Rumor Mongering Alive and Well

I received an email today which said, in part:

"Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages...

The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible)

Koran (9:11 ) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah;

And there was peace. (Note the verse humber). Hmmmmm."

I have a copy of the Qur'an.  There is no chapter called "Koran" in the Qur’an. It is divided into "Parts" and there are 30 of them. In each "Part" there are "Surahs" numbered consecutively through the book for a total of 114.

I read Part 9 -- the reference above does not appear in any place in this Part. There is no Eleventh verse. Part 9 begins with Surah (89).

If someone can provide DOCUMENTATION from the Qur’an/Koran for this scripture about the Eagle and cleansing the land and peace being restored -- please enlighten us all. It is an amazingly hopeful and encouraging statement.

Otherwise, I have (2) questions:

(1) Who is the FIRST person who INITIATED this email? He is either ignorant . . . or dishonest. If the former, why would he send something about which he knows next to nothing. If he is the latter, . . . nothing more needs to be said. Lord, have mercy.

(2) Who are the folks who receive this junk who blindly pass it along without verifying whether or not it is accurate/valid/true????

With all the problems facing this world, the need for cooperation and respect and working together despite differences is more important than ever.

There are peace makers among us. There are war mongers/hate-mongers among us, whose purpose is to divide and destroy.

Which are you?

* * * * *

Lest you misunderstand, let me make myself clear. I have legitimate concerns about the Muslim religion based on my knowledge or lack thereof. But I know that when people come together sincerely trying to understand each other, many of their fears are found to be unfounded . . . :)

Especially if they are willing to respect their differences and compromise for the good of all concerned.

Is America being invaded by devout Muslims who, when their numbers are great enough, will stop "playing nice" and subject/force us to accept their strict Sharia laws? Maybe. Maybe not.

This possibility, however, is why Christians like myself, so strongly AFFIRM separation of Church and State. I NEVER want the State/Government to be able to tell me who, how, and what I shall worship.

This seems to me such an obvious and ONLY choice in order to protect our religious freedom and yet it is an issue which clearly divides our citizens.

As far as Muslims taking over this country -- a valid concern and possibility -- I have to believe that if such a thing happens, it is part of God's plan and all I need to do in the meantime is practice the teachings of Jesus. Which means I practice love and mercy and forgiveness and walk humbly before Him.

Whoever does this will have nothing to fear regardless. And if the Majority of our citizenry would do this, America would have nothing to fear, as well.

And that's all I have to say about THAT! :) :)

God Bless!