I have never subscribed to the popular saying “Christianity and Islam are the same because we serve the same God”, however, I have never refuted it either. I have always been one to think people are entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, however erroneous those opinions and beliefs may seem. Reading “Show the House to the House” by Elijah Elijah made me realise that some heresies ought to be corrected, to help people have a deeper understanding of things and prioritise what they should.
The first three chapters of the book are an eye-opener. The first chapter of the book examines contending worldviews. The author starts by unveiling the elephant in the room – the unspoken but palpable antagonism against Christianity. The average Christian is probably only aware of some level of animosity, however, those who wish to see Christianity obliterated, take it as a war. He goes further to say that everyone holds a worldview, consciously or unconsciously. A person’s worldview informs their ideology or philosophy. An individual’s worldview may be influenced by the media, tradition, family, religion, popular culture, amongst others. Nevertheless, the only source that can guarantee an objective worldview, based on truth and capable of deliverance and liberation is a worldview based on the word of God – the Bible, known as the Biblical or Christian worldview.
We are subsequently introduced to Muhammad in the second chapter of the book. Muslim legend will have everyone believe that the Prophet was born circumcised, with his umbilical cord cut and that he began proclaiming the greatness of God as soon as he was born. However, the author’s view is not clouded by religious sentiments, as he paints a picture of a man who was born to a sickly mother riddled with episodes of hallucinations, and he became a poor orphan at the tender age of nine. He was reported to have fled his hometown, Mecca, at 25, when a war broke out between the Ethiopians and the people of Mecca, which made him an object of ridicule, contempt and ostracism.
His initial messages were received from a trance-like state that bothered on epileptic proportions. They were aligned firstly with the Jewish/Christian teachings and practices until he became convinced that there were no meeting point between the religions. They were rebuffed. His messages turned anti-Christ afterwards. Naturally, Muhammad’s message was rejected by the people of Mecca who considered him a coward and opportunist who became wealthy after inheriting his late wife’s property.
The account of the persecution of Christians by Muslims has been distorted by mainstream media to such an extent that it would seem the Muslims were the victims who had no choice but to respond to the attacks directed at them. The author however records the attacks by the Muslims, almost as if he was present when those events took place. The book vividly describes how Muhammad launched attacks against Christians and others who refused to buy into his ideology. The Caliphs who succeeded him carried on the agenda against Christians, killing Christians in their thousands, as well as selling them as slaves.
The focus of the book gradually shifts from the worldwide Islamic programme to Africa agenda, and Nigeria as a focal point. The reader is introduced to the extent to which those who want Nigeria Islamised would go, to achieve their goals, including launching a Jihad that has claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians and displaced millions. . The lackadaisical attitude of the current administration of Muhammadu Buhari makes it clear that they do not care how many innocent lives are lost, as long as Islam becomes a world religion. A careful examination of the accounts in the book shows that at the core of Islam, is not just a religious movement, but a political orientation, It seeks to overhaul the very structure of the world as we know it and establish itself as the only religion, way of life and legal system.
The book exposes the wicked agenda against Christians in Nigeria. Christians are encouraged to look to God for understanding, not just consume every material on the internet without discernment or discretion. Consequently, Christians will have a proper understanding of the “times” and the necessary course of action.
In conclusion, it is awe-inspiring to note that the author’s response to the violence and cruelty meted out by Islamic terrorists is “forgiveness”, in accordance with the doctrine of Christ. In addition to forgiveness, Christians are to show love as Christ would, given the situation. However, the book identifies “Truth” as the light that will help Christians navigate the times we are in, which is characterised by darkness. Speaking the truth and standing for that which is true at all times is the only way to engineer change in these perilous times.
The author concludes with the words of Jesus from the scripture, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32)
