Tag Archive for: Islam

 

Did the prophet Muhammad actually exist? How did the Qur’an come into existence? And did Islam really begin in Mecca? If you think you know a lot about the historic origins of Islam–think again!

Frank welcomes Dr. Jay Smith to the program, a legendary defender of the faith and top Christian apologist to Muslims who spent over two decades at the legendary Speaker’s Corner in London. Dr. Smith shares personal experiences from his years evangelizing Muslims, challenging Islamic claims, and navigating the theological and historical issues at the core of Islam. During this eye-opening conversation, Frank and Dr. Smith tackle questions like:

  • What was it like to evangelize at Speaker’s Corner in London for 25 years and why is it a magnet for Muslims?
  • How did the events of 9/11/2001 change the dynamic between the world’s two largest competing religious worldviews–Christianity and Islam?
  • Why is using the Qur’an helpful when sharing the Gospel with Muslims?
  • What is the “three-legged stool” that supports Islam and how does it compare to Christianity?
  • If Mecca is so old, why is there no evidence historically?
  • What are the four genres of S.I.N. (the Standard Islamic Narrative) and why are they being thrown under the bus by some Muslim scholars?
  • Why are there currently 30 official versions of the Qur’an even though it claims to be eternal and unchanged by human hands?
  • Why are the Qur’an’s earliest manuscripts shockingly incomplete and why was the biography of Muhammad compiled by a German scholar?

This is just part one of a riveting two-part discussion, so be sure to tune in next week as Frank and Dr. Smith continue unpacking the historical and theological cracks in the foundation of Islam. And don’t miss the helpful resources in the list below, including the slides from Dr. Smith’s recent presentation at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills!

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY HERE. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Dr. Smith’s Website
Dr. Smith’s YouTube channel
HOT OFF THE PRESS! Muslim Scholar Throws the Historicity of Muhammad UNDER THE BUS!
Two New Findings That Muhammad Didn’t Exist
Investigating Islam
Dismantling Islam PowerPoint Slides

 

We see the battle between good and evil throughout the Bible and in the world around us. But do angels and demons influence our lives today and if they do, how do they interact with us?

Joining Frank on the program this week is Pastor Allen Jackson from World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, TN. Under his humble yet confident leadership, the church has grown from fewer than 30 people to over 15,000 since 1989. His new book, ‘Angels, Demons & You: Unseen Spiritual Influences in Our Lives‘, provides a biblical perspective on the reality of spiritual forces and how they impact our daily lives. Together, Frank and Allen answer questions like:

  • What happened to Allen’s mom that led to his whole family being born again?
  • How did World Outreach Church go from a small Bible study in Allen’s parents’ home to a megachurch?
  • Is leadership just a secular word?
  • Is Islam compatible with the U.S. Constitution?
  • Why does our American culture seem to dismiss the existence of angels and demons?
  • What was it like studying at a secular school like Vanderbilt University?
  • What roles did angels have in the Bible and what is their role today?
  • Should pastors be “political”?
  • Is there a way to detect the presence of angels and demons acting in our lives?

You’ll also learn the importance of making disciples instead of people who just sit in pews, and why the greatest inheritance we can leave our family isn’t fortune or fame–but living a life that honors God. From his humble beginnings as the son of an equine veterinarian, to a ministry that now reaches and encourages 3,000,000+ people per week around the globe, you’ll see why Allen says, “The One we serve is great and we serve at His pleasure!”

If you enjoyed this podcast episode PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY HERE. 100% of your donation goes to ministry, 0% to buildings!

Resources mentioned during the episode:

World Outreach Church – Murfreesboro, TN

Allen Jackson Ministries

Culture & Christianity – The Allen Jackson Podcast

Angels, Demons, and You: Unseen Spiritual Influences in Our Lives

God Bless America Again

I spent years studying Shia Islam from within, earning an MA in Islamic Studies from the Islamic College in London. My goal was to understand Islam on its terms, not merely as an outsider, but as a serious student of its theology, history, and lived reality. This academic path wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was rooted in a deep desire to build bridges between Christians and Muslims through respectful dialogue. I believed that rigorous study, combined with empathy and grace, could overcome centuries of misunderstanding and mistrust. That belief shaped my posture in interfaith spaces for years. However, on October 7, 2023, I was confronted with a reality that no classroom or textbook had prepared me for. What I encountered in the streets of London that day shook the very foundation of what I thought I knew, not just about Islam, but about the spiritual dynamics at play in our world today.

