How would Jesus respond to Islam?

POSTED BY ROBIN KINSTEAD

Alistair McGrath concludes, in his delivery of the 2006 Smith Lecture in Sydney entitled ‘The Twilight of Atheism,’ that atheism has failed historically and is on the wane for intellectuals seeking to explain contemporary life. His analysis of atheism demonstrates that the belief system presents minimal challenge to the Christian faith. His final observation is compelling. He asserts that ‘the most significant, dynamic and interesting critic of western Christianity is no longer atheism, but a religious alternative, offering a rival vision of God: Islam.’ See CASE 10. In recent months we have found that McGrath’s assertion bears out.

Given the immediate publicity in the media surrounding a recent documentary aired by UK Channel 4 program Dispatches entailed ‘Undercover Mosque - the Radicalisation of UK mosques by Saudi Wahabbism’ here (aired 15^th January 2007) and in light of the increasing growth and popularity of Islam both locally and globally, we decided to explore how Jesus might respond to Islam.

Whilst Islam, like Christianity, is ultimately as diverse in its manifestations as it is numbered in its adherents, we can make two broadly accurate assertions. Christians believe the Bible to be the authentic, divinely inspired word of God conferring final authority in all matters of truth and faith. Muslims believe the Bible to be corrupted and abrogated by the Qu’ran.

We shared our experiences and insights of Islam, discussing some of the similarities and differences between the Christian and Islamic faith. We then watched most of the documentary ‘Undercover Mosque - The Radicalisation of UK mosques by Saudi Wahabbism’ and reflected on the following issue... How should we engage with assertions made by Muslim leaders which seem to challenge our commitment to both Christ and country? Assertions like these...

Jews and Christians who do not follow the Kofi of Mohammed are Kuffar. They will go to hell. Anyone who helps or defends an apostate or a pagan or an atheist or anyone who attacks Islam will be cursed.”

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Alsheik (quoted in the documentary)

Those who disbelieve amongst the people of the Book and the polytheists, where will they go? Surfers Paradise? Gold Coast? Where? To the fire of hell. And not part-time, they'll be in it for eternity. What are these people? The most evil of God's creation on the face of earth.

Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali (in 'The Australian' here)

On the other hand, how should we engage with a secular response like this?

The jihadi puppeteers peddling Sheik Feiz videos to simpletons should be effusive in their thanks for the support of the civil liberties lobby and the social justice set and the human rights and peace groups waiting to talk to the school students and to the church bodies which see themselves as the consciences of the nation.’

Piers Akerman (in the Telegraph here)

What do you think?