>From Lawrence de Bivort: > Some 'substitutes' for racial bigotries come readily to > mind: anti-Muslim (from evangelical Christians and current > American society); anti-Semitism (eg from the Nazis); > anti-Palestinians (from Israelis). Perhaps anti-Liberals?
I have a perfect example of anti-Mulsim hatred disguised as Christian piety, retrieved from a private group list that I somehow managed to get "included" in. (Don't ask me how this came about!) I actually received the following "true" letter twice approximately a year apart, so it would seem that my original objections were ignored - or overruled. What absolutely astonished me was the incredible amount of arrogance and "scripting" the original author displayed in how he characterized the behavior of "the Imam". In just a couple of sentences it is alleged that the Christian minister was capable of reducing the Imam's religious ideology to shreds. That's one for the Christians, and zero for the Muslims! For those curious I recommend browsing www.snopes.com, for a run down on similar internet rumors, including the source of this viral letter that continues to circulate through the internet like a virulent case of Swine-flu: See http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/allah.asp And now, for your entertainment, the so-called Christian letter of pious "enlightenment": ------------- Allah or Jesus? 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 who represented 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 all of the 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 al 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 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 said, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pop John Paul command 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 continue, "I also have a 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 tell[s] 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 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 for 20 years of prison ministry. He said to me, "Rick, remember that the truth wil prevail." And it will! ------------- Regards Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
