Monday, October 29, 2007

NOT THREATENED BY THE QUR’AN!
Last week the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council attempted to give every Oklahoma state legislator a copy of the Muslim holy book- the Qur’an. Muslims believe the Qur’an to be the book of divine guidance and direction for mankind and consider the text in its original Arabic to be the literal word of God, revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years. They view the Qur’an as God’s final revelation to humanity. At last count about twenty five of the Oklahoma legislators had refused the gift. Most- if not all- of those who refused it were Republicans. The story has received national attention. Here are my observations:

First, I have a copy of the Qur’an. I have read it and have used it for research. I am not threatened by it. I don’t fear it, nor do I believe it will “convert” me to Islam. I do not believe that Jehovah and Allah are one and the same. Any honest student of history knows that Muhammad was a militant warrior. He killed thousands upon thousands upon his return to Mecca. His followers were commanded to kill those who would not convert to Islam. For more information on the true Islam, click on the link below:
http://www.islamundressed.com/.
Islam is a religion of works and any religion or denomination that emphasizes the works of man are false religions. That includes some that misuse the Holy Bible as their text and call themselves Christian.

Second, why do we have a Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council that is composed of only Muslims? State Representative Mike Reynolds- R-Moore, asked that question in a recent press release. It's a good question. Are any taxpayer dollars being used to promote Islam or any other religion? Were taxpayer dollars used to print and distribute the Qur’an to the lawmakers? Even if no tax dollars are being used at this organization, what is its function- why do we have it? Those are questions that must be answered by Governor Blackjack Henry.
Third, according to Marjaneh Seirafi-Pour, chairwoman of the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council, some lawmakers were rude when they declined the Quran. Being rude is never excusable if you are an elected official. If you don’t have the temperament to serve in public office- quit- or learn Kipling’s “If .” If you were rude, apologize. If she's lying, document it, and make her apologize.

Fourth, some legislators are using this issue to “get some press.” They are proclaiming outrage the GEAA Council would even think about giving them the Qur’an. It would be interesting to know how many of the outraged lawmakers gave 10% of their income to their local church the past year. It would also be interesting to know how many of the lawmakers attend church on a regular basis. How many of these “principled” legislators regularly read their Bible, pray with their families, visit the sick, or generally manifest the words of Matthew 5:14-16? If they are not “walking the walk,” then please don’t try to “talk the talk.” This is a reason the GOP is suffering from a lack of creditability. We have people who tell us how devout they are and how strong their Christian convictions are, yet in their private life that is not the case. Consistency is critical and it's easy to expose.

I know at least one very principled, godly Christian legislator who is keeping his Qur’an because he rightly believes he represents all the people. He is not threatened by nor intimidated by a book with false teaching. He will graciously accept the gift. His spiritual maturity allows him to not be threatened nor influenced by a book whose origins are suspect at best.

I realize my opinion on this issue will likely differ from those that I normally consider allies. If you disagree with me- that’s your right, but please at least consider the above points before you call for my head on a platter. Understand that theologically I am very conservative. I believe in the absolute sovereignty of God. I am so narrow minded theologically that a knat can sit on the bridge of my nose and spit in both eyes. I could find NO common ground with a Muslim theologically or philosophically- however legislators are charged with representing everyone in their districts- not just those they agree with theologically.
I recognize and respect that rational people can disagree.- even if you are wrong.

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