From The Gate
By Rick Mathes
Allah or Jesus?
By Rick Mathes
Last month I
attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state
prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation
by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths
who explained their belief systems. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic
Imam had to say.
The Imam gave
a great presentation of the basics of Islam complete with a video. After the
presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn
I directed my question to the Imam and asked: “Please, correct me if I'm wrong,
but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy
jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an
infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in
heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"
There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation he replied, "Non-believers!"
I responded,
“So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded
to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to heaven. Is that
correct?”
The
expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a
little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He
sheepishly replied, “Yes.”
I then stated,
“Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding
all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Pat Robertson or Dr. Stanley
ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to heaven!”
The Imam was
speechless.
I continued, “I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question…would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and wants you to be with me?”
You could
have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.
Chuck
Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison
ministry. He said to me, “Rick, remember that the truth will prevail.”
And it will!
Rick Mathes and his wife Trish are the founders of Mission Gate Prison
Ministries, an outreach to those who are incarcerated and their families in
Missouri and Illinois, headquartered here in