The Self-fulfilling Prophecy

I find it incredibly ironic that both the Christian and Islamic religions talk about the prediction of “End of Days”, the day that this great experiment will end and we shall all be judged by God. Call it what you will, Judgment Day, Armageddon, Ragnarok, Rapture, whatever. They both warn of its imminent arrival, in fact many believe we are in the final days right now.

It seems to me that “they” may be right. I fear that we are closer to total annihilation than ever before, except not by God’s will, but by Man’s. The warring between Christians and Muslims has slowly escalated over the centuries. The fact that the world has gotten “smaller”, through technology, hasn’t helped. Instead of just hearing stories about one another, each side can simply turn on a TV or surf the Web to see what the infidels or barbarians are saying about each other. This just fuels the fire of the extremists on both sides. And it is the extremists that are the problem.

Now, from what I understand, both sides believe in Satan. They think of “him” as the great Tempter, among other things. I also understand that the only reason an almighty God permits Satan to tempt us is to allow us a choice, free-will. If this is true, then why all the fighting? If you believe that your religion it right, teach it to those who are ignorant of it. Those who convert find salvation, in your eyes anyway. Those who don’t won’t, but isn’t that the name of the game?

If either side had its way, they would convert everyone to their religion and why not? They are the true religion, right? But to force everyone to convert to Islam or Christianity by the point of a sword, spear or the barrel of a gun is NOT God’s plan. Free-will, remember!? So, for all these many centuries, each side has really been killing each other to accomplish the exact opposite of God’s will, “His” design. To take away each person’s choice to worship who and whatever way they will.

And therein lays the irony.