Threat of Terrorism

I am reading "Winning the Future" by Newt Gingrich. In the first chapter, he reminds his readers of the dangers that still loom as a threat to our nation.

Muslim extremist are still targeting those who disagree with their views, and they would like nothing better than to see the United States of America destroyed. They have a very extreme Islamic faith that drives hatred towards those who differ from them.

Christians and Jews are their primary targets. They will take their time and research all available ways to hurt us or those who agree with us. They hope all nations will fold like Spain during election periods. Nothing against Spain because they have had their share of Islamic turmoil.

Islamic extremist are bent on world domination. Political extremists such as the tyrant in Iran will do anything to bring glory to their nation.

The problem we face is on two fronts. We have politicians that honestly believe that if we back away from the fight and get out, then the Muslims will back down. The other erroneous thought process is the belief that bringing democracy to the Middle East will then cause the other Islamic territories to capitulate and to change.

Both thought processes are born out of an ignorance of history. History has shown the ability of these nations to grow into super powers. Their history is exotic at some points and virtually brutal in others.

Modern science, mathematics, literature, and thinking have roots in the history of this area. Some of those areas owe everything to their discoveries.

But since the 700s, when Islam was created by an angry man, Muslim extremists have used that faith to do one of three things: kill dissenters, force conversion (they do not allow freedom of thought), or for richer communities, when they needed funds to run their warring campaigns, a payment of tribute.

What I mean by a lack of freedom grows out of what was becoming one of the most advanced societies in education and knowledge. Their faith was growing dim so strong imams taught that such advancements were contrary to their existence. They cracked down on education and forever destroyed their advancements and offerings to the world.

Freedom is very counter to their belief system. Look at how they treat women. Look at how they allow mercy killings. Look at how vehemently they oppose someone turning to Christianity.

To them the United States is the Giant Satan, and Israel is the little Satan. Until their giant Satan can be subdued or controlled, they know that they cannot overrun Israel.

Their bitterness grows deeper than a simple system of democracy can cure. I have to disagree with Mr. Gingrich's assessment that democracy will bring change. It may for a little while, but for how long? They had freedom of thought once, and it disagreed with their religion.

This disagreement can be seen the the Sunni and Shia relations. Sunnis are too secularized for the extreme passions of the Shia clans.

But why are they so hostile when so many claim that it is a faith of peace?

They lack the true grace of Christ. As a Christian, I know that their commitment to violent acts is due to their sin. Without God's grace and mercy. they will always act in ways contrary to God's love and kindness. People cannot share grace and mercy when they have not experienced it.

This can be seen in Christian history as well. Christians in the past killed one another due to an inability to except differences. Governments and power hungry men used the name of Christianity to spread their empires. These times are very dark stains on a faith that stems from the peace that surpasses all understanding.

I just hope people will research the past a little more, becuase they will not have a clear understanding of the current Islamic faithful until they do.