The League's theological consultant, John Rankin, has issued a challenge to muslims in a "TEI Update" that he published today.  "TEI" refers to Mr. Rankin's Theological Education Institute.  He publishes regular email updates through the TEI.

Muslims are rioting around the world in response to a theological speech by Pope Benedict that was delivered at a German University last Tuesday.  In the speech Benedict quoted a Byzantine emperor offering critical comments about Islam's policy of forced conversions.  Many observers feel that the Pope is being quoted out of context.  The Pope has apologized for the reaction to the speech and indicated that he does not share the views of the Byzantine emperor that he quoted in the speech.

Read the Pope's entire speech here.

Here is today's published challenge by John Rankin entitled "Is Islam Willing to Embrace Hard Questions?"

In the debate over “the war on terror,” over language such as “the clash of civilizations” or concerning the newly minted word “Islamofascism,” it all comes down to the nature of Islam.

As a biblically literate Christian, I can happily affirm a statement by Muhammad, in reference to hard questions, where he says “Ask whatever you want.” I can also affirm a statement in the Qur’an which says there should be “no compulsion in religion.”

Islam historically argues that it is superior, and is strong enough to handle anything. Here are four compelling questions:

1] Is Islam strong enough to embrace hard questions from non-Muslims?

In the Qur’an, Allah warns Muslims not to dispute with Jews and Christians, for the revelation of the Qur’an is perfect (cf. Surah 29:36). As well, in Surah 33:36, “no option” is allowed “when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger.”

But in the Hadith [Al-Bukhari], there is hope. In Volume 1, No. 63, Muhammad says to a man who approached him, “I am here to answer your questions.” The man says, “I want to ask you something and will be very hard in questioning. So do not get angry.” Muhammad replied, “Ask whatever you want.”

But then again, in Vol. 3, No. 591, Muhammad says that Allah hates for Muslims “to ask too many questions [in disputed religious matters].”

2] Is Islam strong enough to handle freedom?

In the Qur’an, Surah 2:256 says, “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error.” But this was written when Muhammad was being persecuted by the polytheists. Later, when Islam gained political control, the Qur’an calls for jihad against Jews, Christians and “infidels.” This jihad [Arabic for “struggle”] can be done means of persuasion or war. In the face of jihad, from the very beginning of Islam, non-Muslims had three options – conversion, slavery or death. And in Islamic Shari’a law, Muslims have no freedom to convert away from Islam.

3] Is Islam, by definition, at war with all non-Muslims?

There are only two possibilities in Islam – dar al-Islam (“the state of Islam”) and dar al-harb (“the state of war”). People live in one or the other. Those who refuse to submit to Islam are by definition in “a state of war” against Islam. Do Muslims in the United States view all non-Muslims here the same way, and hence, subject to jihad?

4] Can Muslims in the United States fully affirm “unalienable rights” for all people equally?

The unalienable rights of life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness, cited in the Declaration of Independence, and in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, are given by the biblical Creator. Such an understanding is not found in Allah or the Qur’an. Thus, do American Muslims fully honor the unalienable rights upon which this nation is founded? If not, is Shari’a law the goal?

I believe that “truth stands out clear from error” when both sides are fully heard. The non-military part of jihad involves speech and reasoning. In my own freedom, I can conclude with this question: “Is it possible for Islam to convert a biblically literate Christian by arguments rooted in history and sound reasoning?” I invite any Muslim person or scholar to convert me accordingly, if possible, and most delightfully, in a public conversation.

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