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Several states, including Arizona, Arkansas, and Texas, have begun to prohibit Sharia, that is, Islamic law, from their communities. Those who have voted for this prohibition argue that Sharia does not align with the Constitution of the United States, as it imposes Islamic beliefs upon non-Muslims.
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In Virginia, a recent bill is being discussed regarding the definition of Islamophobia. BillTrack50 states that, “the bill directs the Department of State Police … to include the bill’s definition of ‘Islamophobia’ in its hate crime reporting central repository.”
Muslim culture is politically on the rise across America. A Somali woman posted, regarding the question of assimilation to American culture: “What are you gonna do if we say no? We don’t wanna assimilate. We don’t want to be like you. … [You say], ‘Assimilate, or you’re not American.’ Who are you?”
Ignoring her deriding tone, that is the question our nation needs to think about again in light of recent events. Who are we? Is American culture being threatened by these politically proactive Muslim actions? What does our freedom really look like?
In response, I look to the United States Constitution. Our preamble states the following:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
America is a nation with a culture that takes responsibility for its people. Whether Democrat or Republican, we teach our children to protect what we believe is the future of our country. American citizens desire and, therefore, do their best to solidify their ideas of freedom, peace, and justice for our people, as these are rights given by God to all mankind. This is made clear in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
I argue that culture is defined by a people’s philosophical desires and how they carry them out. Desires stem from purpose and result in formative action.
Americans have a philosophical desire for independent responsibility. They understand that it provides them with the freedoms of speech and religion. It is the main concept that draws immigrants to America, and it is this concept that is now being tested by the overall Muslim community.
Political Islam has recognized America’s freedom and is attempting to distort American culture through an Islamic philosophy of deceit and power. These actions contradict our Constitution, defy our Christian foundation, and endanger our citizens. That Somali woman didn’t want to assimilate into America because she wanted to establish her own independent responsibilities – specifically representing her home country’s Muslim population. Former Virginia State Delegate Nick Freitas responded to the woman’s question of who we are, saying, “We’re the people that don’t want the place you fled to to look like the place you fled from.”
So how do we, as Christians, approach this attack from within our borders?
We love our enemies. Be bold in your faith and share the gospel with your neighbors. Ask God for opportunities to make His name known, and pray for those who are being persecuted for doing so.
Further, pray for the Muslim community at large. Pray that they may come to know Christ as Lord and Savior over their lives, that they may join the beautiful family of God.
Pray for our political leaders—that they may have wisdom to uphold and enact laws that protect our Constitution. Pray for boldness to do what is right and humility to show the love of Christ in doing so. Pray that our country may hold fast to what is true.
Jesus is coming again, and our responsibility, as Christians, is to Him!
Add your own prayer points in the comments below.
IFA contributing writer Kate Stimson is a Patrick Henry College graduate of the class of 2025 with a degree in journalism and a minor in literature. As a missionary in training with Josiah Venture, her job is to write stories about missionaries and the work that God is doing across Central and Eastern Europe. You can find out more about her work here: https://www.josiahventure.com/people/kate-stimson/. Photo Credit: Arrangements-Photography/Getty Images and Mike Jones via Canva Teams.
