This edition covers a rally in Pakistan in which radicals call for the death of those wanting to change the nation’s blasphemy laws.

SINCE YOU ASKED

I recently reported on the murder of Pakistani Governor Salmaan Taseer for his opposition to the country’s oppressive Islamic blasphemy law. Radical clerics spoke out against Mr. Taseer after he publicly supported a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Muhammad. Now, some hard-line clerics have issued a fatwa demanding the death of Sherry Rehman, a former federal minister who had been instrumental in moving a bill through Parliament last month intended to amend the blasphemy laws. As it now stands, the law sentences to death anyone found guilty of insulting Islam. Sentiments were stirred up at a rally organized by several militant Islamic groups including Jamaat-ud-Dawa, which even the United Nations recognized as simply a “front” for Lashkar-e-Taiba, mastermind of the November 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai. Speakers at the rally said that they would defend Mr. Taseer’s killer since he had simply fulfilled his obligation as a Muslim.

AS I SEE IT

How many more such instances do we need to see the real Islam in action? Yes, it’s true that “moderates” do not support all the beliefs and actions of the radicals. It’s also true that such violent provocations and pronouncements have even widened the gap between the two groups. The problem is that worldwide, the radicals have intimidated the so-called moderates to the degree that the radical agenda has gone largely unchallenged. If you have seen pictures of radical Muslims demonstrating anywhere in the world, the primary image they present is one of intense hatred.

Our response should be two-fold. First, we must be aware of the threat and the determination of those doing the threatening. They have made their intentions very clear. Their goal is world domination for Islam, and they will do so by taking advantage of any inroads any nation will give them. To better understand their strategy, I suggest you read the story of the Camel and the Arab.

Our second approach is to be prepared to win the Muslims the Lord brings into our lives to the Savior. This has always been our biblical mandate and the most effective way to win a spiritual war. To this end, I will soon be adding a page to my website explaining, step by step, how to share the gospel with a Muslim using the Qur’an. You read correctly. Using the Qur’an! It’s amazing what’s in there. I will notify you as soon as it is posted.

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