We are aware of the conflict with Islam, leading the most fanatical of the Muslim sects to engage in acts of terrorism. We have felt their rage against “the infidels.” Their holy book, the Quran instructs them to lash out against those who do not believe as they do in physical battle. Notice the following passage:
“Make war on them: Allah will chastise them through you and humble them. He will grant you victory over them and heal the spirit of the faithful” (Surah 9:14).
The Catholic church instigated a series of eight “Crusades” in the time period between 1095 and 1270 in an attempt, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, to “deliver the Holy Places from Mohammedan tyranny.” Interestingly, the Encyclopedia states the concept of what is referred to as “Christendom” at that time. “The idea of the Crusade corresponds to a political conception which was realized in Christendom only from the eleventh to the fifteenth century, this supposes a union of all peoples and sovereigns under the direction of the popes.” Finally, note the following quote: “All crusades were announced by preaching. After pronouncing a solemn vow, each warrior received a cross from the hands of the pope or his legates, and was thenceforth considered a soldier of the church.” (All citations from the New Advent Web site, www.newadvent.org). Ultimately the Crusades are regarded in history as failures.
It may be that many view the current conflict that America and Israel (as well as other “secular” governments) have with Muslims as another battle between Christianity and Islam. In reality, this is not so. In fact, never has the interests of true Christianity been served by carnal warfare. Christ’s kingdom is spiritual, and the battles fought by Christians on behalf of “the faith” are spiritual battles, not temporal ones.
Note the following passages from God’s word:
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:35-37).
