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The Islamic Dilemma: A Very Brief Explanation
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Category Archives: World Religions
Twelve Reasons the USA Should Support Israel
Let’s not abandon her. But America must not ignore the Palestinians, either. I answer objections throughout the post.
Jesus and Muhammad: Fifteen Major Differences
To spell out the differences between the two persons is to clarify the differences between Christianity and Islam. The points are real and relevant today.
Muslim-Christian Marriage: Friendly Advice to Christians
Should you take the plunge? I remember hearing an interview on the radio with a Muslim, a few years ago.
Twenty-Five Reasons to Leave Islam
You converted to Islam recently. Or you grew up a Muslim. Now what? Simple. Leave it behind and follow Jesus. Right now. There is a prayer at the end of this post.
Islamic Jihad v. European Crusades
It’s time to educate the students at the campus protests in spring 2024 and even now. Do they know Islamic jihad continued without stopping for four hundred years before the Pope called for the first major crusade?
The West’s Struggle with Islam
It goes deeper than just the attacks in Paris, Brussels, San Bernardino, and Orlando and now the campus protests of spring 2024 (and the others that will follow). It will go past 2100. It’s the Second Hundred Years War.
The Truth about Islamic Jihad and Imperialism: A Timeline
Updated: The campus protests that turn Islam into an innocent party are shortsighted and wrong on the facts.
Twenty-Five Reasons Not to Convert to Islam
Here are the reasons why no one should convert to Islam, which are not placed in any particular order. At the end of this post, there is a prayer to follow Jesus.
Who Were the Nephilim?
Life is getting strange with the onslaught of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The issue of the Nephilim is “enormous” and “gigantic” in the American church right now. Can giants be edited through AI and faked and published on youtube and other platforms? Some youtube teachers and prophets claim that they actually do appear, apart from AI.
Ancient Heresy of Gnosticism and Its Postmodern Teachers
Gnosticism is alive and well today, disguised in various forms of postmodernism. It is being taught today. Let’s see if we can see through the disguises and get to the truth.
Gnosticism: An Introduction
What are gnosticism and Gnostic writings? This post gives you the basics about those writings, and how they veer off from the New Testament.
Jesus in Iran
We could use some good news nowadays. The following news links certainly count as the best.
Muhammad’s Atrocity against the Qurayza Jews
He beheaded the men and pubescent boys and enslaved the women and children.
Muhammad and the Jews
The tensions come from the Quran itself.
Qital (Warfare) Verses in the Quran
Qital simply means military or physical slaughter or violence. Nearly every verse that has the word qital is quoted here.
All the Jihad Verses in the Quran
Jihad means to struggle or strive, sometimes with weapons (lesser jihad), other times with inner force against vices in the soul (greater jihad).
Jesus Called It ‘Israel’
The Palestinian media say that Jesus was a Palestinian. A Dutch film says the same. Would the so-called “historical” Jesus recognize the label? How did he refer to his homeland, even under Roman occupation? Clarity and historical accuracy, not politics, is the purpose of this article.
Ten Sharia Laws that Oppress Women
The old laws need to be studied today because they’re still being practiced right now.
Ten Big Differences between Christianity and Other Religions
These are the “big ten” reasons that go a long way to explain why Christianity is still the fastest growing religion in the world and why it gains converts from the other religions.
Top Ten Reasons Why Islam Is Not the Religion of Peace
The evidence is clear from the Quran itself and Muhammad’s life.
1. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Their Natures and Roles
It may seem strange to sweet Westerners and others to contrast the two, but the evidence says you cannot have both in an unholy marriage. We must face those facts. They are different–even opposites–in so many ways.
1-B. Table of Muhammad’s Titles
The references and the totals that are based on them are close approximations. It goes with Part One in the series: Either Jesus or Muhammad.
2. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Were Both Sinless?
Lovely and tolerant Westerners and others may not like to see the stark differences between the Quran and New Testament, but these well-intentioned people must do this, anyway. They cannot have both mixed together. And what is the answer to that question?
3. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Living in Freedom or Dead Laws
God loves people, but sometimes their beliefs are short-sighted. They think all religions are the same. They are not. People have to choose between Jesus or Muhammad, without mixture. Here are differences that impact our practical living.
4. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Does Islam Improve on Christianity?
Does Muhammad fulfill and complete the mission and ministry of Jesus? The Quran answers with an emphatic yes. It is a serious challenge. No mixture here. Choose one or the other, but not both. Continue reading
5. Either Jesus or Muhammad: How They Confronted Satan
This post may be the most surprising one in the series that contrasts Jesus with Muhammad. Here the differences are once again so huge that you cannot have both mixed together.
6. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Their Views on Wealth
Both Jesus and Muhammad said that we should give to the poor (and so do most world religions). But beyond this basic generosity, they had very different attitudes and policies on money. Let’s not pretend those differences don’t exist. They do.
7. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Their Reactions to Insults
Sleepy, sweet Westerners and others must understand the differences. Here are more differences which produce all sorts of repercussions today. The differences are so massive that they are incompatible.
8. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Their Views on Violence
I love tolerance, and so do you. But the intolerance that leads to violence comes from one side only. Why is that? Two sample verses in the New Testament and the Quran are analyzed here. Either / Or. Not both.
9. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Significance of Their Deaths
As noted throughout this series, the differences are huge–too big to wed together in an unholy mixture. You must choose one or the other, not both.
10. Either Jesus or Muhammad: Bible Prophecy
There is a meme going around that Muhammad is in the Hebrew Bible (old Testament). But the reference is obscure and out of context. In contrast, the New Testament authors were careful to note numerous prophecies that Jesus fulfills. The differences are huge and unbridgeable. Choose one or the other, but not both together.
1 Introduction to a Series on Islamic Sharia Law
This article is Part 1 in the sharia series.
2 What Is Sharia?
This articles gives the basics. Let’s define what it is before we critique it. This article is Part 2 in the sharia series.
3 Mosque and State in Early Islam
They are impossible to separate. This article is Part 3 in the sharia series.
4 Jihad and Qital in the Quran, Traditions, and Classical Law
Jihad means struggle, sometimes personal, other times military. Qital means only military war and appears more often in the Quran than does jihad. This article is Part 4 in the series on sharia.
5 Slavery in the Quran, Traditions, and Classical Sharia Law
There are some positive verses in the Quran about the treatment and even release of slaves, but there are also some negative ones. This article is Part 5 in the sharia series.
6 No Freedom of Religion in Early Islam
Simply stated, there is none. This article is Part 6 in the sharia series.
7 No Free Speech in the Quran, Traditions, and Sharia Law
There is no free speech about religion in Islam, and barely any in political Islam. This is Part 7 in the sharia series.
8 Women’s Status and Roles in Early Islam
The Quran has some positive verses about womankind, in the abstract. But it also has some negative things to say on a practical and legal level. This is Part 8 in the sharia series.
9 Domestic Violence in Early Islam
Does the Quran really give permission to husbands to hit their wives, or is that just “Islamophobic” slander? This is Part 9 in the sharia series.
10 Divorce and Remarriage in Early Islam
It is easy for a man to divorce his wife in Islam. All he needs to do is repeat something three times. And then the divorce is final, binding, and legal. No sharia judge would overturn it. This is Part 10 in the sharia series.
11 Marriage to Prepubescent Girls in Early Islam
Though it is difficult for Western intellectuals to believe, the Quran and early Islam assumes this was done, though it doesn’t command the practice. However, some Muslims today take this assumption and run with it. This is Part 11 in the sharia series.
12 Polygamy in the Quran, Traditions, and Classical Sharia Law
In June 2015, the Supreme Court said it is constitutional that marriage should include two men or two women. How can society and lawmakers, logically or constitutionally, prevent other nonconformists like polygamists their chance at redefining marriage? What are the pitfalls of polygamy? This is Part 12 in the sharia series.
13 Veils in the Quran, Traditions, and Classical Sharia Law
Should we tolerate veils or headscarves, except during official business like taking a photo for an ID? Where does this custom come from? Is donning it Quranic or merely cultural? This article is Part 13 in the sharia series.
14 Adultery and Fornication in Early Islam
We’re talking here about how they’re punished. Let’s look at what we’re facing in the West.
15 Homosexuality in Early Islam
We discuss how the act and even lifestyle get punished. Clarity about what the West is facing is paramount.
16 Thirty Shariah Laws
This is part 16 in an 18-part series on sharia. Each of the thirty points is linked to original Islamic sources like the Quran or to articles that explain these sources. These points prove that these laws are bad for all societies and need to be scrapped in the modern world.
17 How to Judge Sharia
Sharia is intended to judge us. How about turning the tables to judge it? This is Part 17 in the sharia series.
18 Why Sharia Is Incompatible with American Values
Note that the title says sharia. Islam, as a religion, has first amendment protection in this country, though Islam itself is oppressive and misguided. It is time to think about why you (rightly) react viscerally against it.
Muhammad’s Dead Poets Society
Assassinating satirical poets: The historical facts are laid out point by point, victim by victim.
Islamic Martyrdom: The Economy of Death in the Quran
Where does the doctrine of martyrdom come from?
The Law of Retaliation in the Quran and Early Islam
Islam takes the law of retaliation literally. Not even the Old Testament does that.
Thieves, Give Muhammad a Hand!
The tragic sound of one hand clapping in Islam. The punishment of hand amputation in the Quran is still being applied today for major theft. The Bible is contrasted with the Quran on theft.
Islam’s Punishments for Drinking and Gambling
Islam imposes corporal punishment on drinkers and gamblers. Is this the best policy to help them?
Crucifixion and Mutilation in the Quran
As a punishment for mischief, broadly interpreted, throughout the land, the Quran orders crucifixion and alternate hand-and-foot mutilation. Real law, real life, real bad.
A Brief History of War in Earliest Islam
We’re talking about history when the Islamic prophet was still alive. It’s all there in the Quran. After reading this post, you’ll understand why there’s so much violence coming out of the Islamic world.
A Brief History of War in the Earliest Caliphates
During his lifetime, Muhammad set the genetic code, and the first four caliphs followed his example.