The View from England

October 7th started like any other day in London. Still, it ended with a profound shift in my thinking, particularly in the assumptions I had carried for years about the nature of Islam, the effectiveness of interfaith dialogue, and the influence of Western democratic values on extremist ideologies, a spiritual awakening that has since reshaped how I view Islam, Western culture, and my calling. I didn’t know it at the time, but that day tore the veil of illusion I had long carried with me into interfaith spaces. I had come to London to meet with Muslim scholars and leaders, particularly Shia leaders, many of whom I had interacted with for years through respectful, even warm, dialogue. My posture had always been one of a bridge-building. I believed, perhaps too confidently, that the West had a civilizing influence on radical Islam. I thought civility and grace would overcome the deeply entrenched theological and political barriers that divide Christians and Muslims. But that illusion shattered before my eyes. The events of October 7, 2023, exposed a deeper current of rage than I wasn’t prepared for.

Just one day before Israel responded to Hamas’ brutal incursion, I found myself surrounded by rallies in London that openly celebrated terror. These were not fringe events tucked away in back alleys, but widespread public gatherings in prominent areas. I stood among people I had once hoped to partner with for dialogue, only to hear unfiltered hatred. The chants were not only political, but deeply theological and dehumanizing. The language was raw and venomous, filled with images of resistance that glorified bloodshed. It was not just rage against Israel, but rage against the Judeo-Christian worldview. In that moment, I realized I had misunderstood the nature of the battle. What I saw was not just a protest, but a spiritual and ideological war.

Over the following days, I had 18 Uber rides, most of which were with Muslim drivers. While these conversations were significant, I recognize they reflect the views of individuals and not all Muslims, and each one became an unexpected dialogue. I didn’t try to provoke conflict, but I did ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of what people believed. The responses I heard were jarring and consistent: Israel had no right to exist, Hamas was merely defending the oppressed, and Christianity was a colonial relic. Some told me that Islam would eventually triumph and bring justice to the world, replacing the confusion caused by the Bible and Western civilization. These weren’t isolated opinions, but widespread sentiments expressed confidently and without hesitation. I began to see that a militant ideology was not only alive but thriving. It wasn’t hidden in caves or confined to faraway regions. It was riding beside me through the streets of London, one ride at a time.

The View from the United States     

When I returned to the United States, I expected to find some distance from the hostility I had witnessed overseas. But I returned to see the same rage manifesting in American streets and on our university campuses. At institutions such as Columbia University and Harvard, students and even some faculty were chanting slogans like “From the river to the sea,” openly siding with Hamas and calling for a third intifada. These were not isolated incidents, but coordinated events that reflected a larger ideological alignment. The same dehumanizing rhetoric I had heard in London was now being echoed on American soil. It was cloaked in the language of justice and liberation, but rooted in ancient hatreds. I realized the West is no longer just observing this battle from afar. It is becoming a participant, and the church can no longer afford to remain unaware.

In response, I knew I needed to go deeper intellectually, not just emotionally or spiritually. I began attending educational programs and seminars focused on antisemitism, both to understand what I had encountered and to equip myself more thoroughly. Two organizations in particular became central in this journey. First, I connected with Indiana University’s Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, a respected academic center that conducts rigorous research on modern forms of antisemitism. Second, I engaged with ISGAP, the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, which addresses antisemitism as a global phenomenon and provides tools for confronting it at both scholarly and policy levels. These were not just academic spaces—they were communities where I found solidarity, wisdom, and clarity. I also developed friendships with others who had been grappling with these realities for years.

