The Moslem Issue

[Koey]

Terrorist minded "Moslems" (Islam actually means peace) seem to have great sway in that religion at the moment. Terrorist minded "Christians" like the KKK and the IRA are on the outs - nobody really takes them seriously. Historically, Islam spread through violence and that is the real reason why we had the Crusades - a Christian counter-response to ancient terrorism.

• What should the Christian response be to this growing threat today?
• Will Islam and Christianity be forced into another terrible period of great conflict?
• What is the biblical response to a life threat on Christian families as is already occurring in Nigeria, Indonesia and other places?

 

[tulc]

Terrorist minded "Moslems" (Islam actually means peace)

I thought Islam meant "submission"?

seem to have great sway in that religion at the moment. Terrorist minded "Christians" like the KKK are on the outs - nobody really takes them seriously. Historically, Islam spread through violence and that is the real reason why we had the Crusades - a Christian counter-response to ancient terrorism.

Well...that's one view. Of course that doesn't explain why the "Crusaders" also seemed just as happy butchering other Christians as well. To me they seemed like most wars,
#1) come up with a popular (usually mostly fictitious) excuse for it.
#2) offer free treasure (usually someone else's)
and then #3) stand by to collect taxes and write the histories to make yourself look as good as possible.

What should the Christian response be to this growing threat today?

Strive to be peacemakers

Will Islam and Christianity be forced into another terrible period of great conflict?

Only if we allow the World to dictate our response again.

What is the biblical response to a life threat on Christian families as is already occurring in Nigeria, Indonesia and other places?

I haven't ever been in a situation like that, so I've no idea how to respond it. Praying and taking in as many people as we can help is what my Church usually does.
tulc(IMHO anyway)

 

[shinbits]

is "moslem" really an accepted spelling? I thought "muslim" was the only way to spell it? are are you talking about two different things?

 

[Pogue]

is "moslem" really an accepted spelling? I thought "muslim" was the only way to spell it? are are you talking about two different things?

Muslim is the accepted spelling- Moslem is more old-fashioned and is regarded as offensive by some.
(I know because Wikipedia said so )

 

[Koey]

I thought Islam meant "submission"?...

Actually, being an Arabic word it is hard to translate by one English word. Islam means both -- peace and submission.

 

[Koey]

is "moslem" really an accepted spelling? I thought "muslim" was the only way to spell it? are are you talking about two different things?

Actually, because of varying pronunciation of this term across the Arabic language spectrum, it could be spelled either way in English. It is an inexact transliteration of the Arabic vowel sound either way you spell it. It may be an insult to some, but that may be the kind of insult that Englishmen feel when some words are spelled the American way or vice versa. So, I don't believe it is a particularly religious insult, just a linguistic prejudice, like Egyptian Arabic versus Saudi, etc.

 

[tulc]

Actually, being an Arabic word it is hard to translate by one English word. Islam means both -- peace and submission.

Huh, cool!
tulc(likes learning things)

 

[shinbits]

Pogue, thank you. And much obliged, Koey, for taking the time to answer.