The meeting of the Prime Minister with a number of leaders of the Islamic faith last week marked a new development in the history of our nation. As I commented last week, I am not aware that any similar meeting has ever taken place with the leaders of the Christian churches. What is clear from this event is that the Government has recognized that Islam has become a significant force within our country that needs to be taken seriously. It would be good for the Christian Church to come to a similar conclusion.

The media reports indicated that the meeting was a success, with a strong commitment from the Muslim leaders “to oppose terrorism and promote harmonious values among Australian Muslims.” But it was also noted that “they failed to produce any solid initiatives beyond a promise to talk again.” (SMH) It was also noted that the radical element of Islam, where terrorism has been applauded, was not represented at the meeting.

While many might feel a sense of relief at the positive outcomes from last week’s meeting, what we have seen is really very superficial. There are a number of very significant issues running deep beneath the surface, which could totally change the whole picture. Most ordinary people, and, it would seem, most of our politicians, are completely unaware that they exist.

One such issue is the problem of unity within Islam. There are two major groups: Shiite and Sunni, and the differences between them go deeper than the divide between Catholic and Protestant. One of the major barriers to peace in Iraq is the ongoing conflict between these two groups. In recent years, a third significant movement within Islam has been the rise of what is termed “Fundamentalism”.
This can be seen in groups like the Taliban, in Afghanistan, that have adopted a very hard-line, literal interpretation of the Koran and other Islamic texts. In some ways they are similar to the “Fundamentalists” within Christianity, who take a very literal view if the Bible, but Islamic Fundamentalism has spawned extremes of terrorism and ‘suicide bombing’. With such divisions within Islam, it is questionable whether the leaders who met with the Prime Minister can really speak for all Muslims, or have the power to control the radical element.

The second important issue is the teaching of the Koran itself, which is the point that the Christian pastors in Victoria were making when they were convicted of vilification. Although the leaders assured the Prime Minister of their commitment to “a peaceful, harmonious society”, my own reading of the Koran, and what I have heard from informed scholars, would seriously question that. Certainly, in many countries around the world where Islam is dominant, there is little “peace and harmony” in their treatment of Christians.

According to the teaching of the Koran, peace and harmony is only truly possible when everyone is submitted to Allah, according to the teachings of the Prophet. That is why there is such a push for the introduction of Shariah Law wherever Muslims gain political ascendancy. And we must realise that Islam has a very different ethical basis from the Judeo/Christian principals we assume everybody follows. Those who do business in Muslim countries tell me that they cannot assume Christian standards of truth and honesty.

Whether we like it or not, Islam has become, and will continue to be for a long time, a significant factor in our society. It is a challenge to many of the things we have taken for granted as a ‘Christian’ country. It is a challenge to the ‘wishy-washy’ faith of most Australians. It is a challenge to us to be informed about this religion that is gaining such prominence. And it is a challenge to those of us who “know their God” to share His love with Muslims, who are lost without it, and pray for those involved in Muslim evangelism.