Introduction (Continued)

Islam without islam

It is equally clear that one can have Islam, the world religion without islam, friendship with God. Are there not some who commit murder of innocents and who are also adherents of the world religion? But who would say that those who murder innocent men, women and children, including their fellow Muslims, could have any submitted relationship to the holy God? The Author of life has always expressly forbidden murder and commanded us to love even our enemies (Exodus [the second Book of Moses in the Taurat] 20:7,13). Since God is love, let the reader judge for himself or herself whether those who live in hate can be in submission to Him. And since we know God is merciful and compassionate, let the reader judge whether those who exhibit the opposite traits are really in submission to Him.

Please do not misunderstand. This is not to single out the religious tradition of Mohammed unfairly. To be sure there are adherents of all religions, including Judaism and Christianity, who practice some of their outward forms without enjoying true islam.

One can outwardly practice even a God-given religion but still be in rebellion against God in one's heart. As the prophet Isaiah said of unfaithful Israel:

These people come near me with their mouths and honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me (Isaiah [after the Zabur] 29:13).

Men make much of outward shows of religiosity, "good works," and pride but the one true and living God detests these things and rather looks at the heart for humility and for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. And so I want to speak to you about knowing this living God, the creator, sustainer and end of all things, and about the joy of truly surrendering to him in your heart, not about mere religion, outward forms or about the traditions of men. I want to speak to you of true islam.