One year later, I had the opportunity to present my research on Islamic antisemitism at the annual conference for the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa. ASMEA is a scholarly organization dedicated to promoting high-quality, nonpartisan research on the Middle East and Africa. My paper drew on years of study but was sharpened by my experiences in London and beyond. I explored how classical Islamic texts, historical narratives, and political ideologies contribute to persistent antisemitic attitudes within the Muslim world. I argued that while colonialism and nationalism play roles, the theological foundations must be confronted if lasting change is to occur. The response to my presentation was deeply encouraging as several scholars approached me afterward to commend the clarity and boldness of the analysis, and a few even expressed interest in collaborative projects. It was clear that my contribution resonated with many who had been quietly wrestling with similar concerns. That moment reminded me that this research is no longer abstract. It is now central to my calling and mission.

A Call to the Church  

I left London with a heavy heart but a sharper mind. I had been naive in thinking that love alone could overcome centuries of deeply rooted theology and political grievance. What I witnessed was not merely a political protest; it was a spiritual and ideological war. This does not mean dialogue is useless, but it does mean we must understand the spiritual powers at work behind the slogans and marches. If Christians fail to recognize evil for what it is and reduce it to mere social grievance, we will continue to be blindsided. October 7 was my wake-up call. It showed me that our mission is not to tame Islam or conform to culture, but to proclaim Christ; and not to win arguments, but to stand firmly in the truth of the gospel.

Since that day, I have adopted a more presuppositional approach, meaning I begin with the assumption that the Bible is true and use that framework to interpret and challenge opposing worldviews to ministry, one that rests not just on reason and civility, but on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word. I still believe in respectful conversation, in common grace, and in the power of relationship. But I no longer underestimate the power of deeply held beliefs that stand in direct opposition to the gospel. The church must become more theologically grounded and aware of how antisemitism disguises itself in new forms—whether Islamic, progressive, or even within compromised Christian circles. We must speak clearly, love deeply, and engage boldly. The days of assuming we are insulated from this hatred are over. My prayer is that others will not need their own October 7 experience to wake up.

Recommended Resources:

Answering Islam by Dr. Frank Turek (DVD Set, Mp4 and Mp3)

Legislating Morality: Is it Wise? Is it Legal? Is it Possible? by Frank Turek (Book, DVD, Mp3, Mp4, PowerPoint download, PowerPoint CD)

Jesus vs. The Culture by Dr. Frank Turek DVD, Mp4 Download, and Mp3

Reflecting Jesus into a Dark World by Dr. Frank Turek – DVD Complete Series, Video mp4 DOWNLOAD Complete Series, and mp3 audio DOWNLOAD Complete Series

 


Tim Orr serves full-time with the Crescent Project as the Assistant Director of the Internship Program and Area Coordinator, where he is also deeply involved in outreach across the UK. A scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant, Tim brings over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six academic degrees, including a Doctor of Ministry from Liberty University and a Master’s in Islamic Studies from the Islamic College in London. In September, he will begin a PhD in Religious Studies at Hartford International University.

Tim has served as a research associate with the Congregations and Polarization Project at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis, and for two years, he was also a research assistant on the COVID-19 study led by Hartford International University. His research interests include Islamic antisemitism, American Evangelicalism, Shia Islam, and gospel-centered ministry to Muslims.

He has spoken at leading universities and mosques throughout the UK, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, and the University of Tehran. His work has been published in peer-reviewed Islamic academic journals, and he is the author of four books. His fifth book, The Apostle Paul: A Model for Engaging Islam, is forthcoming.

 

Why is propaganda and empty rhetoric so appealing to some people? In this midweek episode, Frank explains how the first of ‘The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis perfectly illustrates the way demons manipulate human beings, now and throughout history. He’ll also explore the recent power struggles between the Trump Administration and the lower district court judge who blocked Trump’s transgender military ban. Frank will answer questions like:

  • Why is using “jargon” instead of evidence-based arguments not good thinking?
  • What specific tactics does C.S. Lewis say demons use to tempt humans and where do we see evidence of this happening in our culture today?
  • Do all people have the right or privilege to serve in the military?
  • Was Trump’s decision to say transgender people are not qualified to serve in the military unconstitutional?
  • Why is it so difficult to impeach judges, and do we really have only three branches of government?
  • What do a lot of people get wrong about Islam?

