Open Doors compiles a global "persecution index." North Korea, where tens of thousands of Christians are serving time in work camps, has topped the list for many years. North Korea is followed, though, by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, the Maldives and Afghanistan. Of the first 10 countries on the list, eight are Islamic, and almost all have Islam as their state religion.
From HERE.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Turning tide for migration in Europe?
Salamu 'aleykum min Londonistan! I am sojourning here near Hyde Park, home to one of the most infamous mosques in the world, in case you don't know. Got a chance to visit the splendid Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church today and it was truly splendid. Meanwhile, some interesting information has surfaced regarding immigration. You judge for yourself:
In country after country, immigrants, often from Muslim countries, are being targeted. More than at any point in recent decades, fear is becoming the dominant force in European politics, warns the French commentator Dominique Moisi. The immediate cause for this fear has been the economic crisis, which has stoked worries about outsiders stealing Europe's jobs and overburdening its welfare system. But the animosity reflects a deeper shift. Immigration to Europe has exploded in recent years, so much so that the EU has overtaken the U.S. as the world's premier destination for people seeking a better life abroad. Since 1990, 26 million migrants have landed in Europe, compared with 20 million in America. There they have helped fuel economic booms, reinvigorated the continent's declining birthrate, and transformed cities from Madrid to Stockholm. The European Commission estimates that, since 2004, migration by Eastern Europeans alone to Western Europe has added a net €50 billion, or 0.8 percent, to the bloc's GDP each year.
Yet not everyone is convinced of these benefits, and the migrants are provoking deep fears that Europe's racial and religious identity is being lost. Driven by such anxieties, governments are starting to turn against the newcomers. Many states, including Britain and Italy, have put new limits on immigration, while others, such as Spain and the Czech Republic, are paying migrants to go home. As a result of such measures and the downturn, labor migration to Europe plummeted last year.
From HERE.
Abu Daoud's prediction? Migration will not significantly decline. Maybe legal immigration will, but that's just one slice of the pie. As Muslim countries (Yemen, Pakistan) continue to disiintegrate look for many, many more immigrants/refugees. They will arrive and will do anything they can not to leave.
In country after country, immigrants, often from Muslim countries, are being targeted. More than at any point in recent decades, fear is becoming the dominant force in European politics, warns the French commentator Dominique Moisi. The immediate cause for this fear has been the economic crisis, which has stoked worries about outsiders stealing Europe's jobs and overburdening its welfare system. But the animosity reflects a deeper shift. Immigration to Europe has exploded in recent years, so much so that the EU has overtaken the U.S. as the world's premier destination for people seeking a better life abroad. Since 1990, 26 million migrants have landed in Europe, compared with 20 million in America. There they have helped fuel economic booms, reinvigorated the continent's declining birthrate, and transformed cities from Madrid to Stockholm. The European Commission estimates that, since 2004, migration by Eastern Europeans alone to Western Europe has added a net €50 billion, or 0.8 percent, to the bloc's GDP each year.
Yet not everyone is convinced of these benefits, and the migrants are provoking deep fears that Europe's racial and religious identity is being lost. Driven by such anxieties, governments are starting to turn against the newcomers. Many states, including Britain and Italy, have put new limits on immigration, while others, such as Spain and the Czech Republic, are paying migrants to go home. As a result of such measures and the downturn, labor migration to Europe plummeted last year.
From HERE.
Abu Daoud's prediction? Migration will not significantly decline. Maybe legal immigration will, but that's just one slice of the pie. As Muslim countries (Yemen, Pakistan) continue to disiintegrate look for many, many more immigrants/refugees. They will arrive and will do anything they can not to leave.
Friday, February 26, 2010
On Intercourse with Caputerd Women
The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) sent a military expedition to Awtas on the occasion of the battle of Hunain. They met their enemy and fought with them. They defeated them and took them captives.
Some of the Companions of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) were reluctant to have intercourse with the female captives in the presence of their husbands who were unbelievers. So Allah, the Exalted, sent down the Qur’anic verse: (Sura 4:24) "And all married women (are forbidden) unto you save those (captives) whom your right hands possess."
(Abu Dawud 2150)
Some of the Companions of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) were reluctant to have intercourse with the female captives in the presence of their husbands who were unbelievers. So Allah, the Exalted, sent down the Qur’anic verse: (Sura 4:24) "And all married women (are forbidden) unto you save those (captives) whom your right hands possess."
(Abu Dawud 2150)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Does Islam need a Reformation? Nope.
On countless occasions over the years I have heard this comparison: Christianity has undergone its reformation, so why not Islam? The European Reformation took centuries—why wouldn't an Islamic reformation also take time? Isn't it all a matter of time?
This line of thinking arises from a worldview that looks at ideologies through the lens of "progress" or "evolution," shaped by a kind of Darwinism. The underlying presupposition is that human societies evolve as time passes, progressing and becoming more humane and more advanced.
