Nigerians are somewhat puzzled about the recent failed attempt to blow a US plane to Detroit by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab a young Nigerian student and son of a wealthy executive. Although, he has claimed (we gather) he was trained and commissioned by an al-Qaeda master bomb-maker in Yemen, modern Islamic militancy is primarily seen as a local phenomenon, and very rarely a global one. The investigations are still at early stages.
Psalm 91 [5] Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; [6] Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. [7] A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
In an article by Daniel Pipes in 2002 entitled – Militant Islam’s New Stronghold it was stated “Nigeria: Disregarding both the Nigerian constitution (which stipulates a separation of church and state) and demographic realities (only 50 percent of the population is Muslim), Islamists of this West African country have adopted or announced plans to adopt some version of Islamic law in 12 of its 36 states since 1999.
Implementing Islamic law means forbidding such practices as the construction of churches, music performances, the wearing of pants, drinking alcohol and riding in mixed-gender taxis. Forced conversions to Islam are reported, as well as coerced divorces of Muslim women from Christian men. Vigilantes enforce Islamic law via punishments that include stoning, flogging and the chopping off of hands. Solidarity visits from Sudanese, Pakistani, Saudi, Palestinian and Syrian Islamists tie Nigeria to the wider forces of militant Islam and concludes that Nigeria may be undergoing a process of “Talibanization.”"
The UN Legal Committee attempted a (hard to finalise) draft of a convention, which reiterates that criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for political purposes are in any circumstances unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or other nature that may be used to justify them.
The difficulties in concluding this draft or even agree on definitions of terrorism come from sensitivity to ideological differences and the impossibility of agreement on the political correctness of any cause – resulting in a widespread moral vacuum and only more free publicity – a gift to the terrorist ideologues. Even if damage can be inflicted on terrorist leadership, the manifesto proved capable of cloning itself in countless small local cells of potential terrorists. Countries such as the UK and US remain in a constant state of alert to uncover plots of indiscriminate criminal activity. Nigeria with a virile and energetic young population has not just the moral vacuum, but also leadership and institutional vacuum which create the ideal environment to recruit.
My concern for the church is to watch its youths and rethink its paradigms on age-segregated youth ministry. Scott T. Brown, an advocate of church reformation and the strengthening of families recently said. “Modern youth ministry is inherently destructive in its impact. It divides the church by creating generational division and multiple cultures instead of a unified ‘body”. Families need to be stronger than ever, closer than ever and more united…Wealth and comforts easily weaken family structures as children are routinely shipped abroad to be schooled and exposed to uncontrolled media. The deterioration of local secondary and tertiary educational institutions has not helped…and more Christian colleges/universities are needed…
Parents have a very important role in correction and upbringing and not the state, school or the church. Where there is no time now to know, influence and control what your son is up to…there will be time later to sort the mess that is ahead…Correction of the youth is very biblical and withholding it is disobedience to God.
Proverbs 22[15] Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Proverbs 23 [13] Withhold not correction from the child…
Why do some convert to Islam?
Daniel Pipes also writes. “The poor are attracted to Islam because of its zakat, or alms giving, where 2.5% of all assets are redistributed to the needy. This was a huge difference compared to the aristocratic pre-Muhummad Mecca. The religious were attracted to the absolute “monotheism” of Islam, and the Koran’s strict commands seemed straight forward enough–providing a much needed law structure.
At least in America, Muslims convert by playing on the class structures and social structures in society. Specifically, the Nation of Islam converts in the prisons, where many African-Americans find purpose. The Nation of Islam believes that there is a white and Christian conspiracy to keep down all blacks, which is ridiculous….
The main reason for conversion is ignorance of Christ Jesus and His gospel, ignorance of Islam, disillusionment with society and false truth.”
1Peter 3 [8] Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: [9] Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. [10] For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: [11] Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. [13] And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? [14] But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye : and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; [15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
The current recession has had its impact on the poorer nations and recovery for them will be slower…worse is the continued impact on social and ethnic tensions and the resulting disillusionment as unemployment of youths takes its toll…
A young Christian weaned on trendy gospel music lyrics and taught he will have so many wonderful things now, and not ever suffer anymore – comes to Christ set up for disillusionment … and anger…
Fellow Christian…remember Nigeria in your prayers as the year comes to an end…
God bless you
Bode
