The biggest challenge Islam faces

http://www.religionnewsblog.com/20094/islam-66

The history of theism on this planet has its fair share of dark moments. From human sacrifice to the inquisition people have used their belief in a "Higher Being" to commit some of the greatest atrocities on the planet.

When someone observes this behavior and then examines the scriptures that, weather they are to be interpreted literally or figuratively, seem to exhort and condone this behavior and eventually comes to the conclusion that no God could possibly exist, how could you blame such a person? I am one such individual but I am not hostile toward the idea of God nor the belief in God. I stand between the Atheist and the Theist in a state of mind and belief that provides me great peace.

The history of and path of two great religions seems to be cyclical. Islam has the unfortunate distinction of replacing Dark Ages Christianity. The rule of the Popes, the Crusades and finally the Inquisition have all but wiped out true Christian worship and belief. What exists today is a mere shell of how Christ left it. Christianity was hijacked by over ambitious and insane extremists who would take life without a second thought in order to compel and force belief on others.

Since its acceptance as an official religion, Christianity has always enjoyed the luxury of military protection, which it models after Old Testament tradition. The only thing that keeps Christianity safe and alive in the world today is the all powerful U.S. military, if not for this institution Christianity would be viewed in large part the way Islam is because in essence it is just as, if not more extreme.

Unless an Arab country becomes the sole superpower in the world Moderate Muslims need to be a stronger voice for the religion they love. Unfortunately no matter how loud their voice is extremists will always get the ear of racist and bigoted bystanders who are quick to declare Islam barbaric. I'm sure it's hard enough trying to be a good Muslim without having to live for your extremist brother as well, but unlike Cain every Muslim has to be his "brothers keeper". He or she has to work to help guide the hearts and minds of those who may be vulnerable to hate and extremism.

Recently there have been several instances where Islamic law has been enforced and gained world wide attention and concern. Non Muslims think the Qu'ran is full of hateful speech and cruel punishment for the "unbeliever", but if they just look in to the passages of the Old Testament they will find similar if not far more severe punishments for sin. The Old Testament books however pale in compassion to the graphic blood bath of sinners found in the New Testament book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ. It is this book and the belief in it's apocalyptic message that motivates many Christians to do all they can to destroy Islam in order to usher in the second coming of Jesus Christ. They look forward to the day when there will be rivers of blood and eternal hell fire for unbelievers.

These beliefs and agendas are moved forward in a so called civilized fashion but make no mistake about it there will certainly be an Armageddon weather or not there is a second coming of Jesus. The point is that peace loving people will have to work twice as hard in order to keep extremists from destroying the planet. It is up to moderate Muslims, Christians, Hindus (Hindus because there is a huge storm soon to be unleashed as a result of tensions that exist between Muslims and Hindus) etc. to keep belief something worth having and preserving, because other wise crazy people will destroy everything for both believers and non believers alike.