The Islam Revival by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 13, 1910

The Islam Revival

By F. M. W.

It is recognized by all mission workers that the religion of Islam constitutes the most formidable antagonist of Christianity at the present time. Unlike the old pagan belief, it simulates Christianity very closely in many respects. It is founded upon pretended divine revelation. It advocates, in many particulars, high morality. It recognizes Jesus Christ, Moses, and other Bible characters as prophets of God; but declares Mohammed to be the prophet above all others. Recent years have marked a great revival in the propagation of this false system. Unable longer to extend its doctrines by the power of the sword, as did Mohammed, it has more recently adopted his earlier methods of propaganda, and in consequence has been putting forth earnest missionary operations.

It exercises a strong and almost unbreakable hold upon its followers. Speaking of this new spirit pervading the Mohammedan circles, the United Presbyterian says:—

In the general awakening of this age, this most cruel despotism has also aroused itself, and with resolute heroism and intense energy propagates its faith, and wins a success that demands a new power in the followers of Jesus. . . . The press has taken the place of the sword, and learned men defend the Koran. Missionaries by the hundred go forth from Egypt and Morocco to the pagans of Central Africa. Whole tribes have accepted the new teaching. In Syria, Persia, and parts of Asia there is a special activity with wonderful results. Christianity is face to face with a new Islam, and must gird itself with new power, or suffer repulse in the East. In the pride of our missionary success we have overlooked the fact that this great enemy has put on new strength, and is more exultant and defiant than for many generations.

It is not in the power of man successfully to overthrow this great system of error; but the One who gave to his church the commission to make disciples of all nations said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The power of the gospel can break through the strongholds of error to-day as effectually as in the days of Paul. He had to contend against the most subtle philosophies, against error long-entrenched and inborn; but through this wilderness of superstition and darkness the gospel blazed its way, and men and women were freed from the power of sin. The same gospel is ours to-day. That power awaits our demand and reception. As heralds of the cross, we can go up fearlessly against the strongholds of Islam, confidently believing that God will honor his Word, and that many men and women held in darkness by that great system of error will be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth for these last days.

F. M. W.