Raymond Ibrahim on Victory Mosques replacing Churches in America (VIDEO)

Many Americans appear to be angry that Crosses are giving way to Crescents, as Muslims transform more and more American churches into mosques. But is their anger being directed at the root source of this development?

For examples of this trend, see these posts:

• Muslim 'Breaking of the Crosses' in Syracuse NY
• 'Breaking of the Crosses' in Syracuse Part 2: The Sharia Doctrine against the Cross
• 'Breaking of the Crosses' in North Carolina: Christian leaders welcome conversion of church into mosque

VIDEO: "Who 'RODE' Muhammad All Night Long — and Why?"

Raymond Ibrahim reveals another "uncomfortable" truth about Muhammad:

This video relates the strange hadith of the encounter between Muhammad and the "al-Zutt." Per the notes from the video posting:

"The earliest sources all depict al-Zutt as humans, meaning the night in question had nothing to do with the Jinn (demonic spirits), and therefore the testimony of Abdullah — a chief and trusted transmitter of hadith — remains valid. "

This leads to two important conclusions:

"First, the bizarre and unflattering accounts of Muhammad contained in the hadith contradict the idea that the hadith is a later forgery meant to give Islam a noble foundational story revolving around a pious and upright prophet...

"and much more importantly: Second, that the hadith, because it does capture the essence of Muhammad, remains the chief weapon against Islam."

Reinstating 'Columbus Day' - Raymond Ibrahim sets the record straight (VIDEO)

 Let's celebrate Columbus for defending the West against Islam:

More videos, articles and books by Raymond Ibrahim here.

Raymond Ibrahim re-launches YouTube Channel (VIDEO)

In a witty and dynamic 5-minute intro, Islam scholar and critic, and respected political analyst, philosopher and raconteur, Raymond Ibrahim today announced the (re)launch of his YouTube channel.

Even while underscoring his background in writing about Islam, Raymond makes it clear that he will be covering a much wider range of topics than he is typically known for, including "philosophical, theological, and secular" ones, historically and in the here and now. He also hints at his new book which he is working on, which viewers will get to hear more about over time.

In my estimation, Raymond is one of the most solid Islam commentators out there. With this energetic announcement, he presents a compelling invitation for us to join him for conversations about some of the most important topics of our time.

(VIDEO) Mark Durie - The Hidden History of the Qur’an

How the text of the Qur’an tells a ‘hidden’ story about its own origins.

In his recent book, The Qur’an and its Biblical Reflexes, and in this video (from the June 11, 2020 live webinar), Mark Durie explores how the text of the Qur’an tells a ‘hidden’ story about its own origins, one which is different from the conventional account.

The Qur’an is a difficult book to read and understand. Within the religion of Islam, its text has always been read, explained and understood through the lens of the biography of Muhammad, which was itself based on later, sources committed to writing more than a century after the Qur’an came into existence.

This is a story about a small religious community, not located in Mecca, but somewhere else, enjoying a more moderate climate suited to agriculture but vulnerable to earthquakes, which found itself facing an existential theological crisis. Tune into this webinar to hear Mark Durie tell the story of how this crisis was resolved, and the momentous consequences which continue to influence the lives of billions, right down to the present day.

VIDEO: David Wood on Global Persecution of Christians (Banned by YouTube as Hate Speech)

David Wood of Acts17 Apologetics had posted a video discussing the facts and statistics of Open Doors' 2020 World Watch List, their annual report on the persecution of Christians around the globe. 

YouTube took down his video, and gave him a strike for hate speech. Two more strikes within a 90 day period, and his channel will be permanently taken down.

You can watch David's response here. Below is the video which YouTube classified as "hate speech," hosted now on David Wood's BitChute channel.

His plan is to release a series of videos on Global Persecution of Christians in the coming days.

As followers of this blog know, approximately 80% of all persecution of Christians is committed by Muslims.

VIDEO: Islam, Holy Icons & St. John of Damascus

A superbly produced video documentary of St John of Damascus, with in-depth presentations of his denunciation of the heresy of Islam, his systematic exposition of the Orthodox Christian Faith, and his defense of the holy icons against the ruthless persecution of the iconooclasts (literally, "icon smashers").

This is yet another excellent video from Trisagion Films, which has rapidly established itself as one of the premier Orthodox Christian platforms on the internet.