Frank also tackles some listener questions about who will be resurrected (is it only Christians?) and whether an old-earth contradicts biblical genealogies. Plus, he’ll reveal details about his numerous speaking events coming up this spring—so listen closely to see if he’s coming to a city near you!

Is there a guest or topic you’d love to hear discussed on a future podcast? We’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions! You can take our 5-minute podcast survey HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

BOOK: The ScrewTape Letters by C.S. Lewis
ARTICLE: The Babylon Bee – Federal Judge Appoints Himself President
BOOK: Seven Days that Divide the World by John Lennox
ARTICLE: The Case for Old-Earth Creationism (Genealogy Info)
BOOK: Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem

 

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How much do you know about the history of the Crusades? Were they unprovoked attacks by Christian armies, or was there something deeper at play? In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the facts behind one of history’s most misunderstood events.

In response to your requests from our recent podcast survey, Frank welcomes historian Bill Federer of American Minute to explore the truth about the Crusades. Tune in as Bill unpacks its historical backdrop, revealing why Europe took up arms to blunt the rise and expansion of Islam. During their conversation, Frank and Bill will answer questions like:

  • Did the Crusaders know the Bible?
  • What did the Pope promise the Crusaders?
  • How did Islam originate, and how did it expand so rapidly?
  • Did Christianity spread as a direct result of the Crusades?
  • What would have happened to Europe if the Crusades had never taken place?
  • Were the Crusades an example of Just War?
  • What was Muhammad’s involvement in the slave trade, and what sparked the onset of the Dark Ages?
  • What happened on the crusades that cannot be justified?

If you’ve ever struggled to answer objections about Christianity and the Crusades, you won’t want to miss this episode of ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist’! Bill’s engaging storytelling will bring these historical events to life and offer valuable insights into the series of events that led to each major Crusade. Since there’s only so much we can cover in one episode, be sure to check out Bill’s book, ‘What Every American Needs to Know About the Quran‘, for a deeper dive into the history of Islam and its impact on Western civilization!

Is there a guest or topic you’d love to hear discussed on a future podcast? We’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions! You can take our 5-minute podcast survey HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Bill’s website: AmericanMinute.com

BOOK: What Every American Needs to Know About the Quran by William Federer

BOOK: Bullies and Saints by John Dickson

 

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How do you express concerns about illegal immigration without sounding like a racist? And is it irrational to be Islamophobic? Speaking out against open border policies can get you canceled, but should that fear outweigh the risks of unvetted, undocumented immigrants flooding into the country? Is the real goal of unchecked immigration to weaken Christianity? If so, can Christians and Conservatives do anything in an attempt to sustain the infrastructure of America before it’s too late?

Picking up right where they left off in the last podcast, Frank and Hedieh Mirahmadi continue their discussion about the potential destruction that the West is facing in light of mass immigration and the rise of radical Islam. How could America do a better job of vetting people from Muslim countries? Why is the far left’s alliance with Islam illogical? How has the Biden-Harris Administration emboldened antisemitism? Does Trump have the power to take down the Deep State if he wins the next election? They’ll tackle all these topics and much more in this special follow-up episode!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

Hedieh’s website: Ressurect Ministry

 

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With the encroaching geopolitical movement of Islam and the influx of immigrants from all over the world through our open borders, what future lies ahead for the West, and where are we when it comes to national security? Are we more vulnerable to terrorism today than we were before 9/11? Have we learned from the past, or is America on the verge of repeating history?

Buckle up for an eye-opening discussion with Dr. Hedieh Mirahmadi, a former Muslim and undercover counterterrorism operative who has served five presidents and worked with the U.S. government for over 20 years. Hedieh will share her unique insights into the U.S. efforts to combat Islamic jihadist extremism in Muslim nations along with her concerns surrounding the shift in focus from Islamic terrorism to domestic terrorism. During their conversation, Frank and Hedieh will answer questions like:

  • How was Hedieh originally led into Islam and how did she become an FBI informant?
  • What’s happening with immigration in the UK and what does it reveal about the potential future of the U.S.?
  • How did Islamic extremism replace mainstream Islam in places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East?
  • Why would the CIA fund Bin Laden? And were there clear warnings in advance about 9/11 that were overlooked by government officials?
  • Is the spread of disinformation a true threat to the American people?
  • Is democracy achievable in Muslim nations? And what’s the relationship between Islam and Marxism?

