With the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, it has become of paramount importance to understand the origin, nature, and agenda of Islam. While there is no intent here to impugn the many peace-loving Muslims with the aggresive actions of the militant leadership, it is critical to recognize this most threatening challenge to Christians, Jews, and to Western civilization.

Contrary to popular understanding, Islam did not begin with Mohammad. Most of the practices still embodied in Islam had their beginning in pre-Islamic Arabia. Mohammad repackaged the pagan worship associated with the Ka''aba in Mecca into a monotheistic form. It is also important to distinguish between the Allah of Islam and the God of Old Testament. They are not equivalent. Allah is presented as unknowable and capricious. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob delights in making and keeping His promises. Jesus summarized the entire Law of Moses in two commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. No where does the Qu''ran admonish such commitments.The Qu''ran calls for a warrior agenda.

Islam divides the universe into two parts: Dar Al Islam: the domain of the faithful (to Islam); and Dar Al Harb: those with whom they are at war until Judgment Day. The agenda of Islam is conquest, by the sword if necessary.This perspective can be confirmed by examining three areas: their sacred writings, exemplified by the Qu''ran; by a review of their history of conquest and cultural imperialism; and by an inspection of the Islamic countries and their propagating a legacy of hate and repression on their various subjugated populations.

These views may appear shocking, especially when contrasted with the popular propaganda promoted in the West. But it is essential to personally investigate the many competent materials available, and to really understand the agenda that lies behind today''s headlines.