messianism-islamic or christian

Submitted by BILL RANDLES (United States), Jan 10, 2006 at 16:31

Daniel thank you for your insightful and important work. I am responding to Brian's misguided assertion that the Muslim anticipation of the so called "Mahdi" and the Christian anticipation of the return of Jesus the Messiah are "both the same thing". Ahmanijead's expectation of the "Mahdi" only emboldens him and his ilk to be more menacing,murderous and brazen,as you pointed out Daniel. Most of us have heard or read the infamous Hadiths of the Muslims which promise them that the "Last day shall not come until the Muslims rise up and kill the Jews" with even the Trees and rocks calling out "here is a Jew hiding O Muslim-come and kill Him!".Such is the millenial vision which is consistant with the recent statements of the president of Iran, and countless others in that world.

On the other hand The Christian (and Jewish ) longing for the Messiah has always resulted in patient endurance of trials, self examination, willingness to give to the needy, moral reform(preperation for judgment day)- and hope for a better World. Whether or not ours is a true hope will be borne out soon enough, but even Brian should admit that there is a vast difference in effect between the Christian hope of Messiah and the Muslim longing for Mahdi! "You will know them by their fruits"!

Thank you again Daniel for your work- Bill Randles

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