Opus 2015-36: In the Name of Obama, part 2 of 3, Violence

Have people done evil in the name of Christ?  Of course.  Have people done evil in the name of Mohammad?  Obviously.  But the same standard applies.  What did the leaders actually say?  If you bother to read the primary sources you will find two different stories.  Jesus never advocated violence.  In fact, Christians are told the opposite.  Jesus is the one who gives us the quote about turning the other cheek. 

(Matthew 5:39 KJV)  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Jesus did mention a sword. 

(Matthew 10:34 KJV)  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

If you bother to read the context you will find it is figurative and warning that His followers will face rejection, not that they are to attack those who disagree.

Faithful Muslims are expected to kill people who do not agree with them on matters of religion and in Islam religion includes political thought.  Violence is condoned, encouraged and demanded.  It is a bit hypocritical to say otherwise when the Koran makes the statements clear.

“Make war upon such of those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in God, or in the last day, and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, and who profess not the profession of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled.”  Sura 9, “Immunity,” verse 29.

In both cases, Christianity and Islam, you can find other references that show the teaching is not a one time proof text.

All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.

To be continued...

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