As I was listening to a podcast of The White Horse Inn called “The Mission Statement,” part of the discussion touched on the difference between Reformed Christianity and Islam regarding their view of politics.
The difference was summarized along these lines: the Islamic view of politics if most faithful to its creed when religion and civil law coincide. In the article, “Islamic Politics—Introduction”, we learn, “One of the most controversial aspects of Islamic politics is the concept of jihad, or “holy war.””
Khurshi Ahmad explains, “A Muslim is one whose outlook on life is permeated with this consciousness [of the pillars of Islam]. . . Jihad has been described in the Qur’an and the Sunnah as the natural corollary of these pillars of faith. Commitment to God involves commitment to sacrifice one’s time, energy and wealth to promote the right cause. It may be necessary at times to give one’s life in order to preserve Truth.” (Khurshid Ahmad, Islam: Its Meaning and Message, 3rd ed. Leicester, UK: The Islamic Foundation, 1999, pg. 39.)
In contrast, Christians are consistent with their creed when religion and politics are separate. To a Christian there are two kingdoms in this world, the kingdom of God and the kingdom(s) of men.
Dan Bryant writing in the September/October Issue of Modern Reformation magazine explains, “While God instituted the authority of the civil magistrate, he did not institute it to be a means of redemption. Its task is temporal justice; limiting the effects of wickedness. The kingdom of God will never be advanced by the state or through politics. God alone accomplishes redemption, graciously drawing rebellious men and women to himself, bringing them into his holy body, the church, the bride of Christ, which has the risen, reigning Christ even now as its head.” (Dan Bryant, Modern Reformation Magazine, “Christianity & Politics: How Shall the Twain Meet?”)
Understanding these different views, I now understand that to separate the state and religion is to gut Islam of a central tenet that defines their religion. Any one that asserts that Islam can be integrated into Western political society is only deceiving themselves. Either Islam will relent (not likely), or the West will have to someday use force against Islamic forces in order not to be swallowed up by Islamic Theocratic law.
As for Christians, we are called to preach the Gospel, and there is no other option. If Islam should gain a foothold in the United States true Christians will continue to do so--even at the pain of death or persecution becase we are taught, ". . .do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28 ESV)
The difference was summarized along these lines: the Islamic view of politics if most faithful to its creed when religion and civil law coincide. In the article, “Islamic Politics—Introduction”, we learn, “One of the most controversial aspects of Islamic politics is the concept of jihad, or “holy war.””
Khurshi Ahmad explains, “A Muslim is one whose outlook on life is permeated with this consciousness [of the pillars of Islam]. . . Jihad has been described in the Qur’an and the Sunnah as the natural corollary of these pillars of faith. Commitment to God involves commitment to sacrifice one’s time, energy and wealth to promote the right cause. It may be necessary at times to give one’s life in order to preserve Truth.” (Khurshid Ahmad, Islam: Its Meaning and Message, 3rd ed. Leicester, UK: The Islamic Foundation, 1999, pg. 39.)
In contrast, Christians are consistent with their creed when religion and politics are separate. To a Christian there are two kingdoms in this world, the kingdom of God and the kingdom(s) of men.
Dan Bryant writing in the September/October Issue of Modern Reformation magazine explains, “While God instituted the authority of the civil magistrate, he did not institute it to be a means of redemption. Its task is temporal justice; limiting the effects of wickedness. The kingdom of God will never be advanced by the state or through politics. God alone accomplishes redemption, graciously drawing rebellious men and women to himself, bringing them into his holy body, the church, the bride of Christ, which has the risen, reigning Christ even now as its head.” (Dan Bryant, Modern Reformation Magazine, “Christianity & Politics: How Shall the Twain Meet?”)
Understanding these different views, I now understand that to separate the state and religion is to gut Islam of a central tenet that defines their religion. Any one that asserts that Islam can be integrated into Western political society is only deceiving themselves. Either Islam will relent (not likely), or the West will have to someday use force against Islamic forces in order not to be swallowed up by Islamic Theocratic law.
As for Christians, we are called to preach the Gospel, and there is no other option. If Islam should gain a foothold in the United States true Christians will continue to do so--even at the pain of death or persecution becase we are taught, ". . .do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28 ESV)
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