The writers frame the narration using the old Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times," noting at the conclusion that John not only lived through such "interesting times," but himself made major contributions to the defense and advancement of the Orthodox Christian Gospel during a time when the Church faced grave challenges from within and without.

Holy St John, pray to God for us!




Source: Trisagion Films.

VIDEO: Why it is of the Utmost Importance to denounce and expose the 'Same God Heresy'

At the root of today's confusion over Islam is the widespread acceptance of the 'Same God Heresy'.

"When the Church is being betrayed and the faithful led astray, it is no time for compliments and polite 'dialogues', nor for placing sympathy above truth." 

 ~ Blessed Hieromonk Seraphim of Platina

Consider this brief video, and the exhortations from Church Fathers on standing for the Truth and not remaining silent when Christ is being blasphemed:

Lastly, consider this excerpt from the Epilogue to my book, Facing Islam:

WHEN I WAS A YOUNG CONVERT new to Orthodoxy, the late Archbishop Michael (Shaheen) of the Antiochian Archdiocese came to our parish. In delivering the homily, he stated unequivocally that (and I paraphrase), 

“We must embrace the Muslims, the Hindus, the Buddhists, for we all worship the same God; we just worship in different ways, and are merely traveling different paths to the same destination.” 

In doing so, he was blatantly standing against Jesus Christ, the Apostles, the Fathers of the Church, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, the Confessors and Martyrs and all true Orthodox believers of every age. 

Video: Raymond Ibrahim - 'The Past and Present Persecution of Christians'

A brisk and essential presentation by my dear friend, the great Raymond Ibrahim, on the historical continuity of Islam's persecution of Christians, from the time of Muhammad to today.

Watch and share widely:

Fr Seraphim Rose - Russian Documentary w/English Subtitles

This excellent film has been out for a few years, but only recently was it given English subtitles by the Russian Faith website.

UPDATED 9/11/21: My original attempt to embed the video here failed when it was blocked by YouTube on copyright grounds, so I am simply posting the link to Russian Faith website for you to view it there. 

There is still some worthy info below if you care to scroll down and explore.

My apologies for any inconvenience:

https://russian-faith.com/saints/american-monk-who-inspired-russians-video-documentary-fr-seraphim-rose-n2330

Icon of Hieromonk Seraphim from Mt Athos

September 2 is the anniversary of the Repose of Blessed Hieromonk Seraphim Rose in 1982. Visit our Special Resource Page to learn more about this extraordinary figure in contemporary Orthodoxy.

I return to Father Seraphim Rose on this blog again and again because of his clear warnings against ecumenism and syncretism, against the tendency in our age for even well intentioned Orthodox Christians to compromise the True Faith in Jesus Christ in their confused efforts to appeal to other Christians or even to non-Christians.

Blessed Hieromonk Seraphim is widely venerated as a saint in traditional Orthodox nations such as Russia, Greece, Romania, and Serbia, and is considered by the Monks of Mount Athos as one of their own, as evidenced by photographs and icons of him seen by pilgrims to the monastic republic in northern Greece.

Pilgrims to Orthodox monasteries across North America will likewise notice photographs and the occasional icon of Father Seraphim at numerous monasteries, both men's and women's, under various jurisdictions, and there are a growing number of parishes which openly venerate Father Seraphim. Some, with direct ties to the St Herman of Alaska Monastery in Platina CA, which Father Seraphim co-founded, have secondary relics such as his vestments or other items which they make available for the faithful to venerate.

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Fr. Seraphim Rose on Islam - Fr Seraphim didn't write much about Islam, or did he? A look at Fr Seraphim's teaching on the Monotheistic Religions, and how he might have approached the challenge of Islam.

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This organic and heartfelt growth in the veneration of Hieromonk Seraphim of Platina, by monasteries, parishes and the faithful touched by his life and intercessions, points to his eventual glorification as a saint by the Orthodox Church... if the Lord doesn't return first.

VIDEO: A Legendary American Monk Who Inspired Christians in Russia - Fr. Seraphim Rose

Russian-Faith.com, July 26, 2019:

Russians have long appreciated Fr. Seraphim Rose, the beloved Orthodox monk who started a monastery in northern California. This documentary was produced in Russian, and is available here for the first time with English subtitles.

He was a Protestant in California, an atheist genius at Berkeley, a practicing Buddhist, and finally — a Russian Orthodox Monk in the American wilderness. Fr. Seraphim Rose became a legend in Russia, where many now recognize him as a Saint.

