All or most of the current crop of terrorists claim to be Muslim. Yet every Muslim I know, and I’ve known many, love peace.
What if the terrorists claimed to be Christian? As a Christian myself, I would want to know their Christian testimony and about their theology.
We usually don’t have an opportunity to hear the terrorists’ testimony, whether they really give a creditable claim to be Muslim or not. They’re usually dead by the time we know of them.
We’re left with the abstract. Therefore, we want to know the theology that led them to their act.
Can Muslim theologians clear this up for me, at least in the abstract? I’d like to hear or read what they say. We can dig all this up from various sources, but a cogent discourse from respected Muslims would be great. CNN, why don’t you invite a couple?
Theology is rarely simple, and maybe Muslim theologians figure no one is interested. Or maybe they’re concerned about getting in the news. I certainly would be worried if I were in their place.
But the ideas behind the acts are important.
As a Christian looking at the Quran, I can see its beauty of expression. But I also see how complex it is. And it’s not chronological, making it difficult for the Western reader.
Verses that deal with a Muslim’s reaction to non-Muslims seem contradictory.
One extreme is shown in the translation of Surah 8:12 “I will cast terror into the hearts of those that disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.”
The other extreme is found in this translation of Surah 29:46 “And argue not with the people of Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say. ‘We believe in that which has been revealed to us and to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.’”
If these verses are the words of God, then they must be reconcilable. How do the so-called Islamist terrorists view these verses?
Or perhaps, and I am afraid this is the issue, theology just doesn’t matter to them.
July 27, 2016
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