The Lord be with you
In the current issue of Concordia Theological Quarterly is
an article titled “Islam’s Future in America.” It was written by Adam S.Francisco who is Professor and Chair of the History and Political Thought
Department at Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, California.
A link to the article is provided at the end of this review.
In this article, Adam Francisco covers the history of Islam
in America,
beginning with Muslim slaves brought here over two centuries ago and continuing
through today. This review even covers the origin of the now politically
correct idea that Islam is a “religion of peace” and that the radicals have “hijacked”
the religion. One might wonder about the usefulness of such a review however,
in my opinion, no one can have a hope of understanding the present, let alone
what might be coming down the road, unless they know and understand history. He
then examines current trends in the West from moderates to radicals.
In considering the future of Islam in America,
Francisco thinks how everything will shake out “is hard to say, but the trends of
the past that continue to shape the present will most likely persist into the
future.” He also says “We should expect a great bit of diversity amidst
Muslims. There will be Twelver, Sevener, Fiver, and every other sort of Shia
Muslim alongside Sunnis who are progressivists, secularists, Islamists, and
even jihadists. However, the institutions representing American Muslims and
public discourse on the character of Islam in America will be predominantly
Islamist of one sort or another.”
Francisco goes on to write, “Amidst America’s Muslims there
will be and already is a contest for the soul and posture of Islam. Moderates
and progressives are already battling with conservatives. This is mostly an
internal debate, though it has been suggested non-Muslims should seize any
opportunity to promote a moderate Islam.” Francisco, though, points out that others
feel that such an effort is doomed to failure and why, at least some of them, so think.
Francisco also warns, “we should expect more of the violence
happening across the globe to find its way here.” He reminds us, “For religions
committed to a distinction between religion and politics or theology and civil
law the first amendment poses little to no problem to the integrity of that
religion or the state. For Islam—at least classical orthodox versions of it—it does.
Herein lies one of the most basic problems associated with Islam in the West,
particularly in a secular and pluralist democracy like America.”
Francisco ends his article by writing, “Regardless of all
the trends, debates, policies, and postures associated with the problems of
Islam and its future in America, we can count on the fact that Islam is and
will continue to become a part of mainstream American culture. Whether it gets
stirred up in the melting pot or not is anyone’s guess at this point. Whether
it succeeds in influencing the broader culture or not will probably not be
determined by Islam itself, though. Rather, the future of American culture will
be determined by those, as it has been said, who show up for it. Muslims are
poised to do just that. So are secularists. Are Christians? Only the future
will tell.”
Islam is certainly a hot topic in America today. It is refreshing to
read something that is balanced, historical, non inflammatory, and factual. I can
easily recommend this article for all who are interested in how we got to where
we are in America
in reference to Islam, reasonable cautions, and a foundation for understanding
the influences that are shaping American Islam for its future.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Rickert
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