Are the attacks on Paris a new milestone in the march toward an inevitable world war with Islamo-fascism?
The parallels to Europe in the 1930s are striking. Devastated by the ravages of a morally gray “war to end all wars,” 
Europe was loath to enter another nightmare, as was North America. Result? The Axis powers, led by Hitler in the west and Tojo in the east, moved forward with minimal resistance.
Likewise, our modern nations, depleted and discouraged after 15 years of morally gray war in Afghanistan and Iraq, are loath to enter another nightmare. Enter the Islamic State and its “axis” of Islamo-fascist allies. Just as the Nazis dreamed of building a new Roman Empire by killing all who resisted, ISIS dreams of building a New Caliphate–by killing all who resist.
Last year, Jürgen Todenhöfer became the first western journalist ever to interview the leaders of ISIS. What he learned was terrifying:
First, they are “much stronger than we think,” he reports, and are supported by “(the most) ecstatic enthusiasm that I have ever encountered.” For every set-back they experience at the hands of rebel forces or western air strikes, multitudes of new supporters pour in to replenish their ranks.
Second, their goal is “to conquer the world” and to kill all who do not believe in their interpretation of the Quran. In an accompanying NPR interview, Todenhöfer said ISIS leaders plan to execute hundreds of millions in a genocide far exceeding Hitler’s “final solution.”
Are we on the verge of World War III? I pray we are not. But I also pray that if we are, we will recognize the signs far enough in advance—the murder of Christians, Yazidis, Muslims and, increasingly, Europeans—to create an Allied force strong enough to stop them before they sacrifice millions to the blood-thirsty demon they mistake for God.
There is nothing morally gray here.
Very sad and scary. I too blogged about how there is nothing morally gray here. We seem to be on the same page.
To be honest, I believe WWIII has already begun. It’s just not the conventional war that we are accustomed to.
It may well become a conventional war in the next year or two.
These hell inspired fanatics are determined to provoke an all out war. There wish may soon be granted.
Bone-chilling. May God Almighty grant us grace, mercy, and love for our enemies.
Amen
Indeed. Moments like this are the ones “love your enemies” is the hardest–and most important–thing to do.
A hopeless mess. And no intelligent concrete plan to deal with them, because you simply can’t.
I was discussing this with a friend and fellow writer today. He also happens to be a philosophy professor. He brought up the “zero-sum theory” that drives religions toward hate and violence but cautions that pushing against it just causes it to become stronger. It is essentially the same theory that drove the Nazis but it isn’t limited to far off religions or ideologies. Any extreme view that says one side is right and the other is wrong or for one side to win the other must lose is a zero-sum philosophy.
Twenty sum years ago I was a victim of a terrorist attack. I have lived with the aftermath of senseless violence for all that time and I can tell you without a doubt that the only answer to the problem is compassion. One act of compassion will beat out a million acts of evil. So how many acts of evil will be defeated if everyone practices compassion?
I agree with you in general, Erin (http://mitchteemley.com/2015/09/11/remembering-911-living-912/) and am so sorry to hear about the terrorism you were subjected to. But there are (rare) times when force is truly necessary. No amount of conciliatory words or negotiation would stop the Nazis from invading their neighbors or murdering millions of people–only force worked. As a result, the Germany of today is a true ally.
Violence is not the solution. Respect other religious beliefs.
Not sure if you’re referring to the Islamic State or to me, Martina. I don’t “respect” beliefs that mandate murdering others. Re. Violence: I’m not speaking of vengeance, but saving lives.
You are right. The killers are brainwashed
Mitch even in our jail inmates are praying for our world. Like many who are followers of Jesus we are torn between knowing this was going to happen and praying that this is not going to happen.
Mitch, your viewpoint is well-substantiated by history and scriptural truth: 1. We face an enemy with an uncanny resemblance to Naziism. 2. The underlying cause is demonic. No human being in his right mind (and spirit) can perpetrate such atrocities as rape, torture, beheadings and shooting sprees on innocent victims. There is a horrific, sinister undercurrent of evil in their ranks. With you, I hope and pray the world will come together to stop our enemies, with the help of God Almighty–just as he came against the Babylonians for Judah (2 Kings 19)!
Hi again Mitch
The correct heading could be “Countdown to WW IV”
In saying this I am just pointing out that WWIII is actually over (The cold war) and that the next one is basically the final one.
Wars after the next will be fought with sticks and stones 😉
Regards,
The Fat Milton Story