Extended Report of BA Survey on 9/11 and Islam

(September-October, p. 12).

Following are the 16 statements the BA used (though not necessarily our views) to sample opinions regarding Islam. They appear here in the order that they received reader agreement, from greatest to least. Preceding each statement is the average score assigned by 25 respondents, where “5” indicates strong agreement, on down to 1, which indicates strong disagreement.

4.44 - Jesus’ teaching to bless and pray for our enemies applies even to those who harm America.

4.40 - True Christianity shouldn’t be blamed for those who represent Christ badly.

4.32 - We have valid reasons to fear what’s ahead in the clash of cultures — Islam vs. Christianity.

4.32 - As a Christian, I should befriend Muslims who live in my community.

3.80 - The control or capture of Muslim terrorists is primarily a matter for military intervention by those countries that are affected.

3.80 - Considering the cost (in lives and dollars) and futility of finding lasting solutions through military action (Iran and Afghanistan), there must be a better way of dealing with Muslim extremists.

3.76 - Islamic expansionism is the most dangerous threat to world peace in our time.

3.76 - Muslims in America are a major threat to our legacy in the Christian way of life.

3.72 - America will be overrun by Muslim immigrants, as Europe and England are now.

3.52 - It is unrealistic to expect the non-violent tactics of Jesus, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King to succeed against terrorism while the enemy uses swords, guns, or bombs.

3.40 - I learn a lot about terrorism, Islam, and related current events from talk radio, Fox Channel, and/or the Internet.

3.20- Mainstream Islam shouldn’t be blamed for the bad behavior of fanatical Muslim extremists.

3.16 - Mohammed (or Islam) is the false prophet of Revelation 16, moving the world toward Armageddon.

3.08 - Most Muslims celebrated the pain and loss of America on September 11, 2001.

3.04 - A majority of the world’s Muslims oppose terrorism and want to live in peace with people of other religions.

2.96 - It was OK for Christians to celebrate when Osama Bin Laden was killed by American troops.

Following are the questions posed by the BA regarding people’s personal experience on 9/11 and since.

How did you first hear about the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C.? What was your initial response?

From the newspaper, four days after the attack. I was on a raft trip and had no way to hear about it. Surprise, shock. Are we safe here anymore?
My daughter called after the first hit; I saw the second plane hit. This is horrible!
Watched it on TV. I thought the first tower was accidental.
On the news, just before leaving for work. Further, shocking proof of living in the end time.
Friend told me; I was angry and fearful.
From live TV at my job.
A carpenter came to work in my home and told me. I sat down on a chest in my bedroom and watched it on TV, in dismay and sadness.
I was one the job, about ten miles from Ground Zero. All the streets, especially near police stations and government buildings, were blocked off. There was panic in New York, people trying to get home. Here in Brooklyn we knew that Muslims were behind that tragedy.
I heard of it on the TV news when I first awoke that morning.
Waking early and watching on TV, I understood immediately that our lives were about to change and that fear had rocked us and taken over our orderly lives.
Heard it on the car radio while driving to work. Shock, outrage.
On the news at work. After second plane hit, I remember thinking and saying that a war would ensue, and part of it would be fought on our soil.
By the TV when it happened.
Co-worker interrupted a meeting to tell us a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. A few minutes later, he returned indicating another had hit the Pentagon. When the meeting concluded, I clicked on the news in my office. I sensed that life in America had changed.
From ABC News on TV. I felt we were at immediate war.
Someone told me at work, so I went home and watched it on TV.
At work, I went across the hall and watched TV as they replayed the planes hitting the WTC towers. I wondered what it meant.
By means of the TV. My first reaction was astonished amazement.
I was only seven years old when I heard it on the news, so I didn’t really understand what was happening at the time.
TV. Surprise.

What changes in faith, life, and worldview have you experienced in ten years as a result of 9/11?

