Excerpt:
Mosab Hassan Yousef is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary story. He was born the son of one of the most influential leaders of the militant Hamas organization in the West Bank and grew up in a strict Islamic family.
Now, at 30 years old, he attends an evangelical Christian church, Barabbas Road in San Diego, Calif. He renounced his Muslim faith, left his family behind in Ramallah and is seeking asylum in the United States.
The story of how his life unfolded is truly amazing, whether you agree or disagree with his views. Below is a transcript on an exclusive FOX News interview with Hassan as he tells firsthand how a West Bank Muslim became a West Coast Christian.
I want to say, at the start, that this man's testimony could very well be genuine. I hope and pray that it is! But, as Ronald Reagan always said, "Trust, but verify."
Time has a way of proving whether or not a person's conversion is genuine. Take Walid Shoebat, for example. He has been active in promoting awareness of radical Islam for many years. He appeared in and promoted the stunning documentary, "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West".
One of the reasons why I might doubt this former Hamas member's conversion is because I did not see (at the article link), nor hear (during the documentary) that he has been born again in Jesus Christ. Again, he might very well have BEEN born again. As with all conversions to Christ, it is a matter of the heart and totally between God and each individual person whether or not true conversion has occurred. I was just surprised (and wary) of this particular individual testimony because he did not verbalize the most important element of conversion - the fact that Jesus told us, "You must be born again."
Jhn 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Jhn 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
During a discussion about the popular New Age guru, Deepak Chopra, over at Gateway Pundit blog, I shared the fact that people often mix religious beliefs and create their own brand of religion (and followers) for personal gain, prowess, profit, and even deceptive purposes. Chopra has made tons of money on his books. Contrary to what he often states about "not imposing his personal beliefs" onto the public, nothing could be further from the truth. Why would he write all of those books if he wasn't trying to sell the ideas contained in them?
I have often suspected that Chopra is a relativistic, religious, New Age brand of Hindu. Back in 2005, my suspicions about him became much more apparent. He appeared on a short-lived T.V. show called, "Faith Under Fire" and debated Christian Apologist Greg Koukl on the show. Lets just say that Koukl graciously, faithfully and kindly absolutely steamrolled Chopra's illogical New Age gobbledy-gook with the truth about Christ and the Bible.
The broadcast was absolutely fabulous! Greg Koukl pointed out the fact that people can have differing beliefs regarding faith, but that it is logically impossible for them all to be true at the same time. His trust in Jesus Christ and God's Word stood in direct contrast to Deepak Chopra who admitted "embracing his uncertainty." Koukl's view demonstrates a steadfast and true faith where Chopra's view can only lead to theological oblivion.
In the comment thread of the post, Deepak Chopra Offers Obama 9 Steps to Peace (Collapse of Western Civilization) over at Gateway Pundit, Chopra's letter to Obama is even further evidence that he not only lives among the theologically oblivious - but also points to the fact that he is a card-carrying member of a dangerously minded political crowd, too.
What is also disturbing is that Chopra has recently written a book about a "new kind of Jesus." You see, talking about Jesus does not necessarily mean that one actually believes in the Jesus of the Bible.
The sad fact is, there are many, many instances of false conversions. It's just a fact of life. Let me share an example from the opposite side of the issue.
Recall when Steve Centanni of Fox News was captured by Islamic militants and held in captivity for some time? When he was finally released, we learned that Steve agreed to "renounce his Christianity (or, was it in fact renounce "Jesus Christ?") and embrace Islam. News reports told us that he did that - just to save his life and get to see his family again.
Were his words a false conversion? Probably. He would say anything to be spared death and be reunited with his family. But were his words important to the Islamic terrorists? I'm sure they were. Perhaps he was believable enough to be spared his life. [Please note: I am not judging Mr. Centanni, just using this as an example to show that false "conversions" of any religious type can, and do happen.]
After 9/11, we have been told numerous times that radical Islam's goal is to invade the United States from within her boarders. The fact that this terrorist attack was successful is proof of this goal. Who is to say that utilizing a false conversion to Christianity won't be tried to gain America's trust?
It appears that I'm not the only person who is wary of this former Hamas leader's son's conversion to Christianity:
BG writes:
Now to this, what do you guys think of "Escape From Hamas"?? On FNC. Son of HAMAS Founder & Leader who was converted" by ONE Bible Passage by a Foreign Christian Visitor. Now he is in USA..no problem whatsoever getting past our Security. Past airports, gets past "immigration and customs" and whatever controls we have to keep the Terrorists OUT! Is he a "mole"?? He lives in CA! Think about it.
Agent 99 01.05.09 - 10:00 am #
I must admit. When I heard how easily a former Hamas leader's son - Mosab Hassan Yousef - got into the United States - getting past our security, airport checks, immigration and customs etc.; alarm bells went off in my mind.
Perhaps there is no need to worry about this one individual. His conversion may be genuine. But what about others who have escaped through our security detectors?
The 9/11 Islamic terrorists lived, worked, and mingled among Americans for years before they inflicted great harm and killed 3,000 people on that terrible day in September of 2001. They assimilated very well into our culture. Appeared to "like" us and worked alongside many Americans who were no doubt, later shocked when they discovered they knew the perpetrators who were involved in the carnage of 9/11.
Again, I hope and pray that this former Hamas member is genuinely converted and now a brother in Jesus Christ. But the part about him getting through all of the security checks that our country has set up since 9/11 is worrisome to me.
What are your thoughts?
Hat Tips:
Fox News
Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West
Gateway Pundit
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1 comment:
Good points, Christine. The Deepak Chopra letter was laughable, but sadly many will take it seriously.
I hope this fellow really converted. That would be a great witness to other Muslims.
Happy new year and keep up the great work!
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