Islam is more than mere religion in the recently secularized Western sense—i.e., private beliefs that are largely irrelevant to public life. In contrast, Islam is an all-encompassing socio-political-religious ideology in which more radicalized Muslims emphasize jihad and the more troubling social/justice positions that to them are consistent with a faithful rendering of the Koran. When taken to these extremes, this interpretation of Islam promotes violence and conquest as legitimate means of faithful expression. Under this rendering, jihad is to Islam what evangelism is to Christianity. Conversely, there are those within the Islamic faith who vehemently oppose what they say is a perverted interpretation of the Koran. Which interpretation is correct?

Let me begin by saying that to assert “Christianly” thoughts on the topics of Islam, Muslims, and the Ground-Zero mosque is by no means to suggest that this is the authoritative biblical view on these matters. Merely, mine is an earnest attempt to filter these subjects through the lens of a consciously Christian worldview in hopes of finding that way which may be most pleasing to God, both for myself and the church at large.

Okay, I knew it was going to happen. I even prefaced last week’s commentary on public education by granting the fact that “this is a dicey issue that can get you into a lot of trouble very quickly.” However, my appeal was couched in terms of inviting examination of the issue from a thoughtful Christian perspective (given education’s enormous role in shaping our children) and “wrestling” with the answers—honestly and intelligently—because our faith demands serious self-examination when it comes to our engagement with the changing world around us. The reaction was disappointing. My concern is not so much with the fact that some folks assumed a different view of the topic but with the manner and content of their disagreement.

I am frequently asked for my thoughts on “public education.” Granted this is a dicey issue that can get you into a lot of trouble very quickly. However, the question is legitimate, given education’s enormous role in shaping our children; thus, as Christians, we have no choice but to wrestle with the answers, even if we don’t like them.

One of the unfortunate tendencies associated with speaking apologetically is that you can begin think that the kingdom of God will advance on the weight of intellectual arguments. While scripture clearly teaches that we are to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within us (see 1 Peter 3:15), I must continually be reminded of Christ’s commandment to love my neighbor. If this genuine love of neighbor is not at the heart of my apologetic efforts, then I am nothing more than a “clanging cymbal”—an animated noisemaker!

There is a great deal of consternation and, I might add, confusion over the nature and impact of postmodernism. Many Christians immediately assume that all things postmodern are the source of pernicious moral relativism and that postmodernism is sure to destroy all truth. However, might postmodernism serve as an ally to Christian faith?