Doctrines of Devils

In his first of two letters to fellow apostle Timothy, the apostle Paul warned that in the end times directly preceding the return of Jesus Christ, "some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

Most biblical scholars believe that Paul was referring to heretical doctrines that would invade the church under the banner of "new revelations." And certainly, that's part of what Paul was referring to. However, he was also referring to other aberrant teachings that would affect the church and the entire world as well.

Such as? Such as Charles Darwin's theory of evolution that lent scientific credibility to atheism. Until he published his dubious theory in 1859 (On the Origin of Species) that attempted to explain the existence of life in purely natural terms sans God, atheism was the belief system of experientialists who refused to believe in God because (1) they couldn't see Him and (2) because of the prevalence of evil in the world.

Certainly, atheism isn't a recent phenomenon. It's existed since the dawn of human history. Nearly 3,000 years ago, King David wrote this: "The fool says in his heart, 'there is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1)

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Paul wrote this concerning those who rejected God: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles." (Romans 1:18-23)

Both David and Paul lived long before the advent of modern science and microbiology that was made possible by the invention of the microscope that allowed the human eye to study the complex mechanisms that make up the cells in every living organism. Certainly, Darwin's atheistic theory came just before the invention of the microscope. And that's why evolution prevailed, because there was no scientific answer at that time to rebut it.

However, microbiology has allowed science to prove rather than disprove God's existence. But how? Because it's revealed the vast network of DNA the contains the digital blueprint for every living being from simple amoebas to complex human beings. Not only does each cell contain enough information to fill thousands of books, but that information is arranged in a specific order that enables the cell to function along with billions of other cells that make up living creatures.

If evolution is true, then life came from nothing and the information (DNA) that determines the unique characteristics (size, shape, color, species etc.) for each organism arranged itself without a designer. The odds of that occurring are mathematically impossible.

Even the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein, who was an agnostic, called evolution a terrible and impractical theory. Einstein explained that if the universe originated from a primordial explosion (Big Bang), then the heat from such an explosion would've sterilized all organic matter making life impossible.

Furthermore, Einstein reasoned that the physical universe displayed remarkable organization with the rotation of the galaxies and the planets around stars. Einstein stated that a primordial explosion would've scattered material haphazardly across the universe.

But the discovery of DNA and its complex design proves Darwin's theory as bogus. World renowned microbiologist Michael Behe explained it best: DNA, the most famous of nucleic acids, is made up of four kinds of nucleotides; A,C,G and T. The first building block, A, can be in several forms, designated AMP, ADP or ATP. The form that is first synthesized in the cell is AMP.

It is comprised of 10 carbons, 11 hydrogens, seven oxygens, four nitrogens, and one phosphorous. The formation of biological molecules requires specific, highly sophisticated molecular robots. To make AMP, we also need very high tech equipment: the enzymes. In the absence of enzymes, AMP is simply not made. AMP is required for life on earth: it is used to make DNA and RNA, as well as a number of other critical molecules. The problem for Darwinian evolution is this: AMP is required for life. Either it immediately has a way to produce AMP, or the cell is dead.

No one has a clue how the AMP pathway is developed. And no one has written about the obstacle posed by the need to regulate a cell's metabolic pathway immediately at its inception. AMP is not the only metabolic dilemma for Darwin. The biosynthesis of the larger amino acids, lipids, vitamins, heme, and more run into the same problems, and there are difficulties beyond metabolism; mountains and chasms that block a Darwinian explanation of life. (Behe, Darwin's Black Box)

Behe best summed up his analysis of evolution with this statement: The cumulative evidence shows with piercing clarity that life is based on machines--machines made of molecules which are enormously complex. The complexity of life's foundation has paralyzed science's attempt to account for it. Faced with such complexity beneath even simple phenomenon, Darwinian theory falls silent.

But even beyond the complexity of life that Darwin knew nothing about is this question that science can't answer: What makes organisms live? When an organism dies, all the necessary ingredients for life are still prevalent. And yet the organism no longer lives.

Why? A good analogy is an appliance or machine that runs on electricity. Although all the components are installed to operate the machine (computer, television, refrigerator etc.), it can't run without electricity.

Thus, a living organism can't live without the spirit or soul that gives it life. (James 2:26) Science has no explanation for that and never will because to admit that life contains a spiritual dimension is to admit that something exists beyond the physical realm.

If evolution is true, then how do we explain death? Why do organisms grow old and die? Thus, death provides the ultimate rebuke and contradiction of evolution's theory of Natural Selection. If random evolutionary forces are driving life toward perfection, then organisms shouldn't be aging and dying off. But they are. There can be no such thing as survival of the fittest as long as death exists. Why would Natural Selection program aging, sickness and death into the DNA of every living organism? Science has no answer for that either.

And how does science explain human behavior? If human beings are evolving toward perfection, then moral and crime statistics betray that belief. The human race is becoming much more wicked and immoral, and the evidence proves that. Natural Selection should be eliminating the morally unfit from society. However, only a fool would argue that the world is becoming a safer, friendlier, more benign place to live.

The apostle Paul explained the real reason why human beings become violent, and it has absolutely nothing to do with science. Paul wrote: "Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Romans 1:28-32)

Indeed, evolution is one of those doctrines of demons that Paul warned of nearly 2,000 years ago. But why? Because it denies the existence of God. And if God doesn't exist, then the 10 Commandments and God's transcendent moral laws recorded in the Bible are nothing but human constructs than can be changed or eliminated.

Even worse, if evolution is true, then no one is morally accountable for their actions, and no judgment awaits anyone at death. Certainly, heaven and hell can't exist and death becomes the ultimate escape for even the most wicked people. If God doesn't exist, then such evil monsters as Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin fare no worse in death than Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa.

Indeed, evolution has been perhaps the most demonic doctrine that has encouraged depravity and evil across the world since it was introduced in 1859.

Concerning the increase of evil in the last days, Paul prophesied this: "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

That describes a world that no longer believes in God. And that's a terrifying world where fascism eventually takes over after the world has fallen into complete depravity. Paul's prophecy in his second letter to Timothy is directly related to the world's embrace of Darwin's terrible theory.

