Islam—A Worldview of Difference, Part 1
Posted on May 13, 2007
Filed Under Islam & Biblical Christianity, Worldview |
Fifteen years ago, when I was working at the White House, I commuted with a very close friend who worked at a think tank in Washington D.C. After the fall of the Soviet Union, our conversations in the car often turned toward what would constitute the next major world threat. My friend, who is one of the smartest people I know, didn’t hesitate in his opinion: it would be the rise of radical Islamic fundamentalism. Day after day, he presented the growing evidence that finally convinced me as well.
That was very early in the 1990’s, when Islam was the last thing on any of our minds. But that has all drastically changed now. In fact, the proper word for the speed and extent to which Islam has become such a prominent issue in the world and in our lives is simply ‘breathtaking’.
Islam is a worldview—a worldview that in some ways is similar to Christianity, but in many ways radically different. I would like to examine them, side by side. In so doing, I think we will not only learn why things are happening the way they are, but hopefully we will gain a better understanding of the great distinctions that a biblical worldview has compared to other world religions, and with Islam in particular.
As we do, several areas are going to be controversial and challenging. For example, one key area will be the issue of whether or not one believes that the canon of Scripture is closed. Is God still ‘writing’ Scripture through prophets? Another area will deal with the relationship of God and man. What kind of relationship is it and why? And certainly, we will have to deal with the claims of Jesus and Mohammed.
Obviously, this is not something that we can simply blog on once or twice and be done with it. But, I am also not interested in dealing with this every day for the next year. I don’t want to miss addressing the myriad of other issues that will undoubtedly be popping up. So, maybe we’ll shoot for something like once a week—maybe on Thursdays, for example. I’m not sure yet, but we’ll find a groove.
However, there is one thing for certain: no on can deny that the world has drastically changed in the last few years. The world before 9/11 is nothing like the world of today. And in the foreseeable future, I believe that all other issues are going to pale in comparison to this one.
So, we’re going to talk about it.
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18 Responses to “Islam—A Worldview of Difference, Part 1”
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Dr. Del Tackett is president of the Focus on the Family Institute and Senior Vice President to Focus on the Family. He is also the architect and chief spokesperson for Focus on the Family's The Truth Project--a nationwide initiative designed to bring the Christian worldview to the body of Christ.
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I have attended the Sacramento Truth Project and I am in transformation from your systematic and comprehensive biblical worldview. Through this process, I look forward to the “groove” that your comparison of Islam with God’s truth will reveal. I am sharing the Truth Project with several men in our men’s bible study group “Code 91″ and I have never seen them more talkative after a lesson study. They are loving it, so it goes with Truth. Finally, I rarely hear about the Islam religion as a whole that is in contention with all other religions. I have read, listened, and watched commentaries about “Radical Islam” but only a few times have I heard someone discuss Non-Radical Islamist’s views, such as, not speaking out against the Radical Islamists. As Ravi Zaccharais said about Islam as the fastest growing religion, “If you (Radical Muslims) take your foot off the throats of your (Islam) converts, then we will see what religion they would choose.” Maybe this is why the Non-Radical Islamist do not speak out. May God continue to bless your ministries, Kirt.
Hey their
In our bible class we just got finished watchign THE TRUTH PROJECT it was very interesting i really enjoyed it and i really am glad that you teach it biblically, i am also glad that i got to watch them in a comfortable setting and got to learn about it with other christians like myself..
Well Thank you so much Dr. Tackett for teaching us about a biblical worldview, it has been fun
God Bless,
Kaitlin
I attended one of your classes April 13-14 in Lee Summit, Mo. and was overwhelmed by what I felt and learned. How God is using your ministry. I will be facilitating a Truth Project bible study this fall and so looking forward to delving into this study. It was very rewarding.
May God continue His work through you.
Liz
We talk about the possibility of losing the “West” to radical Islam, losing America, Israel and so on. Why as Christians do we think God is not at work? Not to abuse this one again, but as Christians we need to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” Or perhaps, “What did Jesus do.” The whole conversation from the Christian media on Islam is as paranoid as they seem to be. As Christians we seem to be convinced that there is nothing to be done with these people (Muslims) that they cannot be reached, that they are EVIL and are not capable of understanding who Jesus is. Jesus’ example to us was that of servanthood and sacrificial love toward those who hated us, who were trying to kill us and who did not believe what we do. He told us to go to them. The disciples did, Paul did and they paid a price. Are we not willing?
I am speaking as a ministry person who works in a country that borders a “Muslim” country. There are concerns to look at, but there is great hope. The cross of Jesus has already won. We must proclaim Christ. In Dobsons broadcast he mentioned relating Islam to the Nazis. Let us remember Bonhoeffer who helped start the “Confessing Church” under Hitler’s rule. They committed to, in all things, confess Christ’s rule.
