Author:  Rob is currently working toward a PhD in Physics at Massey University and runs the Manawatu Christian Apologetics Society. Read more from him

Apologist and philosopher Doug Groothuis posted the following on his blog:

This is how some Muslim are encouraging other Muslims to pray against America. This material is from a credible source: Jihad Watch, which features Robert Spencer, author of many fine books on Islam.

Once again: America, Wake up!

Take a look at the 7 minute video clip as it gives a very interesting and striking contrast between this brand of Islam and evangelical Christianity.

Essentially the video is a prayer for Allah’s help in time of need, in the same sense as David prayed in the Psalms in the Bible. Yet the video has a clear thread running through it depicting violence as the answer to Islam’s current oppression.

Given that King David (c.1000 B.C.) called for the destruction of his enemies, how should we then view the Islamic call for the destruction of its enemies? Is a call for destruction wrong per se? 

Take for example:

• Psalm 18:40: You make my enemies retreat; ¹  I destroy those who hate me. ²
• Psalm 54:5: May those who wait to ambush me ¹  be repaid for their evil! ²  As a demonstration of your faithfulness, ³  destroy them!
• Psalm 55:15: May death destroy them! ¹  May they go down alive into Sheol! ²  For evil is in their dwelling place and in their midst.
• Psalm 74:11: Why do you remain inactive? Intervene and destroy him! ¹
• Psalm 143:12: As a demonstration of your loyal love, ¹  destroy my enemies! Annihilate ²  all who threaten my life, ³  for I am your servant.

Do the Imprecatory Psalms and Christian Ethics Clash? provides several useful explanations as to how to reconcile the teaching of “love thy enemy” and the above quotations.

That said, this is the reply I wrote to the video on YouTube that Groothuis indirectly refers to:

What a sad video. Muslims friends: the West is not “Christian”. In fact, it is largely anti-Christian in 2009. But true Christians are praying for you people. We pray not for your destruction, but for your salvation. We pray not for evil to come upon you, but that the true God will show His great mercy and love towards you. We pray not for war with you, but that you would come to know the peace found only in Jesus Christ.

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