Ironically, Darwin himself admitted that if it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down. (Darwin, Origin of Species, p. 154)

Science has indeed proven that life was designed and created by God and did not come about by accident in some primordial pond millions of years ago. Indeed, Darwin's theory has broken down and can't be fixed. Tragically, for atheists, a broken theory that dismisses God--no matter how bad it is--is better than the evidence for God.

The Dark Spiritual Powers

Perhaps one of the most overlooked scriptures in the Bible's New Testament is this one: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)

That was included in the apostle Paul's letter to the early church at Ephesus. What did Paul mean? He clearly meant that much of the trouble in the world is caused by dark spiritual powers that inhabit the heavenly realms. When most people think of the heavenly realms, they certainly don't think of demons. Rather, they think of God and angels.

But those demonic powers exist and they're under the authority of Satan who the Bible identifies as "the god of this world." (2 Corinthians 4:4) Those evil spirits are tasked with spreading Satan's lies across the world by influencing its civilizations. That includes politics, education, entertainment, the arts, religion and the media.

And their primary task is this: to prevent the salvation of every human being on the planet by denying or distorting God's grace revealed through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel declares this: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus Christ), that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." (John 3:16-18)

Though Paul's caveat wasn't a new revelation, it was necessary because the early churches--like many modern churches--had fallen into the trap of attempting to do God's will by humanistic means rather than by the power of God's Holy Spirit.

For example? Politics. Many Christians are convinced that they can change the world simply by electing the right candidates. That's a dangerous fallacy because politics is often corrupted by Big Money. Besides, politicians reflect the culture they come from.

If they're mendacious and corrupt, that's because they come from a culture that tolerates and approves of such behavior. They certainly aren't going to change their behavior once they gain office. Rather, they're going to use that behavior to maintain their grip on power.

And so, just how do Satan's fallen angels spread their influence? Specifically, through the physical senses. Since all human beings are born into sin and are separated from God (Romans 3:23), they belong to Satan. (John 8:44) 

As such, he either influences them directly through their minds (hallucinogenic drugs, occultism, eastern religions etc.) or through the culture. But either way, the message is always the same; there is no personal God, there is no heaven or hell, good and evil are the same, there are no rules and death is just an illusion. Does that sound familiar? It should. That's the message taught by the eastern religions. That's the message that folks get when they encounter "spiritual beings" while on powerful drug trips.

And that's the message being promoted by the education, media and entertainment industries throughout the world. That message provides the foundation for all the moral depravity that plagues the world today. That message has led to an explosion of crime, violence and moral decadence over the past 60 years. It's the same message that Satan's been promoting since the dawn of history when he deceived Adam and Eve in the primordial Garden of Eden.

That's the message that motivated Paul to warn the early Ephesian church. How do we heed that message? By raising up our children on biblical values rather than on godless worldly values. By making those biblical values relevant to children so that they won't abandon them later in life when they're confronted with Satan's lies. By becoming knowledgeable in God's wisdom by studying and meditating on His word. By a consistent, dedicated prayer life.

And by putting into practice what Paul admonished the Ephesians to do: "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." (Ephesians 6:13-18)

Though Paul wrote that letter nearly 2,000 years ago, it was meant for all the churches then and now. Had the Christian church heeded that message, we wouldn't be experiencing all the trouble we're seeing in the world today. But we are because the church ignored that message. And the results speak for themselves.

Trashing the Cash

The Kollektomat: The latest way to tithe in Sweden

Though not many folks equate Sweden with innovation, that country is poised to become the first nation that will completely eliminate cash and switch to a fully electronic economic system.

And why not? Cash and coins represent just two percent of Sweden's economy compared to 7.7 percent in the United States and 10 percent in European nations that use the Euro.

Paper and coins have become so rare in the Scandinavian nation that some churches (yes, they still do have churches in Sweden) have installed Kollektomats, or machines for those who prefer to tithe with debit and credit cards rather than with old fashioned money.

Furthermore, according to the New York Times, at more than half of the branches of the country’s biggest banks, including SEB, Swedbank, Nordea Bank and others, no cash is kept on hand, nor are cash deposits accepted. They say they are saving a significant amount on security by removing the incentive for bank robberies.

Imagine going to a bank and not being able to deposit or withdraw cash. That's unheard of in most countries where cash is still king. But the Swedes have a point; cash encourages bank robberies. And without cash, there's nothing to take. 

Also keep in mind that cash is the lifeblood of organized crime. Drug dealers to street gangs to powerful and violent drug cartels operate exclusively in cash. Anyone with a functional brain understands that if you want to get rid of violent street gangs and reduce gun homicides, you get rid of paper money. Why don't governments do that? Because too many powerful politicians are being paid by the drug cartels not to do that.

However, getting rid of cash won't solve cyber-crime or the theft of credit and debit card numbers. Nor will it solve identity theft. Eliminating cash is just the first step towards a fully electronic and highly intrusive economic system that's coming and will eventually be utilized to keep track of everyone in the world.

How's that going to happen? It's going to happen through what a wealthy venture capitalist named Mark Andreessen calls "second wave technology." What's that? Second wave technology involves installing high-tech microchips in everything from tables to doors to walls that will allow people to make phone calls and access the internet without their smart phones or computers.

According to Andreessen, the new technology will enable the chips to produce virtual three-dimensional screens on the devices they've been installed. You'll be able to make a phone call or go online anywhere without a handheld device.

Andreessen is so confidant in the new technology that he's invested $25 million in companies such as Samsara and Helium that are developing the technology. Here's what he said: The end state is fairly obvious - every light, every doorknob will be connected to the internet. Just like with the web itself, there will be thousands of use cases--energy efficiency, food safety, major problems that aren't as obvious as smartwatches and wearables. 

Still, how will this prevent financial crimes? Another feature of second wave technology involves installing personal barcodes or chips in people that will enable them to use the devices containing the microchips. These barcodes or chips will be unique to each individual and will be useless if they're stolen or removed from their hosts. 

