Thought for the Month - March 2008

Sharia Law - By Pastor Ian Wilson

The recent statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury has been greeted with widespread shock and horror. Dr Rowan Williams had implied that some aspects of Sharia Law could be adopted in the UK. Many conservative evangelicals have long been suspicious of Dr Williams’s views on various subjects. This latest statement has caused many people to say that the Archbishop has totally 'lost the plot'.

Indeed, a group of traditionalists within the synod called on him to make an apology. These 150 traditionalist members were keen to distance themselves from his reported suggestions.

As I listened with interest to what many people have had to say about this matter, there is one thing that has been mentioned over and over again.  We have been constantly reminded of how intelligent Dr Williams is. This excuse seems so often to be used in defence of his statements, perhaps the implication is that 'ordinary' members of the public are not clever enough to understand what the Archbishop really means.

It is very interesting to read what the Bible has to say about some very intellectual men.

1 Cor. 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

It is also worth noting what the Bible had to say about Peter and John.

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men.

They are described as unlearned and ignorant men. While we should never totally disregard mankind’s intelligence or wisdom, it seems so often that very clever men cannot grasp the simple truths that we have in scripture. The Greeks found it difficult to accept the message of the cross because of their own wisdom.

1 Cor. 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

The Lord Jesus Christ said this,

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

I am glad that a little child can understand and that 'ordinary' members of the public can also understand what the Bible has to say about salvation.

Ephes. 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!