This fascinating film was produced by NEOFIT.TV, a quality production company that creates numerous documentaries about Orthodox Christian saints, apostles, prophets, well known preachers, and Church history. Many excellent films are available on their website.

TRANSCRIPT:

VIDEO: Orthodox Church in Florida hosts Robert Spencer for address on Muslim Persecution of Christians

Thanks be to God for this brave Orthodox parish hosting the fearless and indefatigable Robert Spencer, to speak the truth about Islam and Muslim persecution of Christians.

Robert Spencer is, of course, the director of the Jihad Watch blog, and author of bestselling books such as The Truth About Muhammad, and his newest book, the essential title, The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS.

The Orthodox Church has a long memory when it comes to Islam's 1400-year war against Christianity. Sadly, very few Orthodox Christians are willing to face the truth about the false prophet Muhammad and the heresy of Islam, which St John of Damascus called a "superstition" and a "forerunner of the Antichrist."

Fortunately, intrepid Orthodox priests like Fr Josiah Trenham of St Andrew Orthodox Church in Riverside CA and others are warning and educating about Islam. In August 2017 Fr Josiah conducted a wide-ranging and most edifying interview with Robert Spencer.

This address by Mr. Spencer, hosted by St Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, Florida, is another landmark event in the ongoing effort to educate and warn Christians about the true nature of Islam, Muslim persecution of Christians, and the Same God Heresy.


Video: Robert Spencer speaks at Christian Rights and Freedom Institute, explains why Muslims persecute Christians

Jihad Watch, February 12, 2019:




"On January 21, 2019, I had the honor of speaking at the Christian Rights and Freedom Institute at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, Florida, on the Muslim persecution of Christians. I explained why those Muslims who do persecute Christians actually think that when they do so, they’re doing something right and righteous."

Twitter bans ex-Muslim for criticizing Islam

Would Twitter ban atheists for attacking Christianity? Not likely. But an ex-Muslim — who is under several death fatwas for leaving Islam — is banned for posting true statements about Islam and Muhammad.


Twitter Declares War on Ex-Muslims

David Wood, Acts17 Apologetics, February 12, 2019:

Jack Dorsey's Twitter recently banned the Apostate Prophet for a tweet that stated indisputable facts about Muhammad, the Quran, and Islam. Should social media platforms be banning ex-Muslims and critics of Islam, who are under Sharia death penalties for apostasy and blasphemy?

PragerU Video: 'The Suicide of Europe', by Douglas Murray

The tragic story of Europe's capitulation to Islam is discussed by author Douglas Murray in yet another excellent video from Prager University, which has featured such towering voices on the threat of Islam as Raymond Ibrahim.




The Suicide of Europe

Douglas Murray, PragerU, May 14, 2018:

Europe is committing suicide. How did this happen? In this week’s video, Douglas Murray, author of The Strange Death of Europe, explains the two major causes of Europe’s impending downfall.

Murray is the author of The Strange Death of Europe.

View, read and share.

VIDEO: Russian Priest - Answer to a Muslim Apologist

"Fr. Maksim Kuskin, a Russian priest from near Moscow, here answers a question from a Muslim, who maintains that Islam is purer and stronger than Christianity. His arguments are simple: Muslims give up alcohol and lead chaste lives.

"The calmness with which Father Maksim answers radiates with a quiet power:





"The Russian priest answers simply, obviously a bit taken aback by the glaring smugness of the question.

"Let's talk about how not only is Islam a more primitive religion, but about how much violence and outrage it has inflicted upon the world, and so often, upon Christians.

"Yet, 'We suffer everything', Fr. Maxim concludes, 'and ultimately you will see, that Christianity is so much more powerful than Islam'."

Source: Russian Faith

Video: Raymond Ibrahim on ‘Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West’

In late March, Raymond Ibrahim spoke before the Christian Rights and Freedom Institute in Naples, Florida. His speech revolved around the topic of his forthcoming book, Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West, and how Americans have been fed a false history that makes the West’s current conflict with Islam incomprehensible, whereas knowledge of true, well-documented history—one that almost exclusively revolved around war—places current events in a much clearer context.

RAYMOND IBRAHIM is a widely published author, public speaker, and Middle East and Islam specialist. His books include The Al Qaeda Reader (Doubleday, 2007), Crucified Again: Exposing Islam’s New War on Christians (Regnery, 2013), and Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West (Da Capo, Spring 2018).

