Spurgeon on Islam

We discussed some weeks back how Jesus did not condone the use of force in promoting Christianity (sermon is here). As well, we have been studying the doctrines and beliefs of Islam with the teens on Sunday night. I found this quote from Charles Spurgeon, preached in 1857, to be surprisingly relevant to the intersection of those two topics (and with a subtle reference to the first advent of Christ too — how seasonal).

Mohammed "bearing the sword"

Mahommedans’ religion might be sustained by scimitars, but Christians’ religion must be sustained by love. The great crime of war can never promote the religion of peace. The battle, and the garment rolled in blood, are not a fitting prelude to “peace on earth, goodwill to men.” And I do firmly hold, that the slaughter of men, that bayonets, and swords, and guns, have never yet been, and never can be, promoters of the gospel. The gospel will proceed without them, but never through them – Charles Spurgeon (found at this link).

We need to be careful to promote Christianity with a Christlike spirit. This is not always easy in a culture that is hostile to the truth. But it is the will of God. Engage faithfully in the battle, with resolve and compassion.

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 — for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Ephesians 6:12 — For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.