This is the second entry in the book review. The first to review text. Again, I have heard the author speak on a few episodes, but I do not have a definite idea on what the content of the author's book will be. I am reading sections and reviewing.
Preface XI
The author reasons that Islam has destroyed many nations and governments over the course of 1500 years. (xi). He explains that both the United States and Canada are under threatened by Islam, and that his Canadian friends are expressing concerns with this possibility as well. Bellingham, where the author's church is located is very close to the Canadian border. By vehicle, Bellingham is approximately 70 minutes from here in Maple Ridge.
S.A. Nigosian states in 'World Faiths' in regard to Jihad (Holy War) that the Qur'an enjoins Muslim believers to "strive in the way of God". (448). Nigosian explains that Qur'an 2. 186 states for believers to 'Fight in the path of God against those who fight against, but do not seek aggression'. (448). It is stated to 'Fight against them until sedition is no more and allegiance is rendered to God alone'. (448).
Quran.com 2.186
SAHIH INTERNATIONAL
And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.
Further in Qur'an 9. 29 according to Nigosian states, quote in part: 'Fight against those who believe not in God, nor in the last day, who prohibit not what God and his Prophet have prohibited, and who refuse allegiance to the true faith.' (448).
Quran.com 9. 29
SAHIH INTERNATIONAL
Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.
Nigosian second citation appears to follow the Qur'an version I have used, more closely. I do not find his interpretation of Qur'an 2. 186 as convincing. I am not an Islamic scholar, I am dependent on the quality and accuracy of online, English versions.
Nigosian writes that this is 'combativeness'...or rather being engaged in combat against 'pagans' or opponents is called jihad, meaning holy war. (448). The goal is not primarily religious, as in conversion, but the goal is political control over societies. (448). In order to rule with the principles of Islam, in other words, Islamic law.
Lewis M. Hopfe admits that one of the most controversial aspects of Islam is 'Jihad' (Holy War). Hopfe (1987: 419). Pagans he writes may have been forced to convert but Jews and Christians and others were free to worship and they chose. Hopfe (1987: 419). It is admitted by Hopfe that there is a Muslim doctrine that one must do battle for God. Hopfe (1987: 419).
This is contrasted by Christ as the Kingdom of God is not of this world.
New American Standard Bible
Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." (John 18: 36).
Instead of Kingdom of God is eventually established as in fully culminated in Revelation 21-22 by God, and not by the military acts of the Church, Christians, Jews or people of God.
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Based on my two world religions texts and the Sahih International version of the Qur'an, Mr. Wallace is correct to have concerns in regard to Islam gaining too much political control in Canada and the United States of America.
Liberalized Muslims, will often assimilate into Western culture. Liberalized Muslims as in a similar way, liberalized Christians, will often not take their scripture too literally, and in some cases, not too seriously. But 'radical Islam' as publicly defined, appears to have some considerable agreement with orthodox Islam, in regard to the political aims of Islam and the striving for the implementation of Islamic law.
This is not fear mongering, this is reasonable philosophy based on scholarship.
HOPFE, LEWIS M. (1991) Religions of the World, New York, Macmillan Publishing Company.
NIGOSIAN, S.A. (1994) World Faiths, New York, St. Martin’s Press.
WALLACE TOM Jr. (2015) Refuting Islam, The Christian Patriots Guide to Exposing the Evils of Islam, Bellingham, Fundamental Publishers.
