Christianity and Radical Islam:

[Aquila]

It appears that most of Christianity is ignoring a very dangerous factor regarding radical Islam. As we quietly practice our faith and speculate about theological issues Islam is taking over as the fastest growing religion on the planet. It's also the most powerful religion represented at the United Nations. Add the complexities of radical Islam's enfluence and things can get pretty nasty fast. One thing I've not heard many talk about is that Islam is also awaiting a Messiah of sorts, one they call the al-Mahdi. According to Islamic tradition the al-Mahdi will unite Muslims with the aid of Jesus (who preaches Islam and works miracles), wage war against the Jews and infidels. Establish his rule in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount (Dome of the Rock) and take over the world. He also prepares the world to war agaist the ad-Dajjal (Islamic Antichrist) who appears after al-Mahdi establishes his rule. Al-Mahdi's rule is believed to last 7 or 19 years.

Most Christians will find the Islamic eschatology erily familiar with one exception.... the Islamic Messiah does what most traditional Christians see the Antichrist as doing. As we speak radical Muslims are praying for the arrival and revealing of al-Mahdi. Are we as the body of Christ prepared if this should happen? Will the al-Mahdi be the Antichrist many believe the Bible warns us about? Will Islam be the vehicle by wich the final Antichrist gains religious and political power over the world?