Muslim Conversion

March 25, 2008

If you thought Osama bin Laden was angry at the Pope for the cartoons, this will certainly get his attention! A Muslim conversion to Christianity is the same thing as signing one’s death warrant. An outspoken Muslim author and critic of Islamic fundamentalism who converted to Christianity at the hands of Pope Benedict said on Sunday he realized he was in greater danger but he has no regrets. I hope he sincerely feels that way because his future is bleak and short.

“I realize what I am going up against but I will confront my fate with my head high, with my back straight and the interior strength of one who is certain about his faith,” said Magdi Allam. In a surprise move on Saturday night, the pope baptized the 55-year-old, Egyptian-born Allam at an Easter eve service in St Peter’s Basilica that was broadcast around the world.

The conversion of Allam to Christianity was kept secret until the Vatican disclosed it in a statement less than an hour before it began.
And why wasn’t it kept secret period? It’s one thing for a person to profess and live by a certain spiritual lifestyle; however, to go public is in my sense both not needful in his case and only arrogant on behalf of the church. If the thinking is that this will somehow gain more converts from Islam to Christianity, it’s wrong-headed thinking. Unless, the Pope wants to house Allam in the Vatican for the rest of his life, his life is over.

This is an “eye for an eye” concept!

Allam, who is a strong supporter of Israel and who an Israeli newspaper once called a “Muslim Zionist,” has lived under police protection following threats against him, particularly after he criticized Iran’s position on Israel. His conversion, which he called “the happiest day of my life,” came just two days after al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden accused the Pope of being part of a “new crusade” against Islam.

But then, the points that Pope Benedict is scoring (or isn’t scoring as the case may be) may mean that even the Vatican isn’t a safe place. There is simply no need for any religion to “rub in” a conversion from one faith to another. It only inflames the differences. Why do it? I know all the answers, the lofty show of courage, the convictions of ones faith, and standing up for your God.

Once we get past the religious games though, what has been accomplished? Who or what will be glorified in the end game of this act. I submit that this public display of conversion will only accomplish more ill-will, more killings, and maybe even that of the 111th Pope as St. Malachy maybe had right.

Time and history will be our witness.

Written by Ernie · Filed Under Daily Commentary