1. A very thorough article at the Atlantic magazine.
http://www.dennyburk.com/is-isis-terror-driven-by-religion-the-high-cost-of-ignoring-the-obvious/
The Full article:
http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/02/what-isis-really-wants/384980/
2. Dr. White's analysis:
http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php/2015/02/16/breaking-the-cross-killing-the-swine-truly-thinking-about-isis-and-the-murder-of-21-copts/
Addendum: "do not be surprised" at persecution for the sake of Christ
http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2015/02/16/tom-schreiner-a-biblical-meditation-on-the-isis-execution-of-21-christians/
Addendum 2:
See my plea for Balance in seeking to understand the conflict within Islam today. Christians, don't let fear keep you from reaching out to the other Muslims who are not Jihadist types.
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Now I don't study Islam to the extent that you and Dr. White do- so please accept my apology of ignorance in advance for the following question:
These past few weeks I switched things up on my drive time and have been listening to NPR. Despite what one may say about their politics, many of their stories (which are more than than 30 second bits of info like most radio news stations) are stories about things going on outside of the United States.
They've done a number of stories on ISIS, reporting that not all Muslims support ISIS (this is presented via interviews with Muslims from around the world).
One thing struck me as I compared the notion of religion & society between 2015 and the 16th Century. Back then, there were of course serious people about their faith on both the Protestant & Catholic side. Then there were people who just wanted to live- have families, income & safety. Sure they were religious, but they were more concerned about "buildings and food" (to use an old phrase from the Talking Heads). I wonder if the same sort of thing is true about many Muslims today, especially in the USA, but perhaps elsewhere as well. Maybe I'm just infected with so much of American culture that I don't realize the Islamic world in general takes their religion very seriously. It just seems to me that even in a previous century like the 16th, the were a mass of simple folk that were caught up in religious conflict without being all that religious in the heart.
Thoughts Ken?
By the way, how would this question relate to your point: "Stay Balanced and don’t let anger over the evil of ISIS and Al Qaeda types lead you to condemn all other Muslims??
I wonder if the same sort of thing is true about many Muslims today, especially in the USA, but perhaps elsewhere as well.
Yes, many are nominal in their faith, and are more concerned about earning a living, safety, getting married, having a family, etc. and go to the Mosque/ Masid sometimes on Friday, but don't pray five times a day (Sunnis) or three times a day (Shiites).
Maybe I'm just infected with so much of American culture that I don't realize the Islamic world in general takes their religion very seriously.
They are generally more religious than Americans today; but that may be more comparable to 1950s USA nominal "Christian culture" and patriotism. Most Muslims are just responding out of a sense of self-defense and their own forms of patriotism. (Like Jordan and Egypt striking back at ISIS with a sense of "just war" type of thing.)
It just seems to me that even in a previous century like the 16th, the were a mass of simple folk that were caught up in religious conflict without being all that religious in the heart.
true, but the leaders of Jihadists know their texts - as shown in the videos where they quote the Qur'an and Hadith - Dr. White did a great job of showing that on DL today. They guy who spoke for the Libyan terrorists quoted from the Hadith that says that Jesus will return at the end of time, break all the crosses, and kill all pigs, etc.
By the way, how would this question relate to your point: "Stay Balanced and don’t let anger over the evil of ISIS and Al Qaeda types lead you to condemn all other Muslims??
Could you explicate that more, as to what you mean by how would this question relate? There are many other Muslims who are peaceful and don't agree with ISIS - especially in USA - we can share the gospel with them and don't let fear or anger overcome our hearts - that was my point. Dr. White did a good job of also pleading for that in his article and video.
Read my article at apologetics and agape.
Thanks Ken, I appreciate your answers.
I guess my last question was in regard to what you mean by, "stay balanced." The "balance" you refer to appears to be in regard to the radicals vs. "peaceful Muslims." you answered my question when you stated,
They are generally more religious than Americans today; but that may be more comparable to 1950s USA nominal "Christian culture" and patriotism. Most Muslims are just responding out of a sense of self-defense and their own forms of patriotism. (Like Jordan and Egypt striking back at ISIS with a sense of "just war" type of thing.)
Thanks again.
Thanks, another example of "staying balanced" is on the DL today, Dr. White rightly rebuked people who claim to be Christians and just said, "Nuke them all".
He did an excellent job of staying balanced, communicating the outrage at the evil Muslim ISIS terrorists, but that others need the gospel; and even some who are caught up in that may become disillusioned and leave Syria or Iraq and renounce that form of Islam.
I would also venture to say that most Iranians, especially the middle and upper classes in the big cities are dis-illusioned with Islam and are turning away from Islam as never before in history, because of the harsh fanaticism of their own government.
I have mentioned that before here.
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