To the Readers' Forum:
The date September 11 did not mean much to Americans until 9/11/2001. However, to the Islamic world, that date brings back a bitter memory from long ago.
It was Sept. 11, 1683, when the conquering armies of Islam were pushed back at the gates of the city of Vienna. The Ottoman Empire never recovered from that defeat and many Muslims never forgot the humiliation.
The average Muslim just wants to live a life of peace and prosperity for their family. However, scores of millions have missed the grace of God and let a bitter root cause trouble and defile many (Hebrews 12:15). They will not be satisfied until Islam once again rules the world in increasing measure.
True religion conquers through love and service. False belief systems seek to get control by fear and force.
Americans' greatest weapon is not bombs but the Bible and its message of love, if only we would realize it.
John Beckerink
Sherman