Allah’s Kosher Apes and Pigs
Islamic fanatics shriek that Allah turned certain Jews into apes and pigs. Where does this harsh polemics come from? Do they get it from the hadith (Muhammad’s sayings and deeds outside of the Quran)? From later traditions? From thin air?
Is the Bible More Violent Than the Quran?
Many believe that it is, or if it is not more violent than it is equally so. Is that true?
Are Christianity and Islam Equally Violent?
Many on the left seem to think so. True?
Outline of Shintoism
This post on the Japanese religion gives the basics. Good for a quick review. At the end of this post, please see a Christian reaction.
Outline of Confucianism
Great review for students and other learners. Please see a Christian reaction at the end of this post.
Outline of Buddhism
This sweeping overview is great review for students and interested learners. A Christian reaction or response to Buddhism appears at the end of this post.
Outline of Taoism
Taoism / Daoism: Great review for students and other learners. Please see a Christian reaction at the end of the post.
Outline of Hinduism
This post is a good review of the basics. Please see a Christian reaction at the bottom of the post.
Outline of Sikhism
Good for a quick review. A Christian reaction is at the bottom of this post.
Outline of Christianity
If you ever wanted to see the teaching and history of this religion in a sweeping overview, here is the post that tries to do it.
Outline of Islam
Do you want to understand this religion in a broad sweep? Here it is. A Christian reaction is placed at the end.
Outline of Judaism
This is a summary and overview of the religion over time: key concepts, figures, and events.
Outline of Zoroastrianism
A post for your review. Please see the Christian reaction and reply at the end of the post.
1 Introduction to the Sword in Early Christianity and Islam
This series contrasts the ministry of Jesus and his view of the sword with the life of Muhammad and use of the sword. Then the series contrasts earliest Christian leaders and their view on the sword with the earliest Muslims leaders’s use of it. The two religions are not the same.
2 The Mission of Jesus and the Sword
In our comparative study of the two religions of Christianity and Islam, we begin with the mission of Jesus, since he lived about 600 years before Muhammad. The next part in the series, the Mission of Muhammad, is designed to mirror this one you’re reading now.
3 The Mission of Muhammad and the Sword
This article is designed to be compared with the previous one about Jesus and his mission. It has a chronological timeline of Muhammad’s comnquests.
4 The Gospels and the Sword
This article is designed to be contrasted with the next one about the sword in the Quran, in our comparative study of the two religions.
5 The Quran and the Sword
This article should be contrasted with the previous one about the Gospels and the sword, in our comparative study of the two religions.
6 Two Kinds of Swords
In this one article in the series, the two religions are placed side by side, so to speak. The two religions are very different.
7 The Early Church and the Sword
Did they pick up swords to stop the persecution and control nonconformists? This article is designed to be contrasted with the next one about the sword in the early Muslim community, in our comparative study of the two religions.
8 The Early Muslim Community and the Sword
During his lifetime, Muhammad set the genetic code, and the first four caliphs followed his example. They actually used the sword. Contrast this use with the non-use in earliest Christianity.
9 The Sword and the Jews in Early Christianity and Islam
In this comparative study of the two religions, Jesus and his early followers and Muhammad and the earliest Muslims had interaction with Jews, whose Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) is the foundation of Christianity and strongly influenced Islam, since the Quran very often refers to Biblical stories and characters.
10 Martyrdom and the Sword in Early Christianity and Islam
This article covers martyrdom by the sword in our comparative study of the two religions, in their origins.
11 Q and A on the Sword in Early Christianity and Islam
This article covers and reviews topics left unanswered in the rest of this series.
12 Conclusion to Series: Sword in Early Christianity and Islam
This article is the final one in the series, which was a comparative study of the two religions. Here, at last, we summarize, with some analysis, the major differences between the two religions, side by side, so to speak. They are not the same–not even close.
Muhammad’s ‘Peaceful,’ ‘Non-Assassinations’ of Mockers
The meme is still out there. Islam is the religion of peace, nothing but peace, and the whole peace. It is time to tell the truth about Islam–or maintain the truth about it. The title of the post is ironic. He really did kill mockers.
Matthew 10:34 Contrasted with Quran 9:123
Muslim polemicists frequently quote Matthew 10:34, which mentions a sword, drawing a parallel between Christianity and Islam: They reason: Jesus and Muhammad both endorse jihad, so why would Christians today complain about it in Islam? However, their reasoning is deadly misinformed. Real violence is in the Quran.
The Ultimate Goal of Islam
Islamic terrorism may eventually be defeated in its large manifestations, like the one we saw on 9/11, but built into earliest Islam is an ultimate goal—what is it, according to the Quran, the Hadith (Muhammad’s words and deeds outside of the Quran), and Muhammad’s life?
Islam’s Belated Militant and Mystical Claim on Jerusalem
Three faiths have claimed ownership over Jerusalem: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Yet plain and ancient history favors Jewish ownership over the holy city.
Works Cited
Here is a list of the principal works referenced or used at this site. More will be added as time goes on, so please check back.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 