The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-05-28
THE WEATHER..
MoHAMMEp IS AFTER US.

MOHAMMED IS AFTER US.
A new periodical OF most suggestive
meaning to the religious world has re-
Gently been started in New York. 1t is
devoted to the spread Of Mohammedan-
ism in this country, and from appear
ance and the tone Ct discussion is likely
to attract something more than passing
interest in periodical literature Of that
class. 1t seems evident that the pro-
moters are thoroughly earnest in their
purposes and that their little journals
tic offspring, in the language Of the
newspaper salutatory, "Has come to
stay" We are informed that it is the
result Of a thoroughly organized cam
paign on the part Of tho leaders of a
great religion, professed by nearly 2o0,-
100000 people. According to all esti-
mates, tho wealth Of the church is some
thing enormous, and if a portion of this,
coupled with determined energy, is
used to teach Mohammedanism IN the
more civilized countries, it is reasonable
to expect at least some results in the
line OF conversion. The progress, at
any rate, will be watched with great
interest.
In many respects, this religion resem-
bles the teachings Of Christianity. 1t
recognizes the existence of God, but as
serts that Mohammed, who was a fam
Gus teacher, was the fulfllment of all
prophecy and declares the Koran to be
the Bible. Abraham, Noah, Adam,
Noses and Christ are declared to have
existed as prophets, but Mohammed is
greater than all and is therefore the OBJ
ject OF worship. The five principal COM
mandments are prayer, aims giving,
fasting, pilgrimage and war against the
infdel. Polygamy is taught as one of
the beliefs of Mohammed which must
be obeyed. While the teachings resemble
those Of the Bible, from which this book
is said by students OF Christianity to be
a reflection, it is nevertheless from an
intellectual standpoint a most remarka-
bic production. The doctrines stand
out in a strong and bold relief, quite in
contrast with the mysticism found in
the teachings OF Brahma and the idola-
trous' gods Of other eastern religions.
II it does not bear evidence of divine in
SEPARATION its authorship, according to
the best students, shows strong faith
and high mental development. A de-
%youtness which has often approached
fanaticism characterizes the followers
Of Mohammed and they have always
been ready to make the greatest sacri-
fees. Like the teachers of Christianity,
they early recognized the Importance of
education. In western Asia and north
ern Africa, in Turkey and parts of Rus
sia where this religion fourishes may
be found great universities where all
branches of learning are taught. There
are also theological seminaries and mis-
sionary schools which annually turn out
hundreds Of workers. The result is
that the Christian missionaries have
made less progress in Mohammedan
countries than in other fields.
It snot to be presumed that the new
undertaking will prove successful to
any degree in this country and yet the
conditions are more favorable for the
spread Of new religious beliefs than at
any time within the past twenty years.
There is a breaking away from old
forms, a more popular inquiry into new
theories and a greater disposition to fol-
low new leaders than we have hereto
fore seen. The Presbyterian church is
disturbed by teachings which would
have caused the authors summary ex-
pulsion if he had taken his position but
o few years ago. The pope has found it
necessary to break away to a largo de-
gree from old lines and adopt a new pol
icy in order to hold the church together.
Even Brahminism has gained some
thing Of a foothold in Europe, and it's
converts are said to be increasing not
among the ignorant but in the higher
intellectual circles. It is possible that
u Mohammedan friends, after a thor
ough study Of these conditions, con-
clude that the time is ripe to propagate
their faith in this country. At any
rate, they are going to try.
1rk