We need to discuss this. Otherwise we will think that the cross is not powerful enough to deal with such problems as we have today. We will say, “Yes, but Jesus’ methods could not work in a complex crazy world like today.” But isn’t it though? Isn’t the cross the greatest thing in history…even more powerful than the bomb? Or do we not believe that?
I recently attended the Truth Project facilitation training in Sacramento, and though I have yet to facilitate a group, I intend to do so in the near future. I recently read an “E” book (read in Adobe) by Ellis Skolfield called “The False Prophet” which lays the Islamic worldview and aspirations into a biblical timeline and states historical relevance from a Christian perspective. I found the book, which is downloadable through his website (EllisSkolfield.com)in two parts to be facinating and see much of his perspective unfolding daily as news breaks around our globe. I’m looking forward to this discussion as it unfolds here.
Thanks for adding this topic for discussion, I look forward to the future posts here!
God Bless,
Tom S
I am so excited to be reading your blog about the Islam worldview. I am a facilitator for the Truth Project and we are learning so much about the Truth from your teaching. You are truly gifted from God to do this. I pray all has gone well with your surgery and you are “enjoying” your recovery rest. Looking forward eagerly to your next worldview blog entry. Thank you for obeying God, Nancy
In regards to Islam, They are the children of Issac and Ishmael are they not? They are at war and will continue to be at war until the Lord comes and reigns on earth. I find it fascinating that people do not understand that this will not go away, the mentatlity of the Ostrich “sticking your head in the sand”, will not appease nor dissuade these people from their goals. We as Christians must be willing to give an answer and to fight if necessary to protect our homeland and our families. “God is in control but He still uses men and governments to carry out His plans” The conversation with Joel Rosenburg regarding his book Epicenter on the FOTF daily broadcast has certainly been enlightening, but what disturbs me is how many Christians will not listen to it because it’s not what they want to hear.
Veritas
I am currently attending the Truth Project Seminar at the Western Heritage Cowboy Church in Pipe Creek, Texas. I want to thank you so much for the lessons - I am, as is our group, enjoying the series very much. I also look forward to your study/discussion on Islam.
Thank you and Focus on the Family for all that you do.
Betty
We have already been warned about this current threat to Israel and Christianity. The truth has been right in front of us, but we have been too blind to see it. Now is the time for us to open our eyes!
You can read this truth that I have discovered on my blog:
http://toknowandtolove.blogspot.com/2007/04/sword-and-captivity-part-1.html
http://toknowandtolove.blogspot.com/2007/05/sword-and-captivity-part-2.html
We’ve got to go back to following King Jesus! He is our only hope.
In His Love,
Angie Compton
www.basiclovetraining.org
Dr. Tackett,
[Personal comment - I first met you when I worked for ADF and you were speaking to a group of Blackstone Fellows - and I had the privilege of driving you to the airport - probably 2002 or 2003.]
I am pleased to see you address this issue. While I agree with other’s comments that we don’t need to be paranoid and that we need to keep Christ’s ultimate victory in mind, I also believe we need to educate ourselves on the threat to our society, and to our very lives.
I have been educating myself, attempting to develop a Biblical response to Islam. After reading over 20 books I have come to a few conclusions: Islam as a religion is evil; Muslims that carry out terrorist attacks are not extremists - they are (as you stated) Islamic Fundamentalists or, as I call them, Koranic Literalists.
On this issue I am reminded of the founding of the country – and this is where I have a struggle in how to deal with Islam from a Biblical perspective. In the mid 1700’s, it was the Church that warned the people in this country of the dangers and the evils of British rule. A significant number of brigades in the revolutionary war were comprised of a pastor leading the men of his congregation (i.e. John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg).
What were the British doing that was so grievous? The Declaration of Independence lists 27 specific grievances, but taxation without representation was one issue, as was forcing citizens to house British soldiers throughout the winter.
What are Muslims doing that would be considered grievous to us today? Look at the attacks on Christians in general and the West in particular – beheadings and mutilations of Christians in the Sudan, the attack on the Marine barracks in Lebanon, the siege of the school in Beslan, Russia, the attack on the USS Cole, bombing the Tube in London, the first World Trade Center bombing attempt, bombing of a nightclub in Bali, and the attacks of 9/11 – just to mention a few.
If the leadership of the Church warned the populace of the tyranny of British Rule, and fought to achieve independence, liberty, and freedom in helping to establish this great nation, then can I, as a lay leader in the Christian community, do any less to warn the populace of the even greater dangers of the religion of Islam?
Blessings!
Hi Dr. Tackett,
I have heard about the truth project but didn’t know much about it from a video on your website. However some words really struck me: only 3% of Christians have a Biblical worldview. All I prayed for since to be one of the 3%. I try to study and read as much as I can.
I just watched your long trailer and I am very exicted that you are doing these trainings. I wish I could attend but they are too far away and since I am a college student, they are costly.
I will pray for this project and for your post-op health improvement. I am just so grateful for FOcus on the Family and your work with the Truth Project.
