Origin
The word RADICAL is interesting. It comes from the Latin, which means ROOT, as in fundamental, essential. The word ERADICATE is related, which means to uproot, to remove.
As A Christian
In this sense, a RADICAL Christian is connected to Christ, to his spiritual roots, which is faith in Christ, trust in the Bible submission to the Holy Spirit. Christ is a loving and benevolent Ruler, and Leader, and Benefactor, Who died in order to save His enemies.
As A Muslim
Likewise, a radical Muslim is connected to the teachings of Muhammad. He is not connected to Muhammad, since Muhammad is dead, buried and his bones are held in a tomb in Medina. But a radical Muslim is one who is committed to the teachings of Muhammad, to the teachings of the Koran, to the religion/culture of Islam. Muhammad was a brutal and self serving war lord, who killed those who did not submit to his rule.
Recent Use Of The Word "RADICAL"
The word RADICAL is now used in reference to "bringing about extreme or fundamental change."
Again, this is good, when it is Christian. Individuals, communities and entire societies need to be totally transformed by the saving power of Christ, and committed to following Christian values. Biblical Christianity has been at the forefront of humanities most beneficial changes.
On the other hand, radical Islam is bad change for everyone and all peoples, violating human rights, human dignity, religious freedom.
Remember,
Christianity is the kingdom of God of love, in the hearts of men, while Islam is the rule of men in the name of religion, forced upon people at the edge of the sword.
A RADICAL Christian has voluntarily submitted to the Lordship of the living and loving Son of God. A RADICAL Christian seeks to bring about total change in society by pointing people to the resurrected Christ. RADICAL Christianity brings love, peace, joy, blessing.
A radical Muslim has adopted a cultural/political/religious agenda, history and values system attained in violent blood-shed, sustained in violent blood-shed and retained in violent blood-shed. Radical Muslim change takes place at the end of a sword.
A RADICAL Christian has voluntarily submitted to the Lordship of the living and loving Son of God. A RADICAL Christian seeks to bring about total change in society by pointing people to the resurrected Christ. RADICAL Christianity brings love, peace, joy, blessing.
A radical Muslim has adopted a cultural/political/religious agenda, history and values system attained in violent blood-shed, sustained in violent blood-shed and retained in violent blood-shed. Radical Muslim change takes place at the end of a sword.
