There is a way that seems right unto a man but the end is destruction...

Islam is religion in the truest sense of the word. Built upon ritual and form, Islam demands a close adherence to tradition and the mandates of popish imitation and obedience. It is based also upon the pride of ancestral blood and genealogy, the tracing back to a common Ishmael. Like Catholicism, there are rote prayers and incantations. Some resemblance and parallel can even be drawn to the Jewish repetition of sayings and prayers. Relics and Imoms, directional positioning in order to face a certain geographic icon or center of worship and veneration; these actions along with the observances of days and times and legalistic fasting of a sort, comprise the foundation of this very religious people. Add to this the element of militant violence propagated within mosque and Koran, and one is confronted with the ultimate in dangerous religion, one that would expand itself by force, namely the subjection or extermination of non-conformist beliefs and their adherants.

This religion stands in stark contrast next to the teachings of Jesus, and the apostle Paul. The followers of Mohammed killed and slaughtered in order to conquer as their own records show. Mohammed also took for himself very young little girls to fulfill his sexual intentions. Jesus promoted the spread of His teachings through love and forgiveness, even of earthly enemies. He did not involve Himself romantically, because of the eternal purpose of the immenant heavenly Marriage and all of its wonder. He was not of the earth, though taking the form and frailty of man. He was tempted in all ways as a man, but remained true to divine absolutes, the breaking of which imprison the violator. Jesus rebuked the promotion of repetitious liturgical 'holiness' instructing His followers not to use, 'vain repetition as the heathen do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking.' He also declared that fasting is to be done with heart compulsion in secret as unto the Lord, not before man or to suggest self-holiness. Never do we find Jesus bowing a certain direction or number of times to validate His prayers, rather the words of Christian practice encourage a 'prayer without ceasing,' relationship with the Father.

On one occasion Jesus was met by a rich young ruler who wished to follow, Jesus did not say "add your weath to my account and follow me,' he said rather, 'give your wealth to the poor, then follow and you will have riches in heaven.' On another occasion He was told, 'I will follow, but let me first bury my dead' or bid farewell to my relations, (all actions which demand the choosing of established earthly pursuits or the no-returning actions of faith, in other words, they were to lay down the desire to have the best of both worlds, earthly and heavenly inheritance.) There was no effort to force a following, in fact, hardships were outlined upfront...'Foxes have their holes, birds have nests but the son of man has not even to lay his head upon,' and, 'if any man would come after me he must deny himself take up his cross and follow.' If you would follow Christ it would be because you were willing...at the loss and risk of all earthly treasure. It would be your own soverign and free-willed decision. Nothing else would be permitted.

When attacked, Jesus either passed through unharmed or ultimately surrendered, as to the cross, in which he said, 'No man takes my life from me, I lay it down willingly.' He was not caught offgaurd, He came to take my place. I live forgiven, while He who needs no forgiveness purchased my freedom. A freedom which is maintainable by my choices.

Thus we understand that Christianity is not a mere religion, but is a faith-following relationship. It is not supported by force, but invitation alone. Its language is to speak of the issues of one's heart, and the only direction of importance we are led is outside of ourselves.