Apparently there is a great deal of confusion on both sides of battle lines in this first world war of the twenty-first century between what various world leaders may decide, and what God may in fact have in mind for our world. In normal circumstances it would be a real stretch to equate the gentle words and deeds of Jesus, with the violent actions of soldiers and warriors in battle, but these are not ordinary times. And upon the spur of the moment it is easy to lose sight of the all important distinction between the purposes of the Almighty and our own. I am writing this just two weeks after the attacks upon the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Now that the initial shock of what happened has passed and many of us are returning to something that has at least the appearance of a normal life, there is perhaps greater opportunity to reflect upon the questions that arose with such force during those first days after September 11.
Every religion contains, in varying degrees, elements that contribute to peace or war.
For those interested in a clear and compelling statement of basic Muslim teaching, few have presented it better than Riffat Hassan, who teaches at the University of Louisville. To enter the language of Islam and the West is then, with Alice, to enter the Wonderland of the Looking Glass. The precondition is readiness to step beyond dead habits and deadly prejudice. Making Bibles the perfect personal gift for all occasions. Plus, see highlights from The Big Picture.