I have been listening to Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson and I am shocked that nothing is
taught about the threat of radical islamism in high schools, colleges or even on TV. I am also shocked that your friend knew about this 17 years ago. Can you let us know what we can do now before Iran has attacked(especially college students)?
Also, I liked the response about the power of the Cross, which is able to change these people. As Christians we need to understand that the hope we have cannot be taken away by any nuclear disaster or people who want to kill us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. It is just hard to understand how can one human hate another so much. Satan certainly hasn’t been sleeping for the past decades but he knows that his time is coming to an end. So we need to speak out to educate others about current threat to our freedom and never fear for the Lord is with us.
I believe it is very important as a country to be informed about radical Islam in understanding them as the threat they are. It is important to take our information and vote accordingly, using the God given rights and freedoms we have.
I have a hard time with the ignorance of this country. I feel like they are big, fat, and satisfied. As long as we have our homes, happiness, money in our pockets, friends, family, and TV/entertainment, everyone is content, and no one seems to be looking up. The pride and arrogance in this country is very discouraging. However the Word does speak on God being in control of who comes into power and who doesn’t. We never know what God’s plan is, but we do know that He knows how to accomplish it. We do know he is about His glory and the Gospel going out until the fullness of time. Maybe this country needs to be humbled, maybe they need to discover a need for a Savior in Christ. They are not looking up due to their self reliance and worldly wisdom. Maybe God wants to show them otherwise. It does seem like there is a storm brewing. Not that as Christians we sit back and stick our heads in the sand, but through it we need to trust God in His plan, whatever that might look like, what ever the times might bring.
Dr. Del,
I attended the KC Truth Project and you are so right about the transformation. I haven’t gotten past Lesson 4 because I keep going back over them to get them in my Spirit so that truth will flow from me at any time. I will be facilitating a group in the fall. Am very excited about it, especially in light of Focus’s recent week of Islam programs. Thank you. Pray that I will develop winsome speech. Kathy
Dear Dr. Tackett
Last Sunday was our last session. It has been an eye-opener from day one. I hope to be a facilitator soon since I know at least two friends of mine at church wanted to take part but could not. Every one needs to see this.
On the topic of Islam. Surely more of this religion needs to be learned among those of us who are “infidels”. When we have people like Rosie O’Donnell who state, “Radical Christianity is just as dangerous as radical Islam” it shows we have people who are dangerously ignorant about Islam and Christianity. I would love to ask Rosie what she means by “radical Christanity” but we could all stand to know more about both world views. I look forward to reading your thoughts and those of my fellow bloggers.
A few interesting thoughts… when the scriptures talk about the last days and the kinds of things that we will see come upon the earth, it mentions beheading the believers for not renouncing their faith in Jesus. Who (what group of people) do we know right now that currently use that method of killing? There is only one! Scripture also says that there will be “terror on every side,” again, there is one specific group of people that use that method of forcing people into conformity. Lastly, scripture says that the “anti-Christ” will change the set times and seasons… when Sharia Law (Islamic Law) is implemented, it has its own calendar, its own festivals and holy days, etc. Has the Lord possibly given us a bit of insight here that we cannot take lightly or for granted? When we see these things coming, we are to lift up our heads for our redemption is drawing near. Let us not shrink back as some have the habit of doing but stand strong to the end, heralding His Truth.
Has anyone ever looked into the correlation of the Book of Isaiah (66 chapters) with that of the individual books of the Bible (66 books)? It is amazing! The Book of Isaiah, chapter 1, has an amazing parallel with the Book of Genesis-creation, evilness of man, destruction (the flood). Chapter 50 of Isaiah has an amazing parallel to the Book of Matthew (the coming Messiah), Chapter 66 an amazing parallel to the Book of Revelation (the returning King triumphant), and so on. Look into it…
Is this correlation with the Book of Isaiah another possible confirmation that the scripture IS closed and not to be added to, nor taken away from (Rev. 22:18-20)? What does that scripture refer to if not the scripture as a whole as we have been given it? Is there even anything more that we NEED than what is provided for us in the Bible to live a life complete and pleasing to our Creator? A really good book out there about the Islamic rise is called, “Christianity and Islam, the Final Clash,” by Robert Livingston (available on Amazon.com). Wow! It is an eyeopener written by a man who is reaching the Islamic people with the Gospel!
Del,
First let me say thanks to all those who participated in putting the “Truth Project” together. The Lord is using it… at the end of the first session in our men’s group, one man, in an attitude of prayer said, “Why am I not living as I believe?”. One of the men in our group while on his commute to work in Washington DC, found the following scribbled on the back of a bus seat …
“Civilization is a lie
We’re all slaves Work every day to kill
the earth & humanity”
“Sure, but what is the truth
and would we accept it?”
“The truth is that there is no truth”
I was moved by the desperation of these statements but now I understand where the battle lines are. Going forward,I look forward to the ongoing discussion of radical Islam.
Pushing forward,
phil
I am somewhat new to the blog. Glad to see you taking on this topic. I look forward to catching up on all the posts.