The codes or chips will replace checks, credit and debit cards. You'll never lose them because they'll be permanently installed on you. You won't be able to buy, sell or transact any business without them. And they'll contain all of your personal information as well as your financials. These devices will also serve as GPS monitors in case the authorities want to locate you and quickly.

Doesn't that sound just great? No more robberies, stolen card numbers or identity theft. Indeed, that sounds great until you realize that over 1,900 years ago, the apostle John received a revelation from God concerning the end times and the implementation of a global financial system by a tyrannical world government and its wicked ruler the Antichrist.

Here's what John wrote: "He also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name." (Revelation 13:16-17)

That's where the second wave technology is eventually going to lead. And in order for people to receive these chips or barcodes, they'll be required to swear allegiance to and worship the Antichrist. Those who refuse will be forced to go into hiding and survive on their instincts. If they're caught, they'll be killed. 

Why would anyone refuse these essential devices? Why? Because the Bible warns that those who accept these codes or chips will be damned forever, even if they profess to be Christians. (Revelation 14:9-11)

When will this economic system be implemented? It's still probably many years away. But things can happen quickly. With the world moving steadily toward a global government, that economic system is getting closer. 

Certainly, the technology already exists. And the elimination of paper money is just the first step towards the dreaded prophetic economic system of a one-world government.

Christmas Musings

Beware of false messiahs

This is one of those blog postings you write when you're all caught up with everything. And so, I've decided to offer my opinions on some topics that I've been asked about recently.

On the U.S. presidential campaign: The American political process stinks at the national level. It's utterly corrupt and controlled by Big Money. I really don't care who gets elected because we always end up getting the same thing. Before Barack Obama, we had George W. Bush who put the government on steroids and blew up the national debt. Remember TARP? (Troubled Asset Relief Program) That was a Bush program. When you compare Obama to Bush, the only real difference is that Obama prefers to use proxies to fight his wars (leading from behind) while Bush used the U.S. military. The impeccable Matt Drudge (drudgereport.com) believes that barring a severe illness or death, Hillary Clinton will become the next president. That wouldn't surprise me.

On Barack Obama's legacy:  When you think of Obama, you have to consider the people who made him possible. That would be David Axelrod, Tony Rezko, (former Chicago Mayor) Richard M. Daley and the corrupt Chicago Democratic Machine. As an Illinois legislator, Barack Obama was a nondescript senator. He had few accomplishments. He was essentially a zero. Suddenly, almost overnight, he became one of the most brilliant leaders in the world. How did that happen? When he ran against Bobby Rush for Congress in the 2000 Illinois Democratic Primary, the streetwise Rush destroyed Obama by portraying him as an uppity n****r and a carpetbagger (outsider) who talked down to the common people. Rush's tactics worked and he clobbered Obama in that primary. What did Obama do? He got schooled in Chicago's African-American culture by learning the language and moves of the street. Suddenly, he started talking and acting like one of the locals instead of the arrogant, Ivy League educated outsider that he had previously been. It certainly worked for him. Why did Obama run for the presidency? I refuse to believe that it was his idea. He was encouraged to run by wealthy leftists and globalists who needed a charismatic con artist to implement their globalist agenda. And Obama was that man.

On the growth of secularism in the west: Secularism is just another metaphor for leftism, liberalism, progressivism, socialism, Marxism, communism etc. Secularism has grown exponentially in the west because of the spiritual vacuum that was created beginning in the 19th century when the Christian church stopped contending for the faith. The church lost the culture and the godless left took over. The left now controls all aspects of western culture from education, the media, the entertainment industry, art and politics. As evil as the left is, they're diligent. Had the church been as diligent in contending for the faith and keeping the Gospel relevant to the world, we wouldn't have all the problems that we're seeing today.

On the difference between secularism and Judeo-Christianity:  Secularism-leftism etc. is a total inversion of the Judeo-Christian worldview. While the Bible declares that all human beings are born with a sinful nature (Romans 3:23), secularism teaches that everyone is born basically good. Thus, according to the secular worldview, people do bad things when they become corrupted by the surrounding environment. That doesn't make any sense. If everyone is born virtuous, then who corrupted the environment? And why? Furthermore, leftists see tyrants such as Stalin, Mao, Hitler, Castro, al Qaeda, ISIS etc. not as villains, but rather as victims who fight back against their oppressors (conservatives, Jews, Christians, capitalists, white Europeans etc.). That's why the left embraces monstrous dictators and terror groups. And that's why Obama steadfastly refuses to call out Islamic terrorism. In his mind, the jihadists are merely fighting back against white Christian imperialism and Israel's presence ("occupation") in the Middle East.

On the future of Islam: I truly believe that Islam's days in the world are numbered. Why do I believe that? Because the emerging nations in the eastern world--China, Russia, India, South Korea--don't want Islam. They understand how dangerous Islam is. It's not a religion of peace and it's never been. It's an historically violent religion that's extremely intolerant of all other faiths. Contrary to the bull that's being spread throughout the west by leftists and Islamists, Islam hasn't been hijacked by a few "extremist radicals." The jihadists who commit mayhem and murder in the name of their religion do so in obedience to what their religion teaches, rather than in opposition to what it teaches. I've covered that at length, and anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of Islam understands that religion's violent theology. 

On the worst type of sin: All sin is bad and separates us from the Holy God we were created to have fellowship with. But the worst sort of sin is sexual immorality. Why? The apostle Paul explained it: "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) Sexual sin encompasses fornication, adultery, incest, pedophilia, bestiality, homosexuality and lesbianism. Jesus Christ also explained that people who divorce and remarry for any reason other than unfaithfulness (infidelity) commit adultery. (Matthew 5:32)  From my experience, bad things tend to happen to people who are sexually immoral. And if you die in that sin--even if you claim to be a Christian--you'll be condemned to hell. So take my advice and get out of that sin--immediately! 

