So I was listening to "America's Pastor" (Rick Warren) pray at President Obama's inauguration and as he got ready to close in prayer he said: "I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus..."
Now Yeshua and Jesus I know - but what's with this Isa name?
Upon further review, Isa (pronounced 'eee-sa'), I discovered is the false Jesus of the Qu'ran (Koran) and the Muslim Hadith.
Isa is the Islamic Jesus who was but a prophet and who certainly did not experience a sacrificial death on a cross let alone resurrect from the dead. In fact, in Islam the prophet Isa is actually the destroyer of Christianity - not it’s Savior. Obviously, this is simply not the same Jesus as is Yeshua. (More info on Isa can be found HERE.)
Perhaps even more important to me, when praying, particularly in public - I think it's important to use Jesus' messianic title of "Christ". After all there are many "Jesus'", but there is only One Anointed of the Father, only One true Messiah, and only one name given under heaven whereby all men must be saved - Jesus the Christ. The title of "Christ" speaks of Jesus' ability to forgive sin, heal the sick and restore us to right relationship with our Creator.
Not trying to be nit-picky here, and I'm not sure if this is a case of Warren getting caught up in trying to be politically correct, or trying to appease Muslims, or both - I really don't know. But if we are going to try to proclaim Christ - let's proclaim Christ.
wow. that's disappointing.
ReplyDeletei didn't think his prayer was specific enough (the "name of Jesus...who changed MY life" seems to be strictly a pragmatic argument that leaves the listener free to consider Jesus without any offense of His Lordship) but i didn't realize it actually had heresy.
bummer. my first thought was, at least he didn't say anything wrong...oops.
i can also attest that isa is the name of an iguana on Dora the Explorer.
ReplyDeleteLOL...I didn't know that about the iguana.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! My spouse I read this, together. We listened to it on the radio, and didn't 'catch' that, as Warren was praying.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many things being thrown in, here and there. (Such as what I mention in my blog post today.) It's being thrown out more frequently, and I think we need to be on our toes. Being mindful of what we are seeing and listening to.
I don't think you are being nit-picky. For a little yeast will leaven the whole batch of dough. (Galatians 5:9)
And I thank you for bringing this to our attention!
Thank you Christian - love your Ripples blog, btw!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you don't have much experience in Muslim ministry.
ReplyDeleteNo sir, but Dr. Mark Durie whom I reference above is considered an expert on the issue.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you aren't suggesting that we compromise the real Jesus in order to build some sort of 'psuedo-bridge' to Muslims?
Yes. Of course we must compromise the real Jesus in order to build a bridge to Muslims. Whatever it takes, man.
ReplyDeleteNOT!
Give me a break, Eric. OF COURSE I'm not suggesting that. Please don't patronize me! I just think you are getting bent out of shape over nothing. I have NO problem using the name "Isa" when speaking to Muslims about "Isa" in the Qur’an. I also have no problem using the name "Jesus" when speaking to Mormons about the "Jesus" in the Book of Mormon. What the Qur’an and the Book of Mormon have in common is that they both have inaccurate information regarding the true nature and character of Jesus as we understand it from the Bible. Make no mistake about it, my friend, Rick Warren acknowledges that as well.
Should we get bend out of shape because he used the name "Jesus" which is the name in the Book of Mormon which attributes false information and history to the real Jesus?
I'm just not as alarmed and concerned as you are about Rick's reference. I am more that eager to speak to any Muslim about "Isa". I will share with them what I believe to be the REAL story and history.
One more thing...
ReplyDeleteI have CHRISTIAN Arabic friends who sometimes refer to Jesus (yes the REAL Jesus) as "Isa". These friends are FORMER Muslims. They are REAL genuine born-again Christians. They believe in the real Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the grave and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. To them the name "Isa" is synonymous with Jesus or Yeshua. If you, Eric, had Arabic Christian friends who sometimes used the name "Isa" in reference to the risen Savior Jesus, I doubt you would be as uptight about Rick Warren using that name. He uses that name in solidarity with Arabic Christians. Real born again Spirit-filled Arabic believers. Simple as that.
I don't think anyone's getting 'bent out of shape' except you. The Isa of the Koran is not the Jesus of the Bible. What your friends call Him is irrelevant.
ReplyDeleteYou will converse on this blog with the Fruit of the Spirit evident or you won't have the privilege of commenting here.
Thanks.
"You will converse on this blog with the Fruit of the Spirit evident or you won't have the privilege of commenting here."
ReplyDeleteHave I not demonstrated the Fruit of the Spirit here?
Thank you for sharing this information. Tis very informative and alarming. God bless your labors for the Kings glory.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this information. Tis very alarming and informative.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your labors for the Kings glory.
Thank you Arlene -
ReplyDeleteWow - I see Diotrophes found you.
ReplyDeleteYes I'm afraid so ;^)
ReplyDelete