Time has become a yardstick to measure the ever-improving character of human social order. It is the embedding of the idea of progress into our everyday language which gives credibility to the question. "Can Islam not undergo its own reformation, too?"
From HERE.
This line of thinking arises from a worldview that looks at ideologies through the lens of "progress" or "evolution," shaped by a kind of Darwinism. The underlying presupposition is that human societies evolve as time passes, progressing and becoming more humane and more advanced.
Time has become a yardstick to measure the ever-improving character of human social order. It is the embedding of the idea of progress into our everyday language which gives credibility to the question. "Can Islam not undergo its own reformation, too?"
From HERE.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Lavigerie on Politics
"... Never take sides in any political question, whatever it may be; support no cause other than that of the faith and humanity, be respectful towards authority wherever it is established; give to all alike the co-operation of your charity; never allow your cause or your name to become involved in purely human interests; if you are wrongfully accused of doing so, protest and go on protesting, do not let people disregard the fact that you are truly apostolic men, that is to say men who know how to embrace with a like affection all the nations of the world. Give proof of this, show not so much by words as by deeds that this is your one and only desire."
--Charles Lavigerie, founder of the White Fathers
--Charles Lavigerie, founder of the White Fathers
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Nature of the Revolution in Iran
Great quote from HERE on the Revolutionary Gaurd in Iran, and the overall dynamic of revolution:
2. Supposedly, revolutionaries recruit the unruly of the underclass. Actually, they appeal, mainly to those who feel destined to become leaders – and who are frustrated because, supposedly, society ignores them. This group is determined to smash the privileges of others. Once victorious, the same revolutionary activists turn “conservative”. This happens by virtue of the fact that their success converts them into a privileged group. From then on, their justification of unfreedom practiced to their advantage will be that the torch of the revolution has been passed to them. Therefore, the flame of a justice that recognizes those previously overlooked and shunted, must be kept lit.
2. Supposedly, revolutionaries recruit the unruly of the underclass. Actually, they appeal, mainly to those who feel destined to become leaders – and who are frustrated because, supposedly, society ignores them. This group is determined to smash the privileges of others. Once victorious, the same revolutionary activists turn “conservative”. This happens by virtue of the fact that their success converts them into a privileged group. From then on, their justification of unfreedom practiced to their advantage will be that the torch of the revolution has been passed to them. Therefore, the flame of a justice that recognizes those previously overlooked and shunted, must be kept lit.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Muslims in France: more power?
What exactly is going on in France? Interesting tidbit here:
If you have read in the English-language press that the burka is banned in France (I have seen such articles), be advised that it is not yet law – it is still in the discussion stages. Sarkozy, using a well-tested tactic, will not allow the question to advance further until after the regional elections this spring.
One of the most troubling aspects of the report is the revelation that any ban of the burka will be in fact a quid pro quo that will compensate the Muslims for the inconvenience of having to accept the ban. Their reward? More mosques, more Arabic taught in the schools, hence, more power...
From HERE.
If you have read in the English-language press that the burka is banned in France (I have seen such articles), be advised that it is not yet law – it is still in the discussion stages. Sarkozy, using a well-tested tactic, will not allow the question to advance further until after the regional elections this spring.
One of the most troubling aspects of the report is the revelation that any ban of the burka will be in fact a quid pro quo that will compensate the Muslims for the inconvenience of having to accept the ban. Their reward? More mosques, more Arabic taught in the schools, hence, more power...
From HERE.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Verses from an ex-Muslim Christian
Advance! With the streams of living water...it's the time for evangelism
Don't be afraid...it's a dangerous time
Fill your heart with love...the revolution of love drives away fear
Any other god is evil
Opium for people and naivete of the mind
Your Christ is a path of reformation and a sun of enlightenment
Don't be afraid...all the enemy's wells are dry
Whitened tombs...decorated...papers on which death is written
Steadfast....steadfast
We'll evangelize
In our cells, we'll evangelize
In solitary confinement, we'll evangelize our body cells
We'll evangelize the particles of the air...we'll baptize the steel bars
We'll save the walls...we'll light the tombs with your light
We won't keep silent
Selection from 'Steadfast' by Moazafar, trans. unknown. Appearing in Copeland, Lynn ed. Into the Den of Infidels (2003).
Don't be afraid...it's a dangerous time
Fill your heart with love...the revolution of love drives away fear
Any other god is evil
Opium for people and naivete of the mind
Your Christ is a path of reformation and a sun of enlightenment
Don't be afraid...all the enemy's wells are dry
Whitened tombs...decorated...papers on which death is written
Steadfast....steadfast
We'll evangelize
In our cells, we'll evangelize
In solitary confinement, we'll evangelize our body cells
We'll evangelize the particles of the air...we'll baptize the steel bars
We'll save the walls...we'll light the tombs with your light
We won't keep silent
Selection from 'Steadfast' by Moazafar, trans. unknown. Appearing in Copeland, Lynn ed. Into the Den of Infidels (2003).
