Reply To Loki: The Pagan Heritage of Islam
Dear Loki, Excellent post - very informative. I would like to add some comments about the origins of Islam. According to what I've heard not researched; Mohammad while fasting in a cave claimed that the angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him that God made him a prophet and inspired him to write the Qu'ran. It is very interesting to me that Mormonism was started in a similar way, that is; Joseph Smith, the founding prophet while fasting and praying had a visit from the angel Morani which told him he was a prophet and inspired him to write the book of Mormon. Notice that both men, Muhammad and Joseph Smith, claimed to have had angelic visitations and as a result a set of so-called inspired writings, the Koran and book of Mormon were produced. Notice also both religions permit polygamy; both have incorporated aspects of the Bible; both are extemely legalistic to follow; and both writings were changed and edited over time - hardly a case of Divine inspiration.
Meanwhile, Paul makes the following statement in Galations 1:8 : "But though we, or AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, preach any other gospel...let them be accursed." Based on that statement I personally believe it is possible that Muhammad and Joseph Smith had authentic angelic visitations and furthermore most likely from the same angel of deceit.
Therefore, I conclude both writings are based on doctrines of devils according to 1Timothy chapter 4.
Another point about Muhammad and others who claimed to be prophets is this:
All the Old Testament prophets were tested and tried before they were accepted as true prophets of God. Anyone who claimed to be a prophet were tested based on their short-term prophecies coming to pass. And anyone who claimed to be a prophet and it was found otherwise they were immediately put to death. No one unless they wanted to die would dare call themselves a prophet. In the case of Muhammad, he was accountable to no one and it is the same for other false prophets.
Thank you for doing your part in exposing the truth.