By Peggy Welker

Many stories and news reports are circulating about the increased influence of the religion and culture of Islam in America. And yet, America has a long history of accepting many faiths into the country as early as 1620. David Barton writes: “The Pilgrims journeyed to America in 1620 to escape the hounding government persecution in England,  as did 20,000 Puritans in the 1630s. In 1632, government-persecuted Catholics fled to America; in 1654, persecuted Jews from Portugal; in 1680, persecuted Quakers arrived here, as did persecuted Anabaptists from Germany in 1683, up to 400,000 persecuted Protestants from France in 1685; and so forth.”(1)

 

However, you may notice that this list does not include any people groups from Northern Africa, such as the Berbers (the precursors of Sunni Muslims). The Berbers were among several Muslim nations in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya) that were also called the Barbary pirates, who practiced piracy for economic gain and “religious jihad.”(2) In 1784, these pirates were extorting ransoms from American, English and other European merchant ships traveling the high seas. Without a navy, America was unable to fight back. By 1804, however, American President John Adams had built a navy fleet and began attacking “Tripoli,” ending the Tripoli war by 1805.

 

So, how did our founders know which worldviews to welcome and which to oppose? Proverbs 4:5-6 instructs us: “Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.  Do not abandon her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.” We should use the lessons of history and America’s early experiences to help us understand how to proceed today, because in many ways we are facing similar challenges to our nation as they did back then.

For example, have a look at some the most recent news stories concerning Islam across the US.

These demonstrate that Islam is as much of a problem for us now as it was during America’s first century. Of course, learning about yet another giant that seems more powerful, motivated, and inspired than the seemingly unorganized Christians in America can cause fear to rise. But it is our duty to focus our eyes upon God.

Psalm 83:18 says, “And they shall know that You –Your name is YHWH – You alone are Most High over all the earth!”

Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you Great and Mighty things which you do not know.”

Our God is mighty to save when we turn our eyes on Him. When we humble ourselves and reminder ourselves how mighty our God is, that He sits over all the earth. That when He comes near to us, we have salvation in Him. But it starts with recognizing the battle is God’s, while also realizing that we must do our part. We need to pray, prepare and understand, take action, then leave the results to God.

 

How Can We Prepare?

  • Civic Engagement wants to equip you with resources such as books, videos and speakers. This article just skims the surface. Stay tuned to our United Meeting coming September 10th with a special speaker addressing this issue.
  • Check out the books and resources we have mentioned throughout this newsletter.
  • Visit ifapray.org and do a search for Islam. They have several resource guides to educate you and suggest some direction with your prayers.
  • Get involved in Civic Engagement and pass along any local activity you see of Islamic Centers about to be built or pro-Sharia law candidates running for local offices.

Most importantly, keep your eyes on God, the Father of all, and call out to Him in faith.

 

 

References

1) The United States of Not America

2) The Barbary Pirates

 

For more information, check out The Barbary Powers.