A number of people have asked for a response to attacks on Islam by the pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas.
First, let me make it clear that I am not an apologist for Islam. I am an apologist for the Christian faith. In my mind, that means we should be meticulous about being charitable, equitable, just and fair in relationships with others -- particularly with those with whom we differ.
Despite his disclaimers, Dr. Jeffers insists on blaming all Islam for the acts of a few extremists. He begins by saying "Islam does incite violence."
There is no doubt that verses of the Koran could well be interpreted to incite violence. The same is true of verses of the Bible. There is no doubt that throughout the centuries and into the present day some Islamic leaders have incited violence in the name of their faith. The same has been true of some Christian leaders throughout the centuries and into the present day.
I doubt that Jeffers and the members of First Baptist Dallas believe that the critics of Christianity are justified in saying that "Christianity incites violence." They should give no more credibility to similar accusations against Islam.
Second, the bulk of Jeffress' indictment of Islam stems from marriage customs. He arouses the indignation of his audience with examples of marriage rites involving children. Rites that were not uncommon throughout the ancient world and are still in practice in some underdeveloped places in the modern world.
Jeffers neglects to mention that under Jewish law the minimum age for marriage for women is 12 years old. Nor does he note that the traditional age given for Mary's betrothal to Joseph was 14 years of age and that Joseph is traditionally assumed to have been considerably older than his bride.
Is similar indignation in order for the Holy Spirit's use of Mary? Or, might it be wise to give some consideration to the average life expectancy of the era and the marital customs of the culture and time?
1 comment:
(1) Jesus never led a war against anyone. Even in the old testament, warfare was limited to the conquest and retention of the Promised Land given by divine right.
Compare that to Mohammad's life where warfare is very significant, especially in his later years. He is very influential in the conquest and consolidation of Mecca and the Arabian peninsula. After his death Islam is fundamental in the establishment of the Caliphate through warfare.
(2) Mohammad married Aisha when she was six and consummated the relationship when she was 9 or 10. Some scholars indicate this was rather common in the Arabian culture of the time. But it is still extremely disturbing now.
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