 

Don’t miss the upcoming midweek episode where Hedieh and Frank further explore the rise of radical Islam, its implications for the Church, and what can be done to protect the West! And be sure to visit Hedieh’s website to learn more about her work and stay informed on these critical issues!

Did you enjoy this episode? HELP US SPREAD THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY BY SUPPORTING THE PODCAST HERE.

Resources mentioned during the episode:

ResurrectMinistry.com

 

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I was in a Global Studies conference a few months ago when a retired minister asked me an interesting question. He told me, “I like to take Christian young men to the local mosques so they can learn about Islamic beliefs; however, I’m wondering what would be a good question to ask our Muslim friends in order to get to know them and let them know about Jesus.” I believe this is a very important question I would like to answer here.

Talk about Jesus Christ from A Christian Perspective

One of the sharp differences between Islam and Christianity is the nature of Jesus. Who he is and what he did. Christians can approach their Muslim neighbors and tell them about Jesus in two ways: 1) What do the Gospels say about Jesus? 2) What do the Qur’an and Hadiths say about Jesus? One of the stories that is not mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadiths about Jesus is how he dealt with nature. These stories might resonate well with Muslims and explain Jesus’s authority over nature and creation. The stories of Jesus calming the storm and resurrecting the widow’s son show the uniqueness of Christ and his supremacy over nature.

The texts that can be used for Jesus calming the storm are Matt 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 (ESV). The text that can be used for Jesus raising a widow’s son from the dead is Luke 7:11-15. After reading the Bible, a Christian can ask, “In your opinion, what is the significance of Jesus calming the storm?” or “What is the significance of Jesus raising the dead? The story of Jesus calming the storm is not mentioned in the Qur’an and asking this question will help Muslims think deeper about Jesus. However, the Qur’an mentions that Jesus raised dead people without mentioning who they are. Christians should emphasize that Jesus did these miracles in public, in front of many witnesses, and it was written down within the same generation of people who saw them. It was not collected hundreds of years later (like in the case of the miracles of Mohammad). These stories are more historically reliable because they are better witnessed, attested to, and written within a short period of time. There is no reason for Christians not to believe it and there are many reasons to think about their significance.

It is a good idea for Christians to read to their Muslim friends from the Bible these stories and not just recite a verse from memory or explain the story using their own words. In this way, Muslims will be able to differentiate between the words of the Bible and the words of the Christians. It also assures the Muslims that these stories are written in the Bible and no one is tricking them by creating imaginative stories about Jesus.

Talk about Jesus Christ from an Islamic Perspective

Christians need to learn what Islamic literature says about Jesus. According to the Qur’an, Jesus has a sinless nature, was of a virgin birth, was a creator, and will return to judge the world. Due to the limited space, I will write about the virgin birth of Jesus and if the reader would like to learn more about the other points, they can read my article “Does Islamic Literature Suggest Jesus is God?” In this paper, I discuss major themes about what Islamic literature says about Jesus and I compare these themes to other prophets to show the superiority of Christ.

Muslims believe that Jesus was born of a virgin. The Islamic narrative is mentioned in the Qur’an. Allah says,

“We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibril (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects … (the angel) said: ‘I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.’ She said: ‘How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?’ He said: ‘So (it will be), your Lord said: “That is easy for Me (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah)”’” (Surah 19:17-20 Al-Hilali and Khan).[i]

These verses record what Allah said and did with Mary. He sent his spirit to Mary, which appeared to her like a man. Islamic scholars added to the Qur’anic text that “Our Spirit” is the angel Gabriel, but the Qur’anic story does not say that the Spirit of God appeared in the resemblance of angel Gabriel.

Jesus’s virgin birth narrative is also mentioned in Surah 3:42-47 with a salient change. Notice verses 42 and 45. They mention a group of angels appearing to Mary to deliver the message to her. “When the angels said: ‘O Marium! surely Allah has chosen you, purified you… When the angels said: O Marium, surely Allah gives you good news with a Word from Him (of one) whose name is the Messiah…” (Shakir). It is unclear how Islamic scholars conclude that Gabriel is the one who told Mary the good news about Jesus; thus, this could serve as a good question to ask to help Muslims think deeply about the details of the Qur’anic story of Jesus’s birth.

