Unleashing the Beast

88 / U NLEASHING THE B EAST

the president of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, and congratulated him for waging war on the United States. He then spoke of the glorious time when he (Arafat) would wave the Palestinian flag over Jerusalem as the capital of the new Palestinian state, and Saddam would ride his white stallion across the Mount of Olives toward the Temple Mount! Is it a coincidence, then, that many Islamic leaders own a white stallion or horse—in case Allah should chose them to be the Mahdi? H ATRED FOR THE J EWS The first murder in the Bible was committed in the name of religion when Cain slew his brother, Abel. Both men brought offerings to the Lord, but the Lord favored Abel's sacrifice. In a jealous rage, Cain murdered his brother (see Genesis 4:5-8). Since that time, men have killed one another "in the name of God." Jesus warned of a time when His people, the Jews would die as martyrs, and the murderers would believe they were doing God a favor. During the past 2,000 years the world has been drenched in the blood of innocent people who were victims of religious conflict. From the Roman Empire to the Roman church to the Inquisition to the call for Islamic Jihad, God's name has been used to murder those who disagree with another man's religion. It has been pointed out, especially by politicians and American Muslims, that Islam is "a religion of peace." I contend there are many peaceful Muslims in parts of the world, but the history of the religion is one of war and not