To us a Child is Born

Though Christmas isn't the true birthday of Jesus Christ, it's a day when people across the world ostensibly honor the Son of God and the King of Kings.

I say ostensibly because Christmas has morphed into just another empty holiday for many folks. Gifts are given and received, and a lot of food and alcohol is consumed. But Jesus Christ? He's just the innocent baby in a manger that made the holiday possible.

Actually, the early Catholic Church made Christmas possible in about the 4th century when that church combined a pagan festival called the Saturnalia with the birth of Christ. The Saturnalia was a celebration that paid homage to the Roman god Saturn who was honored from December 17-25 with raucous revelry, feasting, drinking and orgies.

Why did the Catholic Church change the Saturnalia to Christ's birthday? To attract the pagans into the church by allowing them to keep their traditions. The pagans were allowed to keep their annual end of year festival as long as they celebrated it as Christmas instead of the Saturnalia.

Is it wrong for Christians to celebrate Christmas? Not necessarily. But given the pagan roots of the holiday, why would they want to? When was Christ born? We don't know the exact date. Biblical scholars estimate that He was likely born in June or July of 1 B.C. But He wasn't born on December 25.

What's truly important about Christ's birth is that it fulfilled God's word revealed to His ancient prophets concerning the coming of the Jewish Messiah and Savior of the world. In the 8th century B.C., the prophet Isaiah wrote this: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us)." (Isaiah 7:14)

The rabbis claim that the Hebrew language contains no word for a virgin. And they're correct. The Hebrew word that Isaiah used was almah which means fair maiden. Therefore, the rabbis claim that the gentiles intentionally misinterpreted that word to make it fit Christ.

However, the rabbis are wrong. In the 3rd century B.C., Egyptian King Ptolemy commissioned several Hebrew scholars to translate the Hebrew Pentateuch (bible) into the Septuagint so the gentiles could study the Hebrew scriptures. The scholars translated the Pentateuch into Greek which was the universal language of the ancient world at that time. And they translated almah into parthenos which is the Greek word for a virgin.

The Hebrew scholars knew the context of almah. And certainly, they had no idea who the Messiah was to be since He hadn't appeared yet. But they did know that Isaiah was referring to a virgin who would give birth to the Messiah. And that Messiah turned out to be Jesus Christ.

Christ's birthplace in Bethlehem was revealed by the prophet Micah in the 8th century B.C. Here's what he wrote: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old,  from ancient times." (Micah 5:2)

However, far more important than Christ's birth was His life, ministry, death and resurrection. Christ came to reconcile the world back to God by becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin that God's infinite justice demanded. No good works, adherence to religious traditions or the blood sacrifice of animals would suffice. 

Only the shed blood of a perfect, innocent man could pay the price. And Christ paid that ultimate price when He willingly offered Himself on Calvary's cross for the sins of the world. The prophet Isaiah wrote this: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)  

How could the prophet have known in the 8th century B.C. that the Messiah would die for the sins of the world? He didn't know that. God revealed it to him. And Isaiah also revealed this: "Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities." (Isaiah 53:10-11)

Those passages reveal the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were revealed nearly 800 years before Christ war born. They confirm that God is real; Jesus Christ is His Son and that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Those passages also reveal that there is only one way to salvation and eternal life, and that's by faith in Jesus Christ's death on the cross for your sins and His resurrection from the dead. There is no other way. No world religion, whether it's Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Universalism etc. can save anyone. Christ said this: "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Heavenly Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

And so, here's another scripture to celebrate Christmas with: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Amen.

Fighting the Wrong Battles

The Rev. Franklin Graham

Surely, the Rev. Franklin Graham is familiar with this scripture: "No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." (2 Timothy 2:4)

That was the apostle Paul's caveat to the early church to avoid using worldly methods to advance the Gospel instead of the power of God's Holy Spirit. Paul used a soldier as a metaphor for a Christian and a commanding officer as a metaphor for Jesus Christ.

What did Paul have in mind when he issued that warning? He had politics in mind. Though the political process was much different in Paul's day, it was a human endeavor that influenced the people through legislative power.

Paul wanted the early church to stay out of the political arena because there's no spiritual power there. Meaning what? Meaning that legislative power forces people to act and behave--often against their will--while the spiritual power of God encourages people to act and behave according to God's will.

Simply explained, people behave badly when they either don't fear or believe in God. Bad behavior entails a litany of things from murder, rape, robbery, violence, sexual immorality, alcohol and drug addictions, gambling etc. Even though we have laws that criminalize such behavior, they don't prevent such behavior. If you don't believe that, then consider how well gun and drug laws work.

When people fear God, crime and moral decadence declines. But when people don't fear God--either because they don't believe in Him or they don't believe He's omniscient--then crime and decadence explode. When that happens, the easy solution is always to pass more laws to prohibit crime and decadence. That's not a bad thing.

But that's a solution for the secular world and not for the Christian church. Evil always increases in the absence of God's presence. In order for people to be morally strong, they have to believe in and fear God. And that comes by preaching the Gospel and keeping it relevant to the world.

That's where the Christian church began to fail in the 19th century--initially in Europe--when the church began to doubt the Bible as the inerrant word of God. When that happened, the church turned away from the biblical gospel to the powerless social gospel and attempted to do God's will via secular methods.

Needless to say, you can see the results. Violence and moral decadence prevail throughout the western world. Such abominations as abortion, and lifestyles such as homosexuality and transgenderism that were historically condemned, are now glorified while gay marriage has been codified.

And such behaviors as alcoholism, drug and gambling addictions that were historically defined as bad moral choices, have been redefined as "diseases." When a moral choice is reclassified as a disease, that removes moral accountability from the equation. And evil multiplies exponentially.

Surely, Rev. Graham knows that. And yet, like many of his fellow evangelicals, he chose to fight evil through the political process, promoting candidates that claimed to uphold conservative values.

But the Rev. Graham has finally thrown in the towel after his Republican Party sold out conservatives recently by helping to pass a spending bill that funds the mass baby murderer Planned Parenthood. Here's what he said on his Facebook page: This is an example of why I have resigned from the Republican Party and declared myself Independent. I have no hope in the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, or Tea Party to do what is best for America. 