Muslim scholars believe that the virgin birth of Jesus does not point to his deity. Here, Christians can ask the question, “What is the reason or the purpose that made God choose the virgin birth as a method to bring Jesus to earth?” The fact that Jesus came to this earth through a miracle (virgin birth) and left it through another miracle (ascending to God) raises a major question mark about his nature. These two events never happened to any other prophet, not even to Muhammad himself.

Usually, Muslims quote the Qur’an to show their Christian friends that there is nothing special about Jesus coming from a virgin. Mohammad states in Surah 3:59 “Verily, the likeness of ‘Isa (Jesus) before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: ‘Be!’—and he was.” So, “God created Adam from dirt, then said to him: be, and there He became, through no mediation of a father or a mother. God created Adam in a more glorious way than He created Jesus from a mother with no mediation of a father.”[ii] Creating Adam from dirt is indeed a very special act that only God can do; however, according to the Qur’an, Jesus did the same miracle when he created a bird from the dirt without the need for a mother and a father of birds (Surah 3: 49). In other words, if this act is extremely unique because it belongs to Allah only, then Jesus did what is extremely unique when he created the bird—how can a mere man do what only God can do?

In fact, according to Islamic logic, creating a person by using a virgin woman, without the need of a father, should be seen as more unique than creating a person from dirt because it has never occurred in human history, and no one else has done it except God himself. Allah solely used the virgin birth, but Allah and Jesus both created a lively being from dirt. Creating through virgin birth points to a greater and higher act of creation because it belongs to God only.

To reply to the idea of the likeness of Jesus and Adam from a Christian perspective, Christians can bring Paul’s argument in Romans 5:18 to the attention of the Muslims. Paul states, “Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people” (Rom. 5:18). This is the way that the likeness of Adam and Jesus should be regarded. Jesus should be considered more important than Adam or any other prophet, not only because of his virgin birth but because of the many additional attributes, events, and actions that Adam did not enjoy, have, or do. Their likeness is related to their roles regarding the human condition and salvation. There are, however, many additional aspects that Jesus enjoyed, and Adam did not (such as the virgin birth, performing miracles, and being pure/holy because he wasn’t touched by Satan …etc.). These actions help Christians think that Jesus’s nature is superior to the nature of Adam.

Asking questions helps Muslim brothers and sisters to think deeply about the stories that their Qur’an mentions. Therefore, Christians need to educate themselves on these stories by learning the differences between the Islamic and Christian versions and asking good questions that help others think critically and respectfully.

References:

[i] All the information and names that are between brackets and square brackets are added by Al-Hilali and Khan to help the readers understand the literal meaning of the verse.

[ii] Abdu Al-Rahman Al-Baghdadi, Al-Fariq bain Al-Khaliq wa Al-Makhlouq fi Dahid Aqidet and Tathleeth wa Ithbat Aqidet Al-Tawheed (Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiya, 1987), 49.

Recommended Resources:

Answering Islam by Dr. Frank Turek (DVD Set, Mp4 and Mp3)

Why We Know the New Testament Writers Told the Truth by Frank Turek (DVD, Mp3 and Mp4)

Can All Religions Be True? mp3 by Frank Turek

Another Gospel? by Alisa Childers (book)

 


Sherene Khouri was born into a religiously diverse family in Damascus, Syria. She became a believer when she was 11 years old. Sherene and her husband were missionaries in Saudi Arabia. Their house was open for meetings, and they were involved with the locals until the government knew about their ministry and gave them three days’ notice to leave the country. In 2006, they went back to Syria and started serving the Lord with RZIM International ministry. They traveled around the Middle Eastern region—Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and United Arab Emirates. Sherene was also involved in her local church among the youth, young adults, and women’s ministry. In 2013, the civil war broke out in Syria. Sherene and her husband’s car was vandalized 3 times and they had to immigrate to the United States of America. In 2019, Sherene became an American citizen. Sherene is an assistant professor at Liberty University. She teaches Arabic, Religion, and Research classes. Sherene holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics, M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Liberty University, and B.S. in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute. She is also working on a Master of Theology in Global Studies at Liberty University and a M.A in Arabic and Linguistics from PennWest University.

