In this piece, Christian Concern's Director of Islamic affairs Tim Dieppe discusses this week's terrorist attacks in Brussels, suggesting ways in which we can respond. He posits that we must first recognise the issue as rooted in the doctrine of Islam. He also calls us to pray, and finally, he challenges us to respond with boldness. "It is time for Christians to stand up and speak out. Muhammad was a false and violent prophet. Jesus came to set us free," he states.
Perhaps the most shocking thing about the Brussels attacks is how little we are shocked by them. We seem to have come to accept coordinated large-scale terrorist attacks in major capital cities as an inevitable part of 21st century life. We assume that we will just have to put up with attacks like this every so often and that there is little that can be done about it. How did we get into this position? Should we really be so accepting and passive in our response? What can we do that will make a difference?
First, we need to recognise and be unafraid to say that these terrorists are Muslims who are sincerely and devoutly following what Muhammad did and taught. Saying that it has “nothing to do with Islam” is a lie and an insult to the perpetrators. They are taking Muhammad’s teaching seriously, and we shouldn’t pretend otherwise. Muhammad was a war leader who encouraged his followers to wage war on disbelievers. Multiple verses in the Qur’an can be used to justify violence. For example, “Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day.” (Surah 9:29) Islam was founded by a warrior, expanded through warfare, and continues to inspire acts of warfare today.
Second, we need to understand that support for radical Islam is not lacking in Muslim communities in Western countries. Pew surveys have shown that, among young, Western Muslims aged 18-29, the percentages who believe that suicide bombings against civilians can be justified are as follows: 42% of French Muslims, 35% of British Muslims, and 26% of American Muslims. Those who actually carry out these attacks are a small minority, but they do not lack support for their actions from their communities. Once again, this is because of Muhammad’s teachings and example.
Third, we need to recover our Christian roots and promote the benefits of an explicitly Christian culture over against multiculturalism. It is clear that the multicultural relativism experiment has been a devastating failure. We have welcomed with open arms people who are intent on destroying our society. We have turned a blind eye to discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, in the name of tolerance. This has caused immense damage to our society and needs to stop. But we cannot just abandon multiculturalism without replacing it with something else. This is where Christianity needs to step in. It is only when we are strong in our sense of Christian identity and values as a nation that we will properly be able to respond with clarity and wisdom to the challenges of radical Islam.
Fourth, we need to pray. Pray for our security services that have done a remarkable job by God’s grace in foiling multiple attacks in this country. Pray for our politicians and Church leaders that they would be unafraid to link these attacks to radical Islam, and bold to take the right actions to prevent more attacks from happening. Pray for courage to confront Islam with the truth claims of Christianity and to expose the violent exploitative nature of Islam. Pray for the nation, that we would repent of multiculturalism and turn back to Christianity.
Finally, one of the challenges of Islam to Christians today is that radical Muslims really are willing to lay down their lives for their god. They see Christians as weak because we are not as bold or as dedicated as they are in promoting our religion. They seek to promote fear. If we are then afraid of offending Muslims or criticising Islam then the terrorists have succeeded and we will not be able to stand up to them. In this sense, we should be challenged by their boldness for a false religion to even greater boldness for the truth! It is time for Christians to stand up and speak out. Muhammad was a false and violent prophet. Jesus came to set them free. Only Christianity can provide a firm foundation for our society. Will you take that challenge to be bold for Jesus and speak out amongst your circle of influence without fear of the consequences?
Related Links:
Isis claims responsibility for Brussels attacks 'in revenge for Belgium's role fighting militants in Syria and Iraq' (Independent)
Pew Research Center study showing Muslim support for radical Islam