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| A Baghdad church. More 'religion of peace' imageshere |
It is entirely understandable that the authorities would want to avoid a backlash after the random, callous murder of an innocent British soldier in Woolwich. Less understandable is the response of the Prime Minister who defended Islam saying that it was "a betrayal of Islam" and "there is nothing in Islam that justifies this truly dreadful act" while his Deputy quoted from the Koran in apparent ignorance that one verse can be abrogated by another or another verse used as justification for acts of terror: [Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, "I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip." [8:12]. Cleggsaid that the unspeakable act “flies in the face of the peace and love that Islam teaches” as he paid special tribute to London's Muslim community. Is he blind to what is happening around the world? Where is that 'peace and love' in Muslim dominated countries where Christians are leaving in droves in fear of their lives and their churches razed to the ground?
Recent census figures clearly illustrate that Christianity in this country is on the wane while Islam is increasing rapidly, particularly among the young, giving rise to the prediction: “In another 20 years there are going to be more active Muslims than there are churchgoers”. The unwarranted glorification of Islam as the 'religion of peace' helps to validate a supremacist ideology encouraging more people to assume that there is nothing to fear from Islam, contrary to evidence worldwide. The perpetrators of the latest atrocity are believed to be of Nigerian descent, a country ravaged by Islamism. All should be aware of what is happening in Nigeria. ReadThe Supremacist's Ideology Of Islam which explains 'ISLAM’S CLAIM FOR PEACE'.
Attempts to separate religion from its Islamist ideology are futile because the ideology dictates a way of life which elevates Muslims above Christians and Jews which has already resulted in the 'cleansing' of Islamic countries. If Messrs Cameron and Clegg are ignorant of this process around the world there is plenty of evidence available. They could starthere by reading 'Islam and Extremism: What is Underneath' after picking up the basic differences between Islam and other religionshere.
With fear of possible reprisals it is not surprising that Muslims have gone to great lengths to distance themselves from this atrocity. Westernised Muslims may indeed be sincere in their condemnation but their motives can never be guaranteed because their religion sanctions dishonesty, taqiyya, in defense of Islam.
The victim card is already being played, even in Cairo [here] where the persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt is well documented. Conscious of requests for calm I effectively imposed self censorship in pondering whether to make this entry but the more I read the more absurd our position has become in making Islam untouchable at the expense of Chritianity in a supposedly Christian country. It is being defended as a sacred religion of peace enabling Islamism to gain ground because people are not given the full facts and accused of Islamophobia for daring to raise legitimate questions. In an article for the Observer Dr Matthew Goodwin, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham who advises the government on tackling race hatred wrote:
"Many have suggested that the events in Woolwich have fuelled a wave of public hostility towards British Muslims and Islam more generally. But our findings, based on a YouGov survey undertaken within 24 hours of the attack, suggest that the picture is both more complex and more positive.
First, we find some evidence to suggest that, in the aftermath of these tragic events, Britons were more likely to think positively about community relations. There are some challenging results, such as the finding that the number of citizens who think that conflict between groups is "largely inevitable" has risen by seven points to 40%, or that agreement with the suggestion that there will be a serious clash between British Muslims
and white Britons has also risen, by nine points to 59%. But these buck the broader trend.
Compared with last year, when we ran the same survey, people are now either just as likely, or more likely, to endorse a series of more positive statements: that Muslims are compatible with the national way of life; are good citizens; make important contributions to society; and share British culture and values ." [My emphasis - Ed.]
A measured response is essential but it is a grave error of judgement to take a head-in-the-sand view that Islam can be judged by Christian standards. If it is a 'religion of peace' why are there so many conflicts around the world involving Muslims? The fact the Muslims are fighting other Muslims is not an excuse for turning a blind eye to the threat. The Government has been busily discarding Christian values creating a spiritual vacuum that on current trends will be filled by Islam, an ideology that justifies not only the oppression of non-believers butdeath for apostasy. This is a dangerous strategy. Compare the statement at the end of the previous paragraph with this statement taken from the link at the end of the second paragraph:
"Even though Muslims claim their religion preaches peace, a critical observation shows that this is far from the truth.
As long as a Muslim population in a given area, community or Country is below 2%, they regard themselves as a peace-loving people who do not pose a threat to other citizens.
At 2%-5% Muslims begin to proselytize other disaffected ethnic minorities and groups often recruiting from the jails and street gangs. This is the case in about 5 Countries as you can see.
COUNTRY / MUSLIM %
Denmark / 2%
Germany / 3.7%
United Kingdom / 2.7%
Spain / 4%
Thailand / 4.6%"
Not only Government Ministers but religious leaders are following the line that such acts as witnessed in Woolwich have no place in Islam but the leadership of the church today has more to do with politics than defending Christian orthodoxy. By adding their validation of a religious ideology that seeks our extinction what hope can there be? Even if Islamist violence were not the reality that it is, Christians are supposed to believe that there is only one way to the Father and that is through Christ. If we lose that conviction we are already lost to the so-called 'religion ofpeace' under Islam.
Perhaps there is some comfort in getting old after all - but what of our children and our children's children? If this pretence continues it will be too late to turn the tide. We need honesty based on world wide evidence, not blinkered denial. Ignoring legitimate concerns serves only to encourage rather than discourage elements in society looking for an excuse to take matters into their own hands. That must be avoided. Honesty must be the best policy.
This year we searched in vain for packs of Easter cards with an icon depicting the Resurrection. There were plenty of cards to choose from with fluffy bunnies, flowers and eggs, even a few floral crosses but not what we wanted. After our initial disappointment I found myself reflecting on the part that flowers and eggs have played in our Easter celebrations. In particular I recalled the powerful fragrance of freesias and lilies which adorned the Altar of Repose, the result of many hours of work when help was taken for granted. Much has changed in the passing years. Divided congregations have become increasingly elderly. There are fewer, if any, children in many churches compared with the days when the Sunday School children, later re-named the more trendy 'Junior Church', would join the main congregation to await the vicar's usual question, "Why Easter eggs?" Back would come the eager replies of "New life!" earning the reward of a Cadbury's cream egg - and not just for the children :)
Swanbridge Photo:Francis Frith
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