Religion of Peace?

The following is an interesting account of an interaction between Rick Mathes, founder of Mission Gate Prison Ministry and a Muslim at a prison training session in Fulton, MO. In the article the gentleman is introduced as an Imam, but it was later revealed that he was just a Muslim inmate pressed into service. Whether or not it happened exactly like this, the succinct summing up of the difference between Christianity and Islam is well done.

By Rick Mathes
Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.
The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked, "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, "Non-believers!"

I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."
I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"
The Imam was speechless.

I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question! ...Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and wants you to be with me?"
You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.

Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry. He said to me, "Rick, remember that the truth will prevail."
And it will!

What about though, comparing Christianity from the time of the Crusades to Islam of today? There are some fascinating parallels. According to some accounts, in Saladin's day literature, medicine, and some sciences were more valued in the Muslim world than in Europe, where much classical literature and philosophy would have been lost had it not been for the diligence of Irish monks. The Church of that time is famous for persecuting not only great thinkers, but anyone who didn't march in lockstep with the Pope. You could get killed by the Church for something as simple as possessing a Bible in any language other than Latin.
I think it is worth remembering where we as a faith have come from as we seek a way to reach the Muslim world, which is, in my mind, the foremost challenge of the Church today.