No changes in my faith. Life has changed by government intrusion. Worldview has changed the way I look at what is happening in Europe and the US with a more interested eye.
Very little. I long for His second coming. (No third coming.)
Our reaction killed more Americans and did more to destroy our economy than the radicals dreamed.
I’ve become more politically involved and pay closer attention to world events.
No changes. There will be evil in the world as long as there are Satan and unrepentant human nature.
A mixture of anticipation and dread of worsening world conditions. Pray more fervently for the kingdom to come.
It has caused me to question some of my prophetic beliefs about the immediacy of Christ’s second coming. Coupled with several tragedies and traumas in my life and other world disasters, my faith has been sorely challenged. I’ll always believe, but maybe not believe that God answers my prayers.
Not much change. Leaders are still trying to make nice with Muslims, but the war is still on.
No change to my faith or direction, but it did change my perception about Islam and my worldview.
My faith is now much stronger, knowing that events in Scripture are closer to completion as the Lord’s prophets wrote. My life has become focused on spreading the word and bringing others into the faith. My view of the world is that it has become much more dangerous.
Most Americans (and CoG7 members) do not keep up with the influence of Muslims in our country, including our educational institutions’ attitudes toward Christianity, our government’s acceptance of Muslim practices (holy days), society’s acceptance of Muslim beliefs/practices being equal to Christian beliefs/practices, the belief that Islam is a peaceful religion, etc.
More distrust of Muslims and their motives.
I’ve been watching the world scene with more scrutiny. The Lord may be near. Airline costs and TSA pat-downs are a noticeable change. I’m more aware of many Islamic people in the US. I’m concerned for the safety of my children and grandchildren. We are living in “perilous times,” and I now see how rapidly events occur.
No changes in my faith. Necessities cost more; I listen to more news to see what’s going on. Why are we not told more about how God is protecting Israel?
My faith is stronger. God uses disasters for His purpose. As a vulnerable nation, we turned to God for support and comfort for a time. I am now more selective about attending events in high-profile locations. My worldview is bigger, and I’ve gained better understanding and respect for other cultures and beliefs. Just as in this country there are those who desire power to nationalize their religious beliefs, there are extremists in other countries doing the same. In all countries, there are “the rest of us.”
Sometimes I have more faith. I think the world is headed for the end time.
Over time I realized the “terrorists” are US rogue government agents facilitating patsy Islamic extremists in order to enslave uninformed citizenry. All allowed by YhVH due to national disobedience
I have become more aware of Islam and some specifics of that religion.
More distrust of Islam.
It has set back the progress of world peace quite a bit, especially for the US and many Middle Eastern countries.
Most Muslims aren’t bothering anybody, so having them here is not really a problem at all.
I’ve been drawn closer to the Lord and believe we are nearing the end. I believe Islam is a major player until Jesus returns. I see it as the Antichrist, and many Christians are duped right along with the world.
In faith, I believe that God is sovereign, the owner and master of all.
Islam is far worse than Communism as a threat to world peace.
We are now assaulted by intensified jet training 100 feet over our homes.

What do you see as the mind of Christ toward Islamic faith and toward Muslims in America?

As Christ did in the temple cleansing, we should stop radical Islam at all cost to protect our way of life and our family structure.
Christ continues to love those who are and will become His Father’s adopted children. He grieves for those who will not.
Islam is a religion of Satan. What other religion would suppress women [as it does]?
He wants us to love them and show His love.
Treat others as we wish to be treated and set a positive example, without being naïve about Islam being a religion of peace.
God and Christ love them and want them to accept Christ as their Savior, in spite of their erroneous beliefs. However, God knows they were destined for this unbelief all the way back to Hagar, Ishmael, Esau, etc. I hope and like to believe that they will have their chance during the millennial reign of Christ.
We are told to love our enemies. I don’t think we should sit back and let them destroy us. The plan of Islam is to kill us all. We must pray that God’s plan be done, as He will.
Love those of Islamic faith. However, the radical militant side of Muslim terrorists causes a person to feel somewhat uncomfortable, akin to a ticking time bomb: You don’t know when it’s about to blow. [Muslims] don’t seem to be seeking peace.
Our Lord loves them and wishes them to return.
Because they see Jesus as a prophet and not as the Messiah, they are a group of His people who need His redemption.
Christ is opposed to the Muslim faith; Christ would see Muslims repent.
Treat Muslims and all people with kindness and dignity. Christ died for them too. Jesus wants the Muslims to come to Him too. We need to have bridges built with them so we might introduce them to Christ.
Great sorrow.
Just as when He walked on the earth, He looks beyond all the absurdities that polarize us and into our individual soul’s intention. Christ knows all souls! He died for all who believe.
I think he wants them to learn His truth and come to full repentance.
Caring and kindness, while thinking through a more adequate defense for the gospel; being prepared for questions.
Government is to protect its citizens. We are to reach out to [Muslims] for Christ as we would any non-believer. Also understand Islam to warn others of the evil.
Islam is a false religion. Christians should be tolerant toward individual Muslims, but never accept their religion as valid.
To see and live the fuller truth.
It’s the religion of Satan.

Extended Report of BA Survey on 9/11 and Islam

(September-October, p. 12).

Authors

Two - year Bible Reading