Ironically, the Rev. Graham's father, the legendary Rev. Billy Graham, made the same mistake many years ago before he divorced himself from politics and got back to evangelism. He realized that you can't change the world through politics. And his son, who's a dynamic preacher, has finally realized that as well.

Other evangelicals need to follow Rev. Graham's example and stop trying to do God's will via the ballot box. American politics is a filthy industry that's long been corrupted by big money from special interest groups and wealthy elites who use the political process to further their agendas. And one of those agendas is the creation of a godless, secular state that glorifies evil and persecutes those who dare speak out against it.

Surely, the Rev. Graham is familiar with another scripture: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:20) 

That's the world we live in. And a major part of that was made possible by the Christian church's abdication of the power of God in Christ for the futility of a civilian affair called politics.

Blissful Stupidity

The pictures explain it all

Conventional wars mandate conventional armies that travel to the venues where conventional wars are fought between opposing forces. When the stronger force prevails, the terms of peace are dictated to the weaker force and everyone tries to get on with their lives.

However, the war going on between the Islamic world and the west isn't a conventional battle. Why? Because it's a religious war between those who get their marching orders from their holy book and secularists who don't believe in God. As such, it's a war that can't be fought the traditional way.

And yet that's precisely what the western world and its ignorant leaders are attempting to do. Western leaders believe that if ISIS--the current manifestation of violent Islamic fundamentalism--can be defeated in Syria and Iraq, the world will become a more peaceful place once again.

But that's a fallacy considering that the ideology that motivates ISIS and all Islamic terror groups is found in the Quran and the Hadith. And those books aren't limited to Syria and Iraq.

However, western leaders either can't or don't want to see that because recognizing the real problem involves facing up to reality. And when you recognize reality, you recognize that you have to make some extremely tough decisions.

Such as? Such as eliminating Islam from the world. Certainly, that sounds harsh and xenophobic. And yet, as the wise old philosopher once said; it is what it is. Thus, unless Islam is eliminated, the world will continue to experience trouble.

And so, if outlawing Islam sounds harsh and extremist, then how does this sound? This is taken straight from the Quran: Those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord... So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah's Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives)... If it had been Allah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost. (Sura 47:3-4)

Here's one from the Hadith (Sayings of Muhammad): He (the Messenger of Allah) did that and said: There is another act which elevates the position of a man in Paradise to a grade one hundred (higher), and the elevation between one grade and the other is equal to the height of the heaven from the earth. He (Abu Sa'id) said: What is that act? He replied: Jihad in the way of Allah! Jihad in the way of Allah! (Muslim 20:4645)

And how does this sound? From the Hadith: Fight everyone in the way of Allah and kill those who disbelieve in Allah. (Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 992)

Do you wonder why the Jews are frequent targets of jihadists? Here's a clue from the Hadith: Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established until you fight against the Jews, and the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say. "O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him." (Bukhari 52:177)

And here's one from the Quran: O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever among you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. (Sura 5:51)

Concerning tolerance of other faiths, the Quran says this: And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers. (Sura 3:85)

Those are just some of the many Islamic scriptures that motivate terror groups such as ISIS to wage war against the world and commit atrocities such as beheadings, child rapes and mass murder. The recent murders committed in Paris and San Bernardino weren't committed by "extremists" who perverted Islam. They were committed by fundamentalists who were being obedient to what Islam teaches and has taught since the 7th century.

Killing off ISIS isn't going to eliminate terrorism from the world. Islamic fundamentalism is like a deadly cancer that keeps metastasizing. You can eliminate it from one part of the body, but it resurfaces elsewhere. As long as Islam exists, terrorism will keep manifesting. The only solution is to eliminate it completely.

And that won't happen in the west because the west is paralyzed by cowardice and political correctness. It's always easier to blame Islamic terrorism on climate change or on American imperialism or on something the Catholic Church did many centuries ago. But it's extremely hard--if not impossible--for some folks to place the blame where it belongs. And that's on Islam itself.

Before you can find the cure, you have to know the cause. But if you can't recognize the cause, then you might as well write your epitaph. Because you're finished.

With Friends Like These...

An unidentified Orthodox Jew with Pope Francis

With anti-Semitism spreading across the world once again like a deadly malignancy, a group of Orthodox rabbis has decided that it's a good time to bury the hatchet with some old enemies.

From Newsmax.com: More than 35 Orthodox rabbis from Israel, the United States and Europe are making an extraordinary plea for an end to the "toxic" history between Jews and Christians – and the beginning of cooperation "as partners to address the moral challenges of our era."

The rabbis have published an official document that outlines their peace offering to Christians. In the statement, they acknowledge that both Jews and Christians have a common covenantal mission to perfect the world under the sovereignty of the Almighty, so that all humanity will call on His name and abominations will be removed from the earth. 

The document also states that Jews and Christians have more in common than what divides us: the ethical monotheism of Abraham; the relationship with the One Creator of Heaven and Earth, Who loves and cares for all of us; Jewish Sacred Scriptures; a belief in a binding tradition; and the values of life, family, compassionate righteousness, justice, inalienable freedom, universal love and ultimate world peace. 

It's understandable that the Jews are reaching out to the Christians because both groups don't have many friends left in the world. Certainly, the Jews have a lot more experience with persecution than Christians have had. And the Jews recognize that the wholesale slaughter of Christians and the destruction of their communities throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia is identical to what they've experienced throughout the world for thousands of years. 

And so, out of concern, they've reached out to Christians to show their solidarity with them. Unfortunately, they've reached out to "Christians" who've been the biggest purveyors of anti-Semitism for nearly 17 centuries. 

