Verse from the Bible Replaced By a Verse from the Koran <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
By Mary Stoy
 
When my husband and I moved to the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Memphis area a few years ago, one of the first things on my lengthy "to-do" list was to subscribe to the local daily newspaper, The Commercial Appeal (CA).  As an avid reader, I appreciate this quiet, "unplugged" method of staying current on a wide variety of issues and events. 
 
A few weeks ago, I was reading the editorial page; as usual, I looked down for the Bible verse that always appeared in the lower left corner.  To my amazement, the Bible verse had been replaced by a verse from the Qu'ran.  The following day, a Saturday, a verse from the Talmud was inserted.  On Sunday, I was relieved to see the Bible quoted, but I had a suspicion that has proved correct:  On Fridays, a Muslim holy day, our local paper now features a verse from the Qu'ran, and on Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat), they print a verse from the Talmud. 
 
Although I suspect this is a case of Political Correctness (PC) run amok, I can offer no evidence; multiple emails to the CA Editor, Chris Peck, have remained unanswered.  I asked that the CA discontinue printing verses from the Qu'ran.  I suggested more careful editing; at least one verse from the Bible and one from the Qu'ran were taken out of context, twisting their meanings beyond recognition.  I provided a short list of Qu'aranic verses that reveal awareness of and respect for God's previous revelations – the Law, the Gospel, and Jesus.  Whether these verses that support Judaism and Christianity will be printed remains to be seen. 
 
Muslims and their PC defenders will tell you there is no cause for concern.  They will insist that Allah and the God of the Bible are the same.  Numerous verses in the Qu'ran refute that idea, for they describe characteristics of Allah that are opposed to those claimed by God.  Although many verses refer to Jesus, Muslims do not believe He was crucified for our sins or that He rose again; neither do they accept that He is our Savior and our God. 
 
Muslims and their PC defenders will tell you that Islam is a religion of peace.  If you read the news pages of the CA, you will be hard pressed to understand just where this peaceful version of Islam is occurring.  Current events around the world demonstrate over and over that those who practice Islam support violent Jihad.  The big problem here is that deceit and violence toward non-Muslims were methods of conversion used by their founder.  Mohammad authorized, even encouraged, his followers to practice deceit and violence toward infidels (all of us who do not believe in Islam) until we submit to Allah.  Indeed, the word "Islam" means "submission." 
 
Perhaps you think that Islam in America is peaceful.  Americans have enjoyed a history of religious freedom, acceptance of immigrants, and a willingness to spice up the "melting pot." However, the premise has been that newcomers would assimilate to our culture.  This does not appear to be the goal of Muslims – not just in the United States, but also in Canada and Western Europe.  Indeed, they are disrupting established institutions and demanding accommodations to their religion and to Sharia law. They insinuate themselves into the culture only to change it. 
 
Perhaps you think that Jihad refers to the internal struggles that  Muslims experience as they mature in their faith.  However, Jihad also refers to the struggles Muslims are asked to participate in and promote within a much wider arena.  According to Mawlana Sayid Abul Ala Mawdudi, an Indian who is regarded as one of Islam's great scholars:
 
Islam is not a normal religion like the other religions in the world, and Muslim nations are not like normal nations.  Muslim nations are very special because they have a command from Allah to rule the entire world and to be over every nation in the world.  Islam is a revolutionary faith that comes to destroy any government made by man.  The goal of Islam is to rule the entire world and submit all of mankind to the faith of Islam.  Any nation or power that gets in the way of that goal, Islam will fight and destroy.  In order to fulfill that goal, Islam can use every power available every way it can be used to bring worldwide revolution.  This is Jihad.
 
As Americans, we have an obligation and a desire to accept the foreigners in our midst, to demonstrate our values, including freedom, education for all, respect for women, equal treatment under the law, and a clear line between government and religion. Whether Muslims absorb or even appreciate these demonstrations is unclear.  It has been my observance that they prefer to remain apart.  In the Memphis area, according to an article in the CA, Muslims are laying the groundwork for a large complex that will include a mosque, recreational facilities, and a community center.
 
As Christians, we have an obligation to show God's love to our neighbors.  God's love is infinite and merciful, but it is not without boundaries.  God's love does not accept the distortion of His Word.  We are required to correct the lies and speak for Truth.  As much as we are able, we are to live peaceably with all men.  This will become more difficult as the pushes come to shoves.  When conflict arises, Muslims will align as Muslims, and not as Americans.  As one Muslim said during a meeting called for the purpose of interfaith dialogue, "Thanks to your democratic laws, we will invade you.  Thanks to our religious laws, we will dominate you."
 
In the face of this insidious encroachment on our culture and our faith, what is an American Christian to do?  I encourage you to become educated on the issues.  Do not stop with The Commercial Appeal or your favorite online news web.  For excellent overviews, I recommend the books Islam in Context by Peter G. Riddell and Peter Cotterell and Understanding the Koran by Mateen Elass.  A good myth-buster is The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) by Robert Spencer.  For an insider's viewpoint, I recommend Why I Left Jihad, by "Ex-Muslim Terrorist" Walid Shoebat.
 
More importantly, pray about these issues.  We know that only God will be able to change the hearts of those who oppose Him.  Nevertheless, we are to be His instruments.  Loving our neighbors means doing what is best for them in a gracious manner.  If we have Muslim neighbors, let's do what we can to become acquainted, to help them learn about our values, and to show them Christ in our lives.
 
Love does not stay silent when God's truth is distorted, whether in our schools or in our media.  Love of God demands that we defend our faith.  Please ask God what He would have you do.