Dr Paul Allen

What is — and isn’t — wrong with Islam? That is the question before us. Since late 2001, when Islam became front-page news, almost everything about it has been criticized: It’s been presented as hostile to progress, anti-democratic, theocratic, patriarchal, misogynistic, and draconian in its punishments. Is that what’s wrong with Islam? I’m here to argue no — none of those are the reasons why non-Muslims should be wary of Islam. Why? Because  they are all things that Muslims do to and amongst each other. They do not involve non-Muslims. What do I care if Muslims agree among themselves to chop off the hands of thieves, whip adulterers, or strictly segregate the sexes? Focusing on the many issues that we might find offensive but which do  not  affect non-Muslims creates confusion concerning those truly problematic aspects of Islam that  do  affect the so-called infidel. The Three Dark Pillars of Islam Once we take a step back and distinguish between the (many) doc...

C hrist in Gethsemane (Christus in Gethsemane), oil painting by Heinrich Ferdinand Hofmann (Heinrich Hofmann). The original is at the Riverside Church (Riverside Church, New York City). (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) "But seek ye first the kingdom of God , and his righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you." ( Matthew 6:33 ) This verse has become a favorite memory verse for millions and has even been set to music by a number of artists. Indeed, its truth is of foundational importance. First, notice that the tense of the verb "seek" in Greek implies a command to establish an ongoing habit or lifestyle of "seeking" the things of the kingdom. We are commanded to put first things first on a continual basis and watch Him take care of the items of secondary interest. We should strive to make His priorities our priorities--to so mold our thinking by the Word of God that we think as He does on every issue. Our lives should exhibit the purity ...