The rabbis, who evidently don't know the difference between true biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism, extended their olive branch to the Vatican: We recognize that since the Second Vatican Council the official teachings of the Catholic Church about Judaism have changed fundamentally and irrevocably. The promulgation of Nostra Aetate fifty years ago started the process of reconciliation between our two communities. Nostra Aetate and the later official Church documents it inspired unequivocally reject any form of anti-Semitism, affirm the eternal Covenant between G-d and the Jewish people, reject deicide and stress the unique relationship between Christians and Jews, who were called “our elder brothers” by Pope John Paul II and “our fathers in faith” by Pope Benedict XVI. 

Vatican Council II ostensibly apologized for the Catholic Church's historical mistreatment of the Jews, going all the way back to the 4th century. In reality, the apology was a phony one that sought to distance the Roman church from Hitler's holocaust that the Catholic Church helped foment through centuries of anti-Semitism. 

Remember that Adolf Hitler, a professing Roman Catholic, qualified his murderous actions by pointing to his religion: I believe today that I am acting in the sense of the Almighty Creator. By warding off the Jews I am fighting for the Lord's work. (Adolph Hitler, Speech, Reichstag, 1936)

Why has the Catholic Church historically maligned the Jews? Because the church believes that she replaced the Jews as God's chosen people when the Jews corporately rejected Jesus Christ as their messiah. For centuries, the Catholic Church taught that God rejected the Jews and cursed them for rejecting Christ. That's a heresy more popularly known as Replacement Theology. And that's a demonic heresy that's not limited to the Catholic Church.

Did God reject the Jews? The apostle Paul provides the answer? "By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 'Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me'? And what was God’s answer to him? 'I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.' So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." (Romans 11:1-6)

Certainly, it's commendable that the Jews want to make peace with Christians. However, they need to know the difference between true Christians and phony ones. Although the Catholic Church says nice things about the Jews these days, that church hasn't changed her historical position. She continues to believe that she and not the Jews are God's chosen people, and that God is done with them.

And the Catholic Church believes that the city of Jerusalem belongs to her and not to the Jews. That's why the Catholic Church has refused to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital city since Israel became a sovereign nation once again in 1948.

The Jews may believe that the Catholic Church has become their friends. But she hasn't. And she never will as long as she exists. Rather, the Catholic Church used to kill the Jews with guns and knives and swords. 

But now, the church is killing them with kindness. As they say: With friends like these, who needs enemies?

Christ and Allah

Larycia Hawkins and her supporters at Wheaton College

It was Jesus Christ Himself who warned His followers that in the last days, "you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people." (Matthew 24:9-11)

While none of the administrators at Wheaton College (Wheaton, Ill.) have been handed over to be persecuted and put to death since they suspended Professor Larycia Hawkins, they've incurred national outrage and condemnation for their disciplinary action.

Why was Hawkins suspended? She claims it's because she wore an Islamic hijab (headscarf) in her classroom, while the college claims she was suspended for promoting heresy by teaching that Islam and Christianity worship the same God.

Hawkins recently posted this message on her Facebook page: I stand in religious solidarity with Muslims because they, like me, a Christian, are people of the book. And as Pope Francis stated last week, we worship the same God.

Indeed, Pope Francis, like his predecessors Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II, has proclaimed that Allah is the same God that Christians worship. Is that true? Absolutely not! The Bible declares that God consists of three persons (the Trinity): God the Heavenly Father, God the Son Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit. 

However, the Quran declares that Allah is a single entity who has no son: O followers of the Book! do not exceed the limits in your religion, and do not speak (lies) against Allah, but (speak) the truth; the Messiah, Isa (Jesus) son of Mary is only an apostle of Allah and His Word which He communicated to Mary and a spirit from Him; believe therefore in Allah and His apostles, and say not, Three. Desist, it is better for you; Allah is only one God; far be It from His glory that He should have a son, whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is His, and Allah is sufficient for a Protector. (Sura 4:171)

Many people believe that the Trinity was concocted by Christ's followers and can't be found anywhere in the Old Testament. They're dead wrong. Nearly 800 years before Christ appeared in the world, the prophet Isaiah wrote this concerning the Jewish Messiah: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Isaiah identified the Messiah as the incarnation and embodiment of God; the Everlasting (Heavenly) Father, the Wonderful Counselor (Holy Spirit) and the Prince of Peace (Jesus Christ) who is the Son of God. Only a fool would deny that the prophet was referring to the Trinity. 

Thus, the biblical Judeo-Christian God and the god of Islam aren't the same. And if Professor Hawkins believes otherwise, then she shouldn't be teaching at Wheaton College or any Christian school because she's of those end-time false prophets that Christ warned us about.

Prophets do more than reveal God's will concerning the future. They also teach His laws and commandments. A true prophet upholds the biblical teachings concerning God while a false prophet perverts those teachings. And Hawkins is a false prophetess for claiming that the the biblical God and Allah are the same. They're not.

Who is Allah? Before Islam, he was known as Al-Ilah, the moon god of Muhammad's Quraysh tribe, and one of 300 idols worshiped in the pagan Kabah temple in Mecca. Hence, Islam's crescent moon is a reminder of Allah's ancient identity.

Surely, if Hawkins studied the ancient religions of Arabia, she'd know that. As someone who's employed by a prestigious Christian college where the Rev. Billy Graham graduated from in 1943, she should know that.

And she should know how ludicrous and mendacious it is to compare the true God of the universe to a detestable pagan god. In fact, that's not only ludicrous and mendacious, it's blasphemous as well. To Isaiah, the Lord said this: "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." (Isaiah 45:5)

Larycia Hawkins is a good example of what's wrong with modern Christendom. Instead of being that shining beacon on a hill that calls sinners out of darkness into the eternal light of Jesus Christ, too much of the modern church has fallen into laziness and compromise with the world and its many false religions.

And Islam is a false religion that can't save anyone. Professor Hawkins ought to know that. But either she doesn't or once did but doesn't believe that anymore. If she truly believes that Muslims and Christians worship the same God, then shame on her. And shame on all those Wheaton College faculty members and students who stood by her in solidarity after she was rightly disciplined.

The Roman Catholic New World Order

Pope Francis: Preaching Marx over Christ

Islam has been in the news frequently over the past 50 years, and many folks believe that the world's destined to be governed by a caliphate.