Originally published here: https://bit.ly/3yBR1PP

Por Terrell Clemmons

Probablemente no es lo que tú piensas.

Salvando la verdad sobre la sexualidad humana

“Perdonen si esto se sale del tema”, tartamudeó la joven por el micrófono, “pero he buscado respuestas y no encuentro ninguna, así que pensé en venir esta noche a preguntarles a ustedes. ¿En qué difiere el cristianismo, si es que lo hace, respecto a la homosexualidad en comparación con otras religiones, y si es así, cómo?” Sus labios estremecidos y sus manos temblorosas revelaron la magnitud de la lucha que le había costado expresar la pregunta.

El auditorio se quedó en silencio cuando todas las miradas se dirigieron a Abdu Murray, que acababa de participar en un foro abierto de la universidad sobre las principales religiones del mundo.

Abdu guardó silencio por un momento. Se dio cuenta de que ella no solo buscaba otra opinión. Necesitaba una respuesta que la validara como ser humano. ¿Qué podía decir que no comprometiera la sexualidad bíblica y que, al mismo tiempo, le mostrara que Dios se preocupaba por ella sin medida?

“Es solo que hay tantas cosmovisiones para elegir”, comenzó. Y ninguna de ellas podría dar una respuesta que validara incondicionalmente su humanidad. Es decir, ninguna, excepto una. Pero antes de llegar a esa, examinó las demás.

Consideremos el ateísmo naturalista, la cosmovisión que impulsa el secularismo progresista. Según el secularismo naturalista, el ser humano es un animal altamente evolucionado. Esta cosmovisión es doblemente deshumanizadora con respecto a la homosexualidad. En primer lugar, según la narrativa evolutiva darwiniana, no hay nada especialmente significativo en los seres humanos. “Una rata es un cerdo es un perro es un niño”, en palabras de Ingrid Newkirk, fundadora de People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), de modo que lo único que nos distingue de las moscas de nuestra ventana es que estamos por encima de ellas en la cadena alimenticia. En segundo lugar, si, como se nos dice, la evolución darwiniana prosigue a través del proceso evolutivo, entonces la homosexualidad fracasa evolutivamente porque el sexo entre personas del mismo sexo no se reproduce. Por lo tanto, en una cosmovisión naturalista, las personas que practican el sexo entre personas del mismo sexo no son, al igual que todos los demás, nada especial, y además son fallas darwinianas.

¿Qué hay de los sistemas panteístas orientales, como el hinduismo o el budismo, o una espiritualidad al estilo de Deepak Chopra? Pues bien, los fundamentos éticos de estas cosmovisiones son, en el mejor de los casos, ambiguos, ya que enseñan que la moral es relativa. Por lo tanto, ninguna de ellas proporciona una base objetiva para el valor o la identidad humana. Y lo que es peor para el que busca respuestas sólidas, sostienen que el sufrimiento es una ilusión, lo que es un insulto a la persona que sufre. No ofrecen nada más allá de la charlatanería autorreferencial para quien lucha con su identidad.

¿Y el islam? Aunque ofrece solidez, con su fundamento monoteísta y sus claras normas que circunscriben el comportamiento sexual, el islam es abiertamente hostil a la homosexualidad. En algunos países islámicos, los actos homosexuales se castigan con la cárcel, la flagelación y, en algunos casos, la muerte.

Finalmente, entonces, Abdu entró en el cristianismo. Hizo dos observaciones al respecto. En primer lugar, todos sabemos intuitivamente que hay algo en el sexo que lo hace más que un simple acto físico. ¿Por qué se trata la agresión sexual de forma diferente a la mera agresión física? Porque, dijo, hay algo sagrado y frágil en la sexualidad, y las cosas sagradas son tan especiales que merecen ser protegidas. Dios quiere proteger el carácter sagrado de la sexualidad para que no se convierta en algo común, y los límites establecidos por la ética sexual bíblica protegen el carácter sagrado de la sexualidad.

