From Here To Eternity. Mr. Tovey -

Submitted by jennifer solis (United States), Oct 4, 2007 at 01:53

Mr. Tovey,

I enjoy reading your comments. You seem to have true knowledge and understanding of the Bible, an understanding which is not based on, clouded, or comprimised by emotion. I very much appreciate that, for after one becomes a believer in Christ, and Satan's first tactic has been de-funked, all Satan has left is the human weakness with regards to emotion (and pride) to work with. Emotions interrupt spiritual growth; thought has feeling but feeling has no thought.

"Islamic Economics: What Does It Mean?" and numerous other articles on Daniel Pipes' website, while very informative of subject matter, instigate secondary subject matter here on this site which very often distills into faith vs. religion, pre-dominately Christianity vs. Islam.

It might just be me, but I find this facinating. No matter what area of Islamism and it's effects Dr. Pipes writes and comments on, almost always, eventually, you find these debates. Grant you, we're dealing with the #1 and #2 largest religions on the Earth. Still, these debates surface no matter what subject Dr. Pipes initially introduces (economics?). It's as if all the arguments, throughout (human) history, are more or less revealing themselves right here, albeit micro-cosmic level. I say this, in spite of, as you Mr. Tovey here and elsewhere point out, there's no record of "Islam" before the time of Mohammed. There is, however, record of "angelic conflict". There is record of Lucifer, who was created as the "most high", a genious.

All issues eventually simplify. Daniel Pipes' insightful, educated, fact-reliant articles often suggest current threats posed by Islamism. Many other articles, talks and interviews by Dr. Pipes present clear threats on the part of Islamism. Still, there are these debates. But those of us who are students of the Word of God, possible only through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, see current events with a perspective that's based on Bible Doctrine. It is the Truth of the Word that explains what human experience cannot.

God knew in eternity past that His Gift, His Son, and message that "salvation is not of yourselves, it is a gift of God" through FAITH ALONE IN CHRIST ALONE would be twisted by "religion", the Devil's ace trump. To present the gospel is a mandate of believers in Christ. Whether or not unbelievers accept is not our responsibility. But one thing I really think can't be emphasized enough - ALL religion, throughout human history, is based on "works". Only Christianity is based on who and what God is, not who and what we are (or do. Definition of "religion": man by man's attempt to gain the approbation of God. Christianity is not "religion"). We can offer nothing to God. God provided eternal life through his Son, who died as our "substitute" on the Cross; He paid the price for the sins of the world, whether or not the people of the world believe in Him or not; in His omniscience He has always known who would and who would not accept His gift. Yet, He died for all the sins. That's God's perfect righteousness and fairness.

In the meantime, complexities continue, and Daniel Pipes is a calm voice of reason. He presents facts and leaves philosophy and argument to the masses. Dr. Pipes provides a great service here on this forum. Sometimes I wonder, does he realize just how great that service is. I've got a pretty good idea. -JS

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