Christianity vs Islam

Recently I have to admit that I have been everso slightly swayed by the Christian argument for the usefulness (note: not existence) of a deity. I don't buy into the morality argument, and I don't buy into any of the "evidence" that has been presented, but the way Zacharias and Robertson have presented the case for a world based on atheism is a strong argument for maintaining Christianity throughout the coming years. Of course their case is based on extremes such as Hitler, Stalin and other less humanistic individuals (typically internet writers and forum trolls that give atheists a bad name), but Dawkins, Harris et al. are all guilty of using the same technique against religion.

However, this video (also embedded below) causes me concern on two levels.

Firstly, and most horrifyingly, the complete and utter inaccuracy of the video. The statistics are completely unreliable and the video has clearly been produced by something that is not a "friendofislam" as their username suggest, but someone producing venomous propaganda against Muslims. The final words of the video are most chilling - "This is a call to action."

This causes me concern. The tone and content of the video suggest that it has been produced by Christians. Given the constant references to evangelism, I would suggest that the "call to action" is not a peaceful call. The tone is quite frightening and the message could be interpreted in several ways by our more extreme Christian friends. Likewise, extremist followers of Islam could decide to respond or even get the first strike in.

Secondly, this shows the strength of feeling about how the world is heading. Although wildly inaccurate, it is true that Muslims breed at a faster rate than other religions, and that as things stand, in time Europe will become a Muslim state. Zacharias makes a particularly concerning observation when he says

Even now, Europe is demonstrating that its secular worldview... ...cannot stand the onslaught of Islam and is already in demise. In the end, America's choice will be between Islam and Jesus Christ. History will prove before long the truth of this contention.

The End of Reason, p126-127

Although I don't accept that the choice will be between Jesus Christ and Islam, I do feel that a stand needs to be made sooner rather than later. Of course this is unlikely to happen with the government's insistence in adopting every stupid bloody EU law without resistance. With Britain's stupidly polite nature we do what's asked of us without question. I don't intend to discuss the politics of the situation here, but herein lies my point- this is a political dilemma, not a religious one. Of course religion forms a part of politics, but church and state need to remain entirely independent of each other. Zacharias is right to point out the flaws in many atheists' proposed systems of morality, however the answer is not simply to place the big bandage of Christianity over what is more than a paper cut in the skin of our society. Yes, we need to make a stand and yes, we need to take assertive action - but that action needs to be decided upon in a democratic fashion. Christianity is full of holes- you cannot force people to believe. I'm willing to concede that proposed secularist methods are also full of holes, but these holes can be filled in through productive dialogue and changes in education.

Without a positive stand taken sooner rather than later, further wars are inevitable. They will likely (in Britain anyway) be fought in the name of the country, in honour of our forefathers, and the right-wing will most probably lead the charge. Americans and their more patriotic nature will certainly not welcome Islamic changes, so race-wars are likely.

This is quite a scary mess that we're in.