Certainly, that seems plausible considering the demographics. Europe is quickly becoming Eurabia with millions of Muslims flooding into that continent from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Add to that equation the declining population of native Europeans, and it seems inevitable that Islam will eventually take over Europe.

However, biblical prophecy makes no mention of Islam during the last days directly preceding the return of Jesus Christ. Though it seems improbable, Islam is destined to go away and for good.

But how will that happen? If Islam is going to disappear from the world, then how's it going to disappear? And who's going to make it disappear?

Though the Bible never reveals how Islam is going to vanish, we can examine prophecy to find the answer. First of all, biblical prophecy predicts that a great counterfeit spiritual revival is going to sweep across the world culminating with the appearance of the dreaded Antichrist. 

Let the apostle Paul explain: "The coming of the lawless one (Antichrist) will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) 

Jesus Christ said this: "At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time." (Matthew 24:23-25)

Secondly, prophecy warns us that when the Antichrist appears and begins performing incredible miracles, the world will bow down to him: "All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s (Christ's) book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world." (Revelation 13:8)

The Bible seems to be describing a counterfeit Christian revival that will be ignited by demonic miracles and lead to the Antichrist. Furthermore, the apostle John, who recorded the Revelation in the late 1st century A.D. while in exile from Rome on the island of Patmos, described a world government that will be partnered with a global religion. And the religion that John described sounds very much like the Roman Catholic Church. 

When John recorded the Revelation, the Catholic Church didn't exist and wouldn't appear for another 250 years. And yet John revealed the headquarters of the global religion, (Rome) and he described the colors of the clothing worn by the clergy (purple and scarlet) that are the colors worn by the Roman Catholic priesthood. Is that a coincidence? If it is, it's an amazing one indeed.

But isn't the Catholic Church a has-been? Hasn't she become a proverbial white elephant over the past century? Doesn't she seem destined for extinction? Then how can she make a comeback? How? Remember the explosion of supernatural events the Bible predicts are going to happen. 

And remember that the Virgin Mary (not to be confused with Christ's true mother Miriam) who is highly exalted in the Catholic Church is also recognized by Islam, Hinduism and millions of Protestants. She's recognized by nearly half of the world's seven billion residents. And she holds the key to the coming revival. Also remember the metaphorical woman that John described in his vision (Revelation 17) concerning the global religion. That woman sounds like Mary.

Not ironically, Pope Francis has become one of the leading spokesmen for a New World Order. He's a Marxist who's been calling for a one world government and a massive redistribution of wealth. And not coincidentally, that's part of the global warming-climate change agenda that the Pope has also been promoting.

In his recent encyclical Laudato Si, the Pope reasoned that the world's salvation depends upon a global government: To manage the global economy; to revive economies hit by the crisis; to avoid any deterioration of the present crisis and the greater imbalances that would result; to bring about integral and timely disarmament, food security and peace; to guarantee the protection of the environment and to regulate migration: for all this, there is urgent need of a true world political authority.

That's a euphemism for a one world government. And the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church is calling for it. If that isn't a fulfillment of biblical prophecy concerning the last days, then what is?

Moving Toward a World Government

Negotiators celebrate a global climate deal in Paris

What does the recent climate deal that was agreed to by the world's 195 nations mean in the short term? Probably very little. But in the long term, it will radically change the way of life for the majority of the world's seven billion residents if it's implemented.

In what ways? In the way you travel, what you drive, where you work, how much you earn and spend, what you eat, how many children you can have, what kind of medical treatment you receive, where you live and how long you can live.

While that sounds like conspiracy theory stuff, it isn't. The Paris climate conference where the historic agreement was signed, isn't about conspiracies. Rather, it's about moving 195 individual nations into a one world government.

Certainly, that won't happen overnight. In fact, it may take many years. But it's coming. How can we be sure of that? Because biblical prophecy warned us that it would come in the very last days directly preceding the return of Jesus Christ.

But what's climate change have to do with a one world government? It has to do with this: It presents a catastrophic environmental apocalypse to the world in the form of global warming. The objective is to convince the world's nations that unless they get together and come up with a solution to lower the earth's atmospheric temperatures, the planet is doomed.

But why use climate change to effect a global government? Because climate change is a universal issue. It's something that affects the entire planet, not just certain regions. And so, in order to get everyone on board with a global government, you need a global crisis.

Why do the global elites want a one world government? Because they're convinced that a global government will prevent wars, end poverty and protect the environment. While those sound like noble causes, it's extremely dangerous to put absolute, unaccountable power into the hands of fallen sinful human beings. Human history is replete with the carnage of dictators who committed atrocities because they possessed too much power.

Who are these global elites? They are powerful politicians, bankers, hedge fund operators, religious leaders, business oligarchs, scientists, educators, media moguls, celebrities etc. who are convinced we need a global government. And they formulate their policies in such groups as the United Nations, Bilderbergers, the Trilateral Commission, the Club of Rome, the Sierra Club and the Council on Foreign Relations.

From these groups, the policies go out to the media and thousands of grass roots organizations that promote the climate agenda throughout the world. Dissenters are condemned as anti-science deniers.

As for global warming, it isn't happening. The earth's atmospheric temperatures have fluctuated for the past 19 years, as they likely have since the beginning of time. But despite the rhetoric and propaganda coming from political elites and their stooge climatologists, the earth isn't getting any hotter. However, since most people are too lazy or ignorant--or both--to look at the evidence or lack of for global warming, the climate change charade marches on.

One of the obvious lies that climate change propagandists are peddling is this one: "The agreement will send a powerful, immediate signal to global markets that the clean energy future is open for business,” said Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, a U.S. advocacy group. "It makes a moral call for dramatic action, and it moves us closer to the crucial turning point when global carbon emissions, which have been rising for more than two centuries."

The world had no way of measuring so-called carbon emissions 200 years ago. So the claim that carbon emissions have been rising for two centuries is a bald-faced lie.

