Why Islam?
Most of our readers will be familiar with the foundational texts of the Christian and Jewish religions. In what is commonly known as the Bible, we get a general overview of ancient history, and a general feel for the mechanics of the rise and fall of empires and civilizations. This essay will draw parallels between the lessons of ancient history and one of the hottest questions of the last few years, “Why Islam?” I would like to propose that in general, our understanding of Islam, its reason for being, its goals, and our responses to its challenges leave much to be desired. In fact, for many, it exhibits an almost total ignorance of the life-enhancing lessons some of us have long ago learned from the book that is so often taken for granted; from the Revelations given to Moses, to the Revelations received from Yahshua. Let's fix that!
Why Islam? Most of our Christian readers will be familiar with the New Testament account of the Pharisees of Yahshua’s day. That they “made void the law of Yahweh by their traditions” is common knowledge in every children’s class and sermon hall. Throughout the books of Moses, and the history of the Kings of Israel, we see the ebbs and flows of this trend. In Eden with Adam, then with Noah, with Abraham, and at Sinai, we see covenants being made between our Creator, Yahweh, and his children, our forefathers. We also see throughout the records, a trail of deviations from these covenants; the intrusions of self-will, foreign expediencies, perversions, rebellions. Then, in the first few centuries after the destruction of Yahweh's house, by Rome, in year 70, we see these traditions of men set to paper. Sadly though, they were actually given higher honors than the words Moses himself wrote at the mouth of the creator of all. Then, in the historical "blink of an eye" after the final redaction of the Talmud in the sixth century; Voila! Islam appears! Why Islam? Why not.
Some Christians will be surprised to learn that the Church, and previously, the early generations of the followers of Yahshua, were not immune to this lamentable trend either. In fact, by the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine, when “Christianity” became the official religion of the Empire, it would have been unrecognizable to the ones who they claimed as their founders. Plainly put, Yahshua, Peter, and Paul would not merely have felt uncomfortable with the new Roman State religion, they would have immediately seen it as a bizarre perversion of the faith they gave their lives for. In less than 300 years, Yahshua’s restoration of the true faith revealed to Israel, had been hijacked to become essentially warmed-over sun and idol worship. Why Islam? Why not. After 300 years, the shell of the “house” Yahshua built still had essentially the same profile, but as with the house of Judah, the traditions of men were rapidly crowding out the Word of Yahweh. Three hundred more years of downward spiraling apostasy and corruption into the “Dark Ages” of Europe, and, Voila! Islam appears! Why Islam? Why not!
They say that nature abhors a vacuum, and so in the religious world. Yahweh expects those who are appointed to be his people to promote his kingdom and his ways to all their neighbors. When this direction is reviled, a punishment is to be expected. And either another people will rise up to “stand in the gap” for their creator, or else a profane and bizarre parody of the originally intended “holy people” will appear. As ancient Israel was punished for their repeated unfaithfulness by the “thorns in their eyes” of the residue of the wicked Canaanites, and the Philistines, was not Islam similarly given as a punishment to a Christianity, and to a Judaism, that had turned aside from their original mission? Why Islam? Why not.
So what is the answer? Yahshua gave his life to turn his people back to their creator, Yahweh, nearly 2000 years ago. His teaching is as valid now as then, both to his people the Jews, and to his people who trusted in him from every other nation under heaven. Put away the vain traditions inherited from man, and restore the authority of the words spoken from heaven, at Sinai, which all Israel heard with their ears, and trembled in fear. Put away the Sun(day) worship, touch not the unclean thing, dig deep through the debris of human tradition to build your spiritual house on the Rock of the Ages, that comforted Israel in the wilderness, and is still our hope today. Be received as sons and daughters of the Most High.
Why Islam? For those who rejected Yahweh’s promise that following in his righteousness would give them true strength, it was an alternative. Does Right makes Might, or does Might makes Right? We all have the opportunity to take our choice. The way of Yahweh, and the promise of life, or the way of Mohammed, and what is being increasingly recognized as a culture of death?
Man lives not by bread alone, but by every word of Yahweh. Let’s get back to it in truth. It should not be our intent though, to denigrate all human tradition. The New Testament, and even the Talmud; and numerous other writings, offer many insights into the mysteries of life, and add much to the historical record. In remembering to elevate the word of the Master over the word of the servants, all can take their proper place in honor. When we so recognize Yahweh’s kingdom, Islam will finally be able to rest in peace on the pages of ancient history, where it belongs.
PS- And what became of those who refused to "follow a multitude to do evil" when the insidious apostasies of evil bygone eras were transpiring? There must have been a few faithful souls! Although they have been largely lost from the pages of history, it is easy to find out first hand what would have become of them. To find out, merely imitate their faith, and follow in their footsteps, as Yahshua himself did, and all the other faithful prophets before him.
Restoration is as near as your Bible, and a willing humble spirit. When all else fails, read and follow the instructions!
Have a nice day!