The Proof is in the Pudding..so to speak

That history of that phrase is available here; suffice it to say it means the true quality of something is found when it is put to the test.

From an AP article found here:

"An al-Qaida-linked extremist group warned Pope Benedict XVI on Monday that he and the West were "doomed," as protesters returned to the streets across the Muslim world to demand more of an apology from the pontiff for his remarks about Islam and violence."

"The pope on Sunday said he was "deeply sorry" about the angry reaction to his speech last week in which he cited the words of a Byzantine emperor who characterized some of the teachings of Islam's Prophet Muhammad as "evil and inhuman" and referred to spreading Islam "by the sword."

"The group said Muslims would be victorious and addressed the pope as "the worshipper of the cross" saying "you and the West are doomed as you can see from the defeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere. ... We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion (to Islam) or (killed by) the sword."

So we've probably all heard about the huge outcry the Pope's comments last week have caused throughout the Muslim community, very similiar to the outrage expressed last year with the Danish cartoons. Am I the only one that reads these stories and laughs out loud? The headline could read "Islamic protestors threaten violence over comments made naming Islam as a violent religion." Honestly, that's exactly what the article says. Why were they upset and burning churches and burning the pope in effigy, burning American flags, etc? Because the Pope said 20 words in a 5,000 word address that portrayed Islam in a negative light. Oh, Islam is not violent and just for saying that, we're going to kill you. Way to make your point guys. Anger and outrage are great ways to show the world how peaceful your religion is.

Maybe I'll post about Islam more extensively another day because it will be something we will deal with a lot in the years to come and it will help to be knowledgeable about it. The truth is the follower of Islam is simply blind the same way the follower of any other religion other than Christianity is. Goodness that's not a very tolerant or inclusive comment is it? But it is true. It's a religion with the worship of a false god, a different god than the true God of the Bible. This whole 'inter-faith' movement is really not at all something I want us to progress toward. I don't want us to work hand in hand, uniting with other religions. That seems like a terrible idea. Not that we should have a separist mentality in our lifestyle, but we shoud have that mentality in our beliefs. The truth is Islam and Christianity CANNOT peacefully co-exist nor will they ever be able to unless each reinterpret their belief system. Luther said the fact that we have these conflicts is a sure sign that the kingdom of God is at work against the kingdom of darkness. God help us if we ever see peace on earth prior to Christ's return.

Signing Off,
EP

*disclaimer: I am not saying Christians and Muslims cannot peacefully co-exist, though that may be tenable as well, I'm saying the ideologies cannot co-exist because they are at irreconcilable odds with each other. This post was about the belief systems and not the individuals who hold those beliefs.