Christian church in Qatar is telling

Submitted by Gloria Stewart (United States), Apr 1, 2008 at 19:01

The picture featured on the web site of the Christian church in Qatar is telling. Absent is a cross, bell, steeple or signs. In keeping with Muslim treatment of dhimmis, they must pray quietly so as not to disturb Muslims; they cannot have public processions such as funerals or weddings, and they must keep a low profile about their Christian nature.

Lets look at the Saudi offer from another viewpoint. The Pope has challenged Muslims to offer reciprocity given the large number of mosques, Islamic Centers and Muslim schools permitted in the West. The Saudis with much fanfare will permit the construction of one or more churches. If the quid pro quo is a lessening of the Pope's warnings about the malignant nature of Islam, then what have we really won? This is not the reformation that Islam desperately needs. This is a pragmatic tactical move.

Muslims come into a non Muslim country to claim it for Islam. For example, in the United States a Muslim who becomes an attorney and works for a government agency or is a Congressional staffer is in an excellent position to influence government policy. At the end of the day this Muslim does not serve the interests of the United States: He serves the interests of Islam.

Muslims in the United States may join political parties and work toward policies that are favorable to Islam.

Christians in Saudi Arabia may soon be able to go to a church, but they cannot act in a comparable way as a fifth column. They cannot work through institutions to change the system because there are no institutions to change. They cannot join political parties, because there are none to join.

During the Cold War, whenever the Soviet Union made a minor concession those who understood the nature of Communism had an expression I would like to pass on - as a caveat: Beware the bear when he smiles.

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