Thou Shall Not Kill; Never A Justification Otherwise
 |
| An analogy: this image of a defenseless yet poisonous bug, represents God's grace... God does not immediately destroy the bug, although it is poisonous and obviously harmful to the hand (humanity)... ...rather, God allows the bug to continue to live and fulfill the purpose it was made for, although questionable. (no bugs were injured in the taking of this photo, nor is this bug actually 'poisonous', but the analogy is true) |
What I am going to explicitly share in this article may read phobic or repeating anti-Islamic propaganda.
I wish I was mistaken, but such is not the case as textually found in the sources that inspire such activities and ideologies mentioned in the news article I've included below.
Regardless of the arguments for various interpretations, consider the following:
The words, thoughts, and actions that compel individuals or groups to kill others not like themselves find their birth Muhammad's poetry; the Quran.
This claim is evidenced in Islam's history since Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina.
My argument is supported by the Islamic sources, religious and historical, themselves.
I concede to momentarily entertain the carnal argument of defending oneself if attacked (although I don't subscribe to such, but rather mention "turn the other cheek" and "love your enemy").
The argument that goes beyond this carnal argument, based on human logic and not on things Above, and also attempts to justify outright killing of random strangers...is beyond repulsive.
Although the Christian effort (to use a label and put it that way) to further the Gospel (or a version of it interpreted by secular government's efforts) does reveal historical times of absolute evil.
Yet no where in the New Testament is violence, strife, nor murder / killing justified.
Neither is such activity noted in the early church.
This is the light being separated from the darkness.
Rather, what is witnessed is martyrdom of the faithful at the hands of the wicked.
This has never changed despite secular governments hijacking certain Christian ideals while ignoring the others.
Can Islam from inception say the same?
We who study the details see early on justifications to fight, to return harm for harm done, and eventual assassination justified for a greater cause.
No where are such notions found in the New Testament, yet the Islamic origins are clothed with these notions.
The light is being separated from the darkness.
Where such governments have (or had) Christian influence in them or within them, and where these have (or had) justified killing others, whether by religious law or secular law, they have fallen from the Way of love and peace.
They were wrong (and continue to be wrong).
These have not clearly represented the New Testament's message of love, peace, submission in all matters, and martyrdom not murder.
These have muddied the New Covenant and has brought contempt on that account.
The same can NOT be said, historically nor textually, about Islam's foundation and historical record.
How can I write such claims?
The evidence is found in the earliest historical reports written by those who followed a man named Muhammad: that man's poetry (the Quran) and what others have said about him (Hadith) and the voluminous records since the 7th century by the hand of Muslim writers.
Furthermore, and as found in history, the activities of those who believed that he was a prophet of the One and only God of heaven and earth reveals the nature of his message, and the light is further clarified from the darkness weaved into the lighter portions of that man's poetry.
There is half light and half darkness therein.
The contrasting teaching regarding enemies and those who oppose, is obvious when looking at both the New Testament and the Quran.
Besides the half that repeats similar teachings of peace and kindness that overlap one another, when it comes to how to deal with violence, the response is evidenced in both the teachings and activities.
Consider this when looking at literal and allegorical interpretations of the text sources (Bible and Quran).
With this, it makes rational sense that Christendom has influenced mankind and man's laws reflecting the grace and truth of God in Christ.
It it this same grace that the subject of the news article linked below, although wrong and wayward he may have been at the time of his ill conduct, shall have time to reflect on his thoughts and actions.
Perhaps that person may find such grace that was extended to him in a court of law; a court of law run by a government that reflects the grace and truth of Christ's law while upholding the law of Moses.
Perhaps that individual will be shown mercy during their remaining days on earth...and NOT receive the same effort that he desired to enact on strangers.
THIS is the great difference that is realized between the clash of cultures.
THIS is one point that, although some may argue this individual and those who act like him do not deserve to breathe another breath on this earth, the Gospel prescribes a greater effort than simply snuffing out their lives.
The decision to kill another human being, whether through a court of law or by one's hand, is stepping into the realm of God's sovereignty.
It is acting like God, and in such a manner no human is justified nor allowed to do.
The greatest example of leaving room for God's justice to happen, by God's desired timing, was found in none other than Christ and His teachings.
This example was furthered by those (of us) that acknowledge God's righteous judgment supersedes our desire to enact our justice onto others, no matter how intriguing the argument is.
The example teaches us to place and reflect our concept of judgment on the Way.
We are not to be judges having blood on our hands, neither any human who occupies any earthly office whether secular or religious.
I, obviously, vehemently oppose capital punishment (execution by state government), for that idea is also unfounded according to Christ's principles.
To pass judgment in deciding death on another human being is a grave mistake yet to be fully rectified in the world's societies...leading the unrepentant to an eternal grave of sorts.
Let us now look at only a few examples of the sources that men draw inspiration from:
Fighting is ordained for you, even though it be hateful to you; but it may well be that you hate a thing the while it is good for you, and it may well be that you love a thing the while it is bad for you: and God knows, whereas you do not know.
They will ask thee about fighting in the sacred month. Say: "Fighting in it is an awesome thing (grave transgression); but turning men away from the path of God and denying Him, and [turning them away from] the Inviolable House of Worship and expelling its people there from - [all this] is yet more awesome (greater transgression) in the sight of God, since oppression is more awesome (greater transgression) than killing." [Your enemies] will not cease to fight against you till they have turned you away from your faith, if they can. But if any of you should turn away from his faith and die as a denier of the truth - these it is whose works will go for nought in this world and in the life to come; and these it is who are destined for the fire, therein to abide.
And fight in God's cause against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression-for, verily, God does not love aggressors.
And slay them wherever you may come upon them, and drive them away from wherever they drove you away - for oppression is even worse than killing. And fight not against them near the Inviolable House of Worship unless they fight against you there first; but if they fight against you, slay them: such shall be the recompense of those who deny the truth.
But if they desist-behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.
Hence, fight against them until there is no more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone; but if they desist, then all hostility shall cease, save against those who [willfully] do wrong.
Fight during the sacred months if you are attacked: for a violation of sanctity is [subject to the law of] just retribution. Thus, if anyone commits aggression against you, attack him just as he has attacked you - but remain conscious of God, and know that God is with those who are conscious of Him.
- Al Baqara (2) 190-194, 215-217The chapter al Baqara is the first 'inspiration' upon Muhammad's arrival to Medina, having left Meccas due to being unwanted and pressured.
Notice the seemingly easy manner contradiction is weaved, justified and how 'oppression' is elevated to be more grievous than murder.
Much more to notice than needs to be delved into in this article.
To contrast what is found in al Baqara, let us look now at what preceded it by several centuries:
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell...
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well...
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- Matthew 5: 21-22, 38-40, 43-48Matthew quotes Christ's teaching on certain important topics, introducing His law in fulfilling the law of Moses.
Notice the fulfillment of the law of Moses in Christ, and the law of Christ being introduced.
The previous law reflects what Muhammad's poetry repeats, yet it seems Muhammad was not aware that Christ had fulfilled the law and its requirements, but brought the kingdom of God and the factual religion of peace (when imitated by Christ's example).
Looking at the letter to the Roman church, the teaching of peace and submission to echoed:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Romans 12: 14-21Muhammad's poetry would have made better sense if he would have lived prior to Christ appearing in the flesh.
Yet, since Christ the Lord, the Prince of Peace, appeared before the 'religion of peace' (as Islam is promoted as), then the light has clarified the darkness, since the light shines in the darkness
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
- John 3: 19-21Read the news article that caused me to reflect this words onto you.
Comments