This week Pope Benedict XVI has come under fire in the Islamic world for speaking the truth about Islam and what the Western world is now facing. Quoting a 14th Century Byzantine emperor, Benedict noted “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”

While the Catholic Church has been on the wrong side of history of many fundamental issues, truer words have never been spoken by the Bishop of Rome since the days of the Apostle Peter. Benedict contrasted Islamic violence as being abhorrent to God’s will. Critics could rightly contend that zealots in the name of Christianity (and other faiths) have evoked the name of God in carrying out decidedly evil deeds, of this there is no doubt, but there is one principle difference. Those who use violence in the name of Christianity or Buddhism or Hinduism, etc… are acting contrary to the teachings of their own faith. Christ, for example deplored violence, and urged his followers to turn the other cheek. Those Muslims who implore violence to achieve their aims are not acting outside their faith as Islam clearly calls for the destruction of infidels and the spreading of their faith through armed struggle.

For this reason any genuine Muslim can contend that the murder of the innocent is within reason in order to advance the Islamic cause. Therefore it should come as no surprise when radical clerics in the Mosques of London or the Mad Mullahs of Tehran call for the destruction of the Western world. We should take them at their word when they contend that Islam will conquer the world. We should take heed when they contend that Americans and others must submit, convert or die.

Naturally, the leaders of the Islamic world, who are quick to condemn the West, while ignoring the violence of their brethren, have called on the Pope to apologize or clarify his remarks. No clarification, however, is necessary as radical Islamists have made it clear of their intention to enforce the very letter of the Koran in dealing with non-Muslims. There [in the Koran] the Muslim world’s plans for our future are clearly outlined. The question is will we ignore this warning from history as the Europeans did with Mein Kampf or will we prepare for the inevitable struggle or freedom versus slavery?
Link to New York Times article