How do the international elites plan to implement a world government using the climate change ruse? By limiting and eliminating the sovereign power of individual nations, and transferring it to an international body that would eventually function as a world government. Concerning the United States, international climate laws would be imposed on the nation without congressional consent.

What's wrong with climate stewardship? Isn't that a good thing? Doesn't everyone want clean air and clean water? Yes, but this isn't about the environment. It's about a world government.

Nearly 2,600 years ago, the prophet Daniel received a metaphorical vision from God concerning four beasts that represented powerful empires. Here's how the prophet described the last kingdom: "After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns." (Daniel 7:7)

And here's the metaphorical vision that the apostle John received from God while he was in exile from Rome on the desolate island of Patmos in the late 1st century A.D.: "And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion." (Revelation 13:1-2)

The 10 horns represent the 10 nation groups that will eventually comprise this world government. The seven heads represent the rulers who will govern this 10 nation-group confederacy. And they will answer to a supreme ruler who will be the Antichrist.

That's where the climate change agenda leads to. It won't happen overnight. But it's going to happen. And now that the world has agreed to advance that agenda, there'll be no stopping it. The world may be celebrating now, but it won't be in the future. Not with the nightmare that's coming.

Radical Baloney

Radicals? Or fundamentalists?

Unless the western world faces up to the reality that there's no such thing as radical Islam, then western civilization is finished.

What is "Radical Islam?" Radical Islam is a horse manure expression invented by the western world to differentiate between so-called mainstream Islam and the Islam practiced by "extremists" who commit mayhem and mass murder in the name of Allah.

There are indeed two types of Islam; traditional Islam and fundamental Islam. A traditional Muslim is a person who identifies as a Muslim for cultural reasons because his or her family comes from an ethnic group that's been associated with Islam for many centuries. A cultural Muslim may acknowledge some or many tenets of the Quran, but seldom takes that book literally.

A fundamental Muslim is a person who takes the Quran and the Hadith (teachings of Muhammad) literally and is obedient to what those books teach. Such as the teachings that command Muslims to persecute and kill those who resist Islam's founding prophet Muhammad by refusing to convert to that religion. There's nothing extreme about that at all.

An extremist either goes beyond or finds hidden meanings in the teachings of a religious text. If you agree with this Quranic verse, then how could you go beyond what it says by doing what it says? "Those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord... So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah's Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives)... If it had been Allah's will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost." (Sura 47:3-4)

That Quranic verse exhorts Muslims to fight in the way of Allah and kill the infidels. Muhammad implored his followers to cut off the heads of the unbelievers. Was he exaggerating? Was he an extremist? Of course not. He founded Islam and he preached what he claimed he received directly from his god. And those who commit murder in the name of Islam are merely being obedient to what Muhammad taught.

Nevertheless, there are those who count on the ignorance of non-Muslims to believe that a band of "radicals" has tarnished Islam's peaceful reputation by committing violence in the name of that religion. One of those persons is Kareem Abdul Jabbar, the famous basketball player who converted to Islam many years ago during his early days in the NBA.

Here's what he said in response to Donald Trump's recommendation to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the U.S. after the deadly terror attack in San Bernardino, California: While Trump is not slaughtering innocent people, he is exploiting such acts of violence to create terror here to coerce support. As I have written before, his acts could be interpreted as hate crimes. He sounds the shrill alarm of impending doomsday even though since 9/11, about 30 Americans a year have been killed in terrorist attacks worldwide — as The Atlantic pointed out, “roughly the same number as are crushed to death each year by collapsing furniture.” Trump’s irresponsible, inflammatory rhetoric and deliberate propagation of misinformation have created a frightened and hostile atmosphere that could embolden people to violence. He’s the swaggering guy in old Westerns buying drinks for everyone in the saloon while whipping them up for a lynching. 

And so, who's the radical here? Is it Donald Trump, for recommending that a moratorium be instituted on Muslim immigration until the U.S. can better vet those who are coming here from nations where terrorism is a problem? Or is it Jabbar, for portraying Trump as a bigoted hater because Trump sees the connection between Islam and terrorism?

Jabbar isn't the only celebrity Muslim athlete who's trying to defend Islam by painting jihadists who commit murder as radicals. Former boxing champion Muhammad Ali said this: I am a Muslim and there is nothing Islamic about killing innocent people in Paris, San Bernardino, or anywhere else in the world. True Muslims know that the ruthless violence of so called Islamic Jihadists goes against the very tenets of our religion.

True Muslims are fundamentalists, and they know that violence has been an essential proselytizing tool of Islam since its inception in the 7th century A.D. True Muslims are familiar with this verse in the Quran: "And kill them (infidels) wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al Fitnah [disbelief or unrest] is worse than killing...but if they desist, then lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah [disbelief and worshiping of others along with Allah] and worship is for Allah alone." (Sura 2:191-193)

And this one from the Hadith: Allah said, "A prophet must slaughter before collecting captives. A slaughtered enemy is driven from the land. Muhammad, you craved the desires of this world, its goods and the ransom captives would bring. But Allah desires killing them to manifest the religion." (Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 484)

That's not radical Islam. That's fundamental Islam. Anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of Islam knows that. Thankfully, most of the world's nearly two billion Muslims are cultural and not fundamentalists. But it doesn't take much for one to become the other.

And so, what's the solution? Bombing ISIS in Syria and Iraq will never defeat fundamental Islam because fundamentalism exists all over the planet. And certainly, the west will never outlaw Islam because of political correctness and cowardice. The west has a significant Muslim population that would erupt if western nations tried to abolish their religion. Besides, the west lacks the will to do that.

The only solution is to present the true Prince of Peace Jesus Christ. Only Christ can bring true peace into the hearts, souls and minds of human beings. Only Christ can end the turmoil in one's heart by bringing the peace and presence of God through faith in the Son of God.

As the apostle Paul so aptly wrote: ^"But what does it (scripture) say? 'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, 'Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.' For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" (Romans 10:8-13)

That's how you defeat Islamic fundamentalism. Or as Paul put it: "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4)

And certainly, there's nothing radical about that at all.