Pero, admitió, eso no explica la proscripción que limita el sexo al matrimonio entre personas del sexo opuesto. Ese fue el tema de su segundo punto. Para abordar el principio del matrimonio entre hombres y mujeres, se refirió al relato bíblico de la creación en el Génesis, donde se nos dice que Dios creó al hombre y a la mujer a imagen de Dios. Que el hombre y la mujer hayan sido creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios es un concepto blasfemo para el islam, un concepto extraño en cualquier panteísmo y un absurdo en cualquier secularismo naturalista. Solo la cosmovisión bíblica, que sostiene que todos los hombres y todas las mujeres son portadores de la imagen divina de Dios, ofrece una base objetiva para la dignidad y el valor humanos inherentes.

Y esto nos lleva a la razón por la que vale la pena limitar la sexualidad humana al matrimonio hombre-mujer: Es porque el sexo es la forma en que la vida humana viene al mundo. “El sexo entre un hombre y una mujer es el único medio por el que viene al mundo un ser tan precioso”, dijo. “Y como un ser humano es el producto sagrado del sexo, el proceso sexual por el que esa persona se hace es también sagrado”. La ética bíblica limita la expresión sexual al matrimonio monógamo, hombre-mujer, porque “Dios está protegiendo algo sagrado y hermoso”. Al someternos a la guía de la creación, “Se nos concede el honor de reflejar un aspecto del esplendor divino”.

Concluyó su respuesta a la joven atribulada diciéndole que Dios ancla toda la dignidad humana, incluida la suya, y la sacralidad en su naturaleza inmutable y eterna. Se nos concede la altísima dignidad de reflejar la gloria de Dios en ese mundo.

Entonces, ¿en qué se diferencia el cristianismo de las demás religiones en lo que respecta a la homosexualidad? Resulta que difiere profundamente de todas las demás, pero no de la forma en que las voces culturales dominantes dicen que lo hace. Abdu relata esta escena en su libro recientemente publicado, Saving Truth: Finding Meaning and Clarity in a Post-Truth World. Aunque tiene mucho más que decir sobre la naturaleza singularmente sublime de la sexualidad dentro del matrimonio natural, Saving Truth no trata solo de la sexualidad. Ese es solo el tema de un capítulo, pero espero que te dé una idea de la belleza que la claridad bíblica puede aportar a un área llena de confusión.

Saving Truth examina todo un paisaje de confusión cultural, ofreciendo refrescantes dosis de claridad para que podamos dar sentido a muchas otras confusiones:

  • ¿Qué significa “posverdad”?
  • ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre autonomía y libertad liberadora?
  • ¿Cómo se atraviesa por el supuesto conflicto entre ciencia y fe?
  • ¿Y qué pasa con el  pluralismo religioso? ¿Pueden realmente coexistir todas las religiones?

Abdu nunca dio el nombre de la joven que hizo la profunda pregunta sobre la sexualidad, pero sí concluyó el relato señalando que, después de que él respondió a su pregunta, “ella pareció saber que era ‘comprendida’. Las lágrimas comenzaron a fluir, y me concedió el honor de orar con ella”. La verdad tiene una forma de calmar el clamor y provocar momentos profundos. Espero que le des un vistazo al nuevo libro de Abdu, Saving Truth, y aún más, espero que busques la verdad allí donde te encuentras. Te cueste lo que te cueste, las lágrimas que te provoque, busca la claridad, busca la verdad. Ahí es donde encontrarás tu propósito.

Recursos recomendados en Español:

Robándole a Dios (tapa blanda), (Guía de estudio para el profesor) y (Guía de estudio del estudiante) por el Dr. Frank Turek

Por qué no tengo suficiente fe para ser un ateo (serie de DVD completa), (Manual de trabajo del profesor) y (Manual del estudiante) del Dr. Frank Turek

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Terrell Clemmons es una escritora y bloguera independiente que escribe sobre apologética y asuntos de fe.

Fuente Original del blog: https://bit.ly/2LZrSFp

Traducido por Jennifer Chavez 

Editado por Monica Pirateque 

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