Source: RaymondIbrahim.com

VIDEO: Robert Spencer, 'Why Muslim Persecution of Christians Has Escalated'

In this new video, Robert Spencer, bestselling author and director of Jihad Watch, explains "why Christian communities that have existed in the Middle East since the time of Christ have in recent years been attacked, and in many cases obliterated, by Islamic jihadis. Why are the jihadis attacking the Christians now?"

Robert Spencer reveals the surprising answer, rooted in an historical anomaly dating back 150 years.

Thank God for Robert Spencer's indefatigable work in reporting and exposing the threat from Islam, Jihad, and Sharia.

Robert Spencer, 'Why Muslim Persecution of Christians Has Escalated'
Jihad Watch, March 19, 2018:


Robert Spencer from DHFC on Vimeo.

Mark Durie: 'The Abrahamic Fallacy: Why Abraham is not a point of unity for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity' (VIDEO)

Dr Mark Durie unpacks why the phrase ‘Abrahamic religion’ is a fallacy.

Continuing our series, 'Reconnecting with Mark Durie'.

The Abrahamic Fallacy: Why Abraham is not a point of unity for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity'

Scroll down for video...

by Mark Durie, Interface Institute, August 19, 2017:

The phrase ‘Abrahamic religion’ or ‘faith of Abraham’ was first promoted in ecumenical circles during the 1950’s and 1960’s by Lebanese Maronite priest, Youakim Moubarak, whose theological vision was political, of an ‘egalitarian Palestine in which Jews, Christians and Muslims demonstrate together its abrahamic and ecumenical vocation’.

In reality, however, Abraham is a divisive figure: in Judaism he is the Torah-observant father of the Jewish nation; for Christians he is the apostle of salvation by faith alone; for Muslims he is the proto-typical Muslim, a forerunner and validator of Muhammad.

Moubarak took the phrase ‘religion of Abraham’ from the Koran and his promotion of it is a manifestation of dhimmi theology, a worldview constrained by existential fear, psychological accommodation and denial. In fact the ‘Abrahamic vocation’ inspired by the Koran leads to Islamization and sharia implementation. The current state of the Middle East offers eloquent testimony to the hollowness of this vision.


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Dr. Mark Durie is an academic, human rights activist, Anglican pastor, a Shillman-Ginsburg Writing Fellow at the Middle East Forum, and Adjunct Research Fellow of the Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam at Melbourne School of Theology.

New Martyr Fr. Daniil Sysoev remembered with Paschal hymns in church where he was killed (with Videos)

"According to the now-annual tradition, Fr. Daniel’s memory was celebrated with a series of Divine services in the Church of St. Thomas and later at his grave... Notably, the panikhida was followed by the singing of the Paschal Stichera and the Paschal Troparion 'Christ is Risen!' which matched the feeling of triumph in Christ that pervaded the tiny church."

Fr. Daniil Sysoev remembered with Paschal hymns in church where he was killed

OrthoChristian.com, November 20, 2017:

The funeral of New Marty Fr Daniil Sysoev, November 2009.

The memory of Fr. Daniel Sysoev was celebrated and prayers were offered for the repose of his soul yesterday and today in the Church of the Apostle Thomas in south Moscow, which Fr. Daniel founded himself. The ever-memorable Priest Daniel was shot in his church late in the evening of November 19, 2009, and died in the hospital early the next morning.

Fr. Daniel is remembered for his fervent missionary work through which he brought many former Muslims, pagans, atheists, Protestants, and others to the faith. He received many death threats for his work but he fearlessly continued in his service to the Lord until a Muslim from a radical Caucasus-based group shot him in his church.

According to the now-annual tradition, Fr. Daniel’s memory was celebrated with a series of Divine services in the Church of St. Thomas and later at his grave. Vespers and Matins were celebrated yesterday evening at 5:00 followed by an abbreviated panikhida.

A full panikhida for the repose of Fr. Daniel’s soul was celebrated later at 11:00 with a packed church joining in the prayers. Among the celebrants were Fr. Daniel’s own father, Fr. Alexei Sysoev, Apostle Thomas rector Fr. Ioann Popadinets, and Hieromonk Athanasy (Deryugin) of Sretensky Monastery.

