A Conversion Heard Around the World

On the world stage, and under the auspices of Pope Benedict, Magdi Allam, a staunch Egyptian critic of radical Islam, became a member of the Roman-Catholic faith. The significance and symbolism of this conversion cannot be understated, particularly in the current climate of Islamic-Catholic affairs. In embracing Roman Catholicism and rejecting Islam, Mr Allam (a formerly self-avowed secular Muslim) breached one of the most fundamental precepts of traditional Islam by committing the “crime” of apostasy.

Good article. I think this is going to be one of those quiet, unexpected moments that actually turns into a defining moment for an historical period and trend.

Right now reaction from Muslims has been pretty muted, and I think that’s because they were not expecting such a bold move and are genuinely uncertain about how to react. Should they do the traditional thing and scream for his blood? Or should they examine their own views on this and try to adapt to Western freedoms, simply for PR purposes if nothing else? Maybe some of them are getting tired of having the public persona of scimitar-waving, bomb throwing nutcases and would genuinely like a more reasonable approach to the matter, and this may give them an opening.

The other thing that was excellent is that by doing this, the Pope has revived and approved Christian missionary activity among Muslims. For many years now, there has been a sort of leveling, “aw, shucks, all religions are all okay” approach to the absolute truth claims of Christianity vs other religions. Having the Pope do this baptism makes it clear that he does not think this, it has never been the position of the Church (even after the confusion of Vatican II), and it is actually the responsibility of Christians to preach the Gospel and welcome people who wish to receive it.

I think part of the reason Muslims are mute so far is that they have never considered Alam as ‘one of their own’, since he has been very critical to Islam, and claimed to be a non-practice Muslim. While per Islamic teachings he might have been a Muslim, but he was never been in a core of muslim circle in Italy. If one of the Ulemmas (clergy) converted, then we will see a sea of protests.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.