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Bill on Orthodoxy and Christology
"There's something about being in the presence of Eastern Orthodoxy that gets the Christological juices flowing."
--Bill
Abu Daoud says: Ok, he was sorta making a joke, but is there not something true in the statement? I mean, does E Orthodoxy in its life and liturgy not challenge us to think carefully about our doctrine of Christ? Indeed, in a way that Western Christianities do not? What do you think?
--Bill
Abu Daoud says: Ok, he was sorta making a joke, but is there not something true in the statement? I mean, does E Orthodoxy in its life and liturgy not challenge us to think carefully about our doctrine of Christ? Indeed, in a way that Western Christianities do not? What do you think?
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Freedom of Religion in Morocco?
Great post from HERE. Here is one part:
The Christian population is increasing in this North African country and the government is starting to feel the heat.
Humorously enough, it still seems to be an enigma to them that Moroccan Muslims would embrace Christianity without being bribed or forced into it. The only explanation that is ever given to why a Muslim would actually become a follower of Jesus Christ is that they are vulnerable, unstable, desperate, greedy, or not in their right mind. But maybe, just maybe, Christianity is making a greater and more genuine impact in the lives of these people than the Muslim world would like to acknowledge.
Below is an article taken from MoroccoBoard News Service, about another home invasion that took place this past week in Morocco. What they conveniently leave out is that the American was not the only one arrested, but the 14 Moroccans (including children as young as 6 months old) were also thrown into jail and interrogated.
So much for religious freedom…
The Christian population is increasing in this North African country and the government is starting to feel the heat.
Humorously enough, it still seems to be an enigma to them that Moroccan Muslims would embrace Christianity without being bribed or forced into it. The only explanation that is ever given to why a Muslim would actually become a follower of Jesus Christ is that they are vulnerable, unstable, desperate, greedy, or not in their right mind. But maybe, just maybe, Christianity is making a greater and more genuine impact in the lives of these people than the Muslim world would like to acknowledge.
Below is an article taken from MoroccoBoard News Service, about another home invasion that took place this past week in Morocco. What they conveniently leave out is that the American was not the only one arrested, but the 14 Moroccans (including children as young as 6 months old) were also thrown into jail and interrogated.
So much for religious freedom…
Monday, February 08, 2010
Baptists on Justification by Faith and Trent: Kyrie Eleison
Here is an interesting post by a Southern Baptist asking questions about justification by faith alone and all those things. Then, if you read through the comments, you find that he mentions a whole bunch of items from the Council of Trent (500 or so years ago). The implication, which he doesn't just lay on the table unfortunately, is that there is something profoundly un-Christian about Roman Catholic Christianity.
Ok, I'm not a Roman Catholic, and I don't have any plans to become Roman Catholic, but I don't view their understanding of the Gospel as profoundly flawed or extremely un-biblical. Are there points that I would disagree with? Sure. Anyway, take a look for yourself. Also, check out my response on the comments, and feel free to lay out your own thoughts on his original post and further catalogue of Trentian references.
SBC Impact!
Ok, I'm not a Roman Catholic, and I don't have any plans to become Roman Catholic, but I don't view their understanding of the Gospel as profoundly flawed or extremely un-biblical. Are there points that I would disagree with? Sure. Anyway, take a look for yourself. Also, check out my response on the comments, and feel free to lay out your own thoughts on his original post and further catalogue of Trentian references.
SBC Impact!
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
"England is the breeding ground of fundamentalist Muslims."
...Mr Soyinka, 76, who was born in Nigeria and studied at Leeds University in the 1950s, said: “England is a cesspit. England is the breeding ground of fundamentalist Muslims.”
He added: “Its social logic is to allow all religions to preach openly. But this is illogic, because none of the other religions preach apocalyptic violence. And yet England allows it.
“Remember, that country was the breeding ground for communism, too. Karl Marx did all his work in libraries there."
Mr Soyinka said Britain took pride in its “openness” and added: "I doubt you can have the kind of indoctrination schools in America as you do in the UK…The Muslims there are open Muslims, whereas in Europe they tend to go into ghetto schools.”
From HERE.
He added: “Its social logic is to allow all religions to preach openly. But this is illogic, because none of the other religions preach apocalyptic violence. And yet England allows it.
“Remember, that country was the breeding ground for communism, too. Karl Marx did all his work in libraries there."
Mr Soyinka said Britain took pride in its “openness” and added: "I doubt you can have the kind of indoctrination schools in America as you do in the UK…The Muslims there are open Muslims, whereas in Europe they tend to go into ghetto schools.”
From HERE.
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