Notably, the panikhida was followed by the singing of the Paschal Stichera and the Paschal Troparion “Christ is Risen!” which matched the feeling of triumph in Christ that pervaded the tiny church.  View video here...

Silicon Valley and Islam: Jewels in the Mouth of Satan

Last week, Dr Bill Warner at the Center for the Study of Political Islam released a short video discussing the "economic warfare" being waged on him by Silicon Valley and the Southern Poverty Law Center. These technocratic white knights are pushing non-capitulators out of the conversation to make way for the moral degeneracy of Islam.

Companies like PayPal, YouTube, Facebook, and Google are using cringy SPLC hate lists as their guide in targeting dissenters. Whether they realize it or not they work to protect evil. Like many American politicians they make lies a way of life. 

Silicon Valley and the Bay Area have a long history of seducing the rest of America with the bit of hedonism. Perhaps you recently read about California State Senator Scott Wiener out of San Francisco. Wiener co-authored legislation that now makes it a mere misdemeanor to knowingly infect someone with HIV. It's now California law. Don't be surprised when your state follows. And don't be surprised when you're called a "hater" for resisting.

Demonic Enslavement

With the above in mind, I couldn't help but think how the gross, demonic hedonism that runs through Islam is so close to the unrepentant sexual degeneracy storming our culture. It all comes from the same dark place. It's all lies from the father of lies. He wants to enslave us. He mocks the life in Christ.

In order to believe that Islam is a peaceful victim worth fighting for you'd have to believe that war is peaceful -- along with subjugation and rape. 

Muslim using young boy as a "honey pot".

In order to believe that unrepentant sexual deviance is peaceful and worth fighting for you'd have to believe that slavery to impulse is peaceful -- along with spiritual death and mockery of God.

CA State Senator Scott Wiener.

We Don't Have to Pretend

All people of conscience should understand that empires come and go. Never forget that our country was bitten by Enlightenment thinking at her founding. There's a lot to love about America but for the sake of your soul -- it's okay to be suspicious of the mechanisms that made a place for evil. Take care to guard your heart. Resist the impulse to get-along. Enlightenment ideas, by design, push us toward secularism and empiricism at the expense of morality and the true God. You are free to question spaces made for the evil one.

We don't have to pretend that Mohammed is a source of cultural strength because our leaders say so (or because of the First Amendment). We don't have to co-sign the sexual revolution to be open and loving. We don't have to affirm the violent homicide of pre-borns in their mommies' bellies in order to stand with women or the poor. 

We must render unto Caesar and be mindful. Tread carefully. As time passes our marginalization will likely intensify. The culture wants us to affirm its progress or face the consequences. May our true citizenship be the New Jerusalem. America may send us there sooner than we think.

VIDEO: Robert Spencer interviewed by Fr. Josiah Trenham on Islam and Jihad

This outstanding interview has been viewed over 17,000 times since being posted almost a year ago. Wide ranging and well informed, with numerous citations and even some theological and historical discussions, this video is an ideal introduction on the subject of Islam and jihad.

Fr. Josiah's obvious preparation and depth in the topics discussed, and the respectful and measured tone of the entire interview, make for the sort of presentation which would be fully appropriate for a parish viewing, a young adult or older teen group screening, or of course for gatherings of families and friends. 

Please view and share widely!




Patristic Nectar YouTube Channel — In this interview, Father Josiah Trenham sits down with Robert Spencer, the Director of Jihad Watch and New York Times Bestselling author of fifteen books. Mr. Spencer is a key figure of the Counter-jihad movement in the United States.

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Special note:

Perhaps especially interesting is the exchange which occurs starting at about the 44:40 mark, when Fr. Josiah relates his conversation with the imam at the mosque where the San Bernardino jihadists worshipped prior to committing mass murder in December 2015.

In just a few short minutes, Fr. Josiah and Mr. Spencer spell out the dark problem within the Muslim community: there is no curriculum by which Muslims can teach their members — from the Quran, the hadiths and other Islamic source documents — that waging jihad, fighting and killing non-Muslims, is wrong, and that those who do so will go to hell.

Quite the opposite. The Quran and the hadiths promise paradise to those who wage jihad and kill or are killed in the name of Allah. There are over a hundred commands to wage jihad in the Quran alone, not counting Muhammad's commands and example in the hadith and the Sira, and the teachings of all schools of Sunni and Shia Islamic jurisprudence.