He will continue protecting His Church – just as He has done for over two millennia.

Elder James will be debating Muslim apologist Shabir Ally on May 6th. The thesis: “Is the New Testament We Possess Today Inspired?” In light of recent events around the world, and James’ debate, I’ve decided to study Islam and how to witness to Muslims. I have been blessed with the friendship of Sam Shamoun, who works for http://www.answering-islam.org/. So I’ll be going to Sam and James for recommendations on all the resources I need to become adequately prepared in witnessing to Muslims.

As Christians, we need to be ready to give a prepared response to Islam. I hope to heed Peter’s charge: “15but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (NASB).

Rusty