Allah or Jesus?
Allah or Jesus? * by Rick Mathes. Last month I
attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state
prison security clearance.
During the training session there was a presentation
by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim
faiths who explained their belief systems.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic
imam had to say.
The imam gave a great presentation of the basics of
Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for
questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the
imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most
imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [holy war] against the
infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to
all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can
you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and
without hesitation he replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this
straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is
not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"
The _expression on his face changed from one of
authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with
his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem
trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of
your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same
in order to go to Heaven!"
The imam was speechless.
I continued, "I also have problem with being your
friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill
me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you
to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you
because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as the imam hung his
head in shame.
Chuck Colson once told me something that has
sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry.
He said to me, "Rick, remember that the truth will
prevail." And it will!
[>>Charles<<] The
author, Rick Mathes, is a well known prison ministry
leader.