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I suppose both points of view are true, to some extent. I know many Muslims who just want to live and let live. While living in East Africa I taught with Muslims at the University of Nairobi, argued with them, ate with them and I respected them highly. They believed what they believed- with conviction.
But I never had any inkling that they would harm me in any way because of my persistent insistence that Jesus is God in the flesh, that he died for me on a cross and that he is now alive, unlike any of the prophets. Nor did I threaten them when they accused me of polytheism since I confessed that I believe in Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We were earnest in our debates and discussions but never even thought of coming to blows.
So what has gotten into Muslims in some parts of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia that has triggered all of this violence? It must have to do with grievances which go beyond religious beliefs. One objection is certainly the presence of Israel in what might be called the second most holy Muslim land, Palestine. The most hurtful grievance must be American troops (unbelievers) on Saudi Arabian soil, the most Holy Land of all for Muslims, with Mecca as its crown. For Islamic purists, that is intolerable. The Koran urges Muslims to drive out “invaders.” The list of complaints is very long. Some have to do with religion, others are purely secular.
But is Islam a religion of peace? I recall that Mohammed entered Mecca, from Medina, at the head of a well equipped army of about forty thousand soldiers. They did a good job of ridding Mecca of idols, Jews and resistors. Islam was born in violence. That is history.
How about Jesus? To be sure, he cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem, but not like that. He entered Jerusalem unarmed. In fact he never carried arms. In his entourage, there was not a single armed person either to defend him or to attack the evil-doers in the Temple. Jesus never condoned the use of violence or force to advance his kingdom. The gospel was and is the gospel of peace.
Muslims rightfully ask, “Then how can you defend the Crusades of the eleventh and twelfth centuries?” The truth is, there is no way that I can defend the Crusades. Sure, European Christians had grievances against the great Muslim powers which effectively elbowed them out of trade with the East. But all the blood-letting of the Crusades did not break that strangle-hold anyway.
It is time that we move beyond asking questions which have to do with violence and pray that the Spirit of Jesus Christ will appear to more and more Muslims so that they can enter into the full salvation which is ours through Jesus. We pray that those who hold Jesus dear in Muslim lands will have the courage and grace to lead their friends to our Savior. Pray for a harvest among our friends, the Muslims.
Donald Jacobs served in Tanzania and Kenya for twenty years under Eastern Mennonite Missions.