Radicalisation

I thought that the definition of radicalisation found in Wikipedia  was helpful, it says, ‘Radicalisation is a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that (1) reject or undermine the status quo or (2) reject and/or undermine contemporary ideas and expressions of freedom of choice. For example, radicalism can originate from a broad social consensus against progressive changes in society. Radicalization can be both violent and nonviolent, although most academic literature focuses on radicalization into violent extremism There are multiple pathways that constitute the process of radicalization, which can be independent but are usually mutually reinforcing Radicalization that occurs across multiple reinforcing pathways greatly increases a group’s resilience and lethality. Furthermore, by compromising its ability to blend in with non-radical society and participate in a modern economy, radicalization serves as a kind of sociological trap that gives individuals no other place to go to satisfy their material and spiritual needs.’

Much concern is being experienced by some Muslim families because of their sons and daughters radicalised by the extremists of ISIS.  Three teenage Muslim girls recently walked out on their families and flew from London to Turkey where they were smuggled across the border into Syria to join ISIS.  Concern has been voiced in the House of Commons about pupils in some faith schools in the UK being exposed to erroneous teaching causing them to become disillusioned about their present life and promising false hopes for their future life.

Two years ago, a young 24 year old man named Mohammed Emwazi (Jihadi John) left the UK to join ISIL He was born in Kuwait but was brought as a child by his parents to Britain. His teachers said that he was a good student causing no concern about extremism. He went on to University and got a BSc 2.2 degree. How could this young fellow turn into the monster that he became, being responsible for the beheading of a number people who did not share his brand of religion? The USA has put a $10 million reward on his head for his capture to bring him to trial for his actions.

Many other barbaric acts of beheading have taken place throughout the world. Christian parents having to stand and watch their children beheaded by fanatics. Jewish shopkeepers in Paris slaughtered, etc. etc. and so it goes on!

The surviving brother of the two young men that planted bombs at the Boston Marathon, killing three people and maiming many others, is currently being tried for that offence. Also those plotting to place bombs in Manchester shopping centre and the New York subway have been brought to trial in America.

The Hitler Youth movement is another example of young people being radicalised in fascism and hatred towards the Jews, and where did that take them?

Revelation ch.13 tells us of two beasts, one that comes up out of the Sea, and one out of the Land. Bible students tell us that the Sea represents the Nations and the Land is Israel. The Beast out of the Sea is a man who will yield worldwide political power, which he receives, from Satan. It is he who enforces the system of buying and selling for those who have his mark in their hand or forehead. Those who refuse his mark are beheaded.

The end of the Beast is revealed in Revelation 19:20, it says, “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”

Chapter 20 begins, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,  And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

John the Baptist was beheaded for testifying about Jesus, he said,  “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the World.” He wanted the whole world to look to Christ because it is only in Him that personal sin can be forgiven, all sin taken away and eternal life given. This is wonderful. There are many people in the world who are looking in the wrong direction, they look to pleasure or prosperity, some look to religion to deal with the guilt of their sin and others don’t bother to look at all. It is a wise person that takes John the Baptist’s advice to look to Jesus Christ for salvation. Acts ch.4:12 reads, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” John lost his head but did not lose his soul and no one else who receives Jesus as their Saviour will ever perish. This choice does not trap, it liberates, it does not promote violence it brings a peace that passes all understanding, hate is dispelled and the love of God enjoyed for all eternity. Don’t be radicalised by eroneus doctrine, follow the truth of the Bible and be free.  God bless.

Written by a Guest Blogger