The Problem(s) With Islam

The derivative religion of Islam, founded in the seventh century by Mohammad, a man held in such high regard that he may as well be a deity beyond question or criticism, has made itself run afoul of most public opinion with its propensity toward violence, gender and cultural chauvinism and failed states. These socio-political effects are seen readily and can be derided and condemned. But theologically, how strong is Islam? Is it a faith that can survive spiritual weathering? Are its foundations strong?

A few things to consider, aside from the origins of Islam, are how God is perceived, His capabilities and how Muslims may conduct themselves.

First of all, as was stated before, Islam is a derivative religion preceded by Judaism and its divergent off-shoot, Christianity. While Judaism boasts a covenant with God and Christianity has Jesus Christ as its head, Islam holds Mohammad, who waged brutal war against those who did not believe in the religion he founded, whose opinion of women was low and who married a six year old girl, the man as its model for how its adherents behave.There is no central authority as the final arbiter of form and matter or to rein in its clerics, no room for interpretation of a chronologically incongruous text nor has any major change taken place since Islam was founded. The religion operates very much the same way it has for centuries.

So when Islamic clerics wildly claim that Christmas, which celebrates the birth of a man they don't believe is the Son of God, is a time of fornication and evil, who supports or negates them? No one. Indeed, even wishing someone a Merry Christmas is like professing Christianity or admitting that Jesus is God rather than getting into the spirit of things or even an act of civility. Cultural faux pas abound!

What is more is that even Christ's death is denied. This video put out by Answering Muslims carefully dissects (a thorough and wonderful job of it is done, too) the arguments of a Muslim speaker, Zakir Naik's, that God made it appear that Jesus died on the cross but did not in fact do so. God, or Allah, apparently is a better liar than the devil. The Roman soldiers, who had no side to pick one way or another and who not only scourged Jesus, marched Him to His death, nailed Him to a cross and witnessed Him expire, hence not breaking His legs, were lying? And why capitalise on the fact that the Jews were responsible for the death of a man who is not only not the Christ but did not even die? If Jesus didn't die, why bring it up? The Talmud also mentions Jesus’ death. Though the Koran (4:157) is quick to condemn the Jews for killing the man that Muslims do not believe is the Son of God, Jewish law dictated that trial and punishment would not occur so close to the Sabbath, making Jesus’ execution a Roman affair. But who instigated or carried out the death of Christ is a moot point as the Bible makes clear that Jesus was sacrificed for the sins of all.

This boils down to the crux of Islamic belief. First, that with God, something is impossible. If God is all-powerful, as even the Koran states, then why can't God take on human form, walk the Earth, die and rise back to life? If this is impossible, than what is greater than God? Or is it a matter of being unwilling to believe that God is capable of doing these things?  All things are possible with God, therefore, God can assume human form and save the world. That He chose one group of people in which to do this should not deprive all of humanity from the messages of peace and salvation. Christianity may have originated in Israel but does that mean people in Asia also cannot believe? The possibility of openness and universality seems lacking in the Islamic world if they cannot fathom that one man from one place came for all. Furthermore, this lack of belief not only makes God impotent but, if he is perceived as a liar, is cruel. Why believe in a higher being who is deceptive? It's one thing not to understand Divine plans; it's quite another to not care if whoever makes them is wicked.

Why labour under a religion where the Supreme Being is powerless and a liar? This negative view of God reflects on the people who hold that belief. They don't think much of Him but they do fear Him or at least those who say they know Him. Would it not be better to believe that a being who created the world can do other things, even forgive sins of others? Wouldn't that being give comfort and hope?