The Islamification of the UK and Europe is well under way. Creeping sharia continues unabated, and the indicators of this transformation are everywhere to be found. The most recent was this headline from the Daily Mail: “Mohammed is now the most popular name for baby boys ahead of Jack and Harry.”
When the 12 different spellings of the name are combined, this is now the most popular name for boys. This of course is not surprising given the demographic changes which have occurred in recent decades. Indeed, Brussels and Amsterdam have already beaten the UK with Muhammad being the most common name of newborn boys.
In both the UK and Europe these changes are quite pronounced. The statistics are plain for all to see. Consider these recent figures provided by Barnabas Fund, a group which works on behalf of persecuted Christians:
-In Western Europe there were only about 50,000 Muslims in 1900.
-By 1970 that number had grown to 3-4 million.
-By 2008 it exceeded 25 million.
-Forty per cent of Rotterdam’s population is Muslim.
-Brussels is one third Muslim.
-Muslims comprise a quarter of both Marseilles and Malmo’s populations.
-An estimated 20 per cent of inner London’s population is Muslim.
-Birmingham’s population is 15 per cent Muslim.
-A tenth of both Paris and Copenhagen’s population is Muslim.
I can add a few figures of my own concerning the situation in the UK:
-England has around 2 million Muslims, out of 60 million people.
-In London in 1960 there was one mosque. Today there are over 600 mosques in London.
-After the July 2005 London tube bombings, a poll of British Muslims found:
• 13% said the bombers should be regarded as “martyrs”.
• 16% said the cause was right, although the attacks may have been wrong.
• 7% said suicide attacks on civilians in the UK are justifiable under some circumstances.
-There are one million Muslims in London, half of them under 25. If 7% think suicide attacks on civilians are justified, that means there are 70,000 potential suicide bombers in the nation’s capital.
-Another poll found that over 60 percent of British Muslims want to live under sharia law in the UK.
-Nearly half of Britain’s mosques are under the control of a hardline cleric who loathes Western values and espouses bloody jihad.
The situation is clearly not looking very good for the UK. The situation is much the same in many European countries. And all around the Western world, demographics alone will mean that Muslim populations will continue to rise while non-Muslim populations will continue to decline.
Threat or opportunity?
So how should Christians look upon these trends? There are two responses, both of which seem valid. This is all certainly a threat in the sense that Islam is as much a political regime as a religion. The proper understanding of separation of church and state is quite absent in Islam. It is a true theocratic system.
Since it allows no freedom of religion or freedom of conscience, it is incompatible with modern free Western democracies. Its aim is to see sharia law spread throughout the globe, with everyone submitting to Allah. Christians in Muslim-majority nations are forced to live in a state of dhimmitude, and that will be their lot when Muslims take power in the West.
Thus the expansion of totalistic Islam must be stopped, and Christians can in good faith join with non-believers and others in resisting this very real threat to freedom and democracy. We are nowhere told in the New Testament to simply allow ourselves to be rolled over by imperialistic religious faiths.
But this is also a wonderful opportunity. Christians find it near impossible to freely share their faith with Muslims in Muslim-majority countries. In most such countries it is illegal, and for Muslims to convert to Christianity means they face the death penalty for apostasy.
Thus it may well be the grace of God that so many Muslims are now in the West. If we simply allow them to extend Islam and sharia law, it is of no advantage. But if we use this opportunity to befriend our Muslim neighbours and share with them the good news of Jesus Christ, then this will be a most welcome development.
The problem is, few Christians are sharing their faith with Muslims here in the West. Too often instead they are either engaging in wishy-washy interfaith dialogue, which is usually all one-way traffic (in favour of the Muslims), or they are simply capitulating to the surrounding secular culture.
Thus while mosques are being built all over the West, churches are closing down. This is especially true in Europe and the UK. For example, many mosques in London today were once Christian churches. In fact, the church which long ago sent out William Carey as a missionary to India is now a mosque as well.
So it is high time that Western Christians took advantage of this opportunity before it is too late. We need to use this situation to win Muslims to Christ. If we don’t, the reverse will occur, and Christians will either willingly or unwillingly come under the rule of Islam.
Now is not the time to live in fear. While we must rightly resist creeping sharia, and seek to defend Western goods such as freedom and democracy, we also must capitalise on this development and use it for Christ and his Kingdom. Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against his church. Neither will the rise of Islamic hegemony.
22 Replies to “More Western Decline: London the New Mecca”
There is another way of looking at the Islamisation of the West; that is it could be judgement or at least you reap what you sow. By this I mean that the Muslims (the Law) will not tolerate the overt sin of the West – gay pride parades – gone; binge drinking – gone, overt sex in all forms of media – gone and on the list would go, as well as good things to, BUT, we Christians are the GRACE in the equation and will need to reach out to all. I have really struggled with multi-culturalism, but I do believe that God is behind it to bring us humans all back together – as long as we Christian’s do our part in the great commission!
Neil Innes, Darwin, NT
I attended The Crescent Project’s National Conference just last week that discussed this opportunity. https://www.crescentproject.org/
I am going to have to change my entire way of looking at this, soon, since I struggle with this so much. One of the most interesting concepts one of the speakers discussed is how the Muslim world has a difficult time with the concept of sin and redemption, since theirs is an honor-shame culture. Everything can be seen in this context, and the idea that God can cleanse you of your sins is not really understood or valued.
For them, it would be discussed as an honor shame. God could wipe away your shame and bring you honor. This seems to be a key point. This, too, is biblically sound but isn’t something Westerners have paid much attention to, since we aren’t as concerned with the idea of shame and honor.
Kendra Mallock, USA
In the UK the Daily Mail also reported yesterday that many British career women are converting to Islam because they say the pressure to have casual sex, excess drinking and shallow values led them to convert. They were turning away from our broken society. One said she converted for intellectual and feminist reasons, implying she could be modest and a serious thinker without having to conform to her peers’ preference for glamour and flippancy and it gave her inner peace. Admittedly this social consideration has already been dealt with by feminists and lesbians. I interpret this quest as a search for spirituality and wanting a less frenetic way of life to become the norm and for unconditional acceptance . They seem to be looking for a modernised version of Islam without the “fire and brimstone” elements, which I doubt will be given up easily by the muslim clerics who see interpretation of the Koran as set in stone, although some dispute their interpretation. I suspect that the realisation that Islam is a theocratic system where politics and religion are inseparable will become a stumbling block. It’s only a pity that Christianity is not catering to the needs of people who are clearly looking for something, but they are not sure what (that’s how I have heard many people describe it).
Rachel Smith, UK
I recently tried to get our church involved in some outside projects that involved petitions and the responses I got were quite disappointing. These days it seems that being a Christian means not getting involved in politics but I believe that it is every Christian’s solemn duty to be politically aware in the sense that we need to know what is going on around us in our society and the world at large. Plato coined a beautiful saying: The price good men pay for refusing to get involved in public affairs is to be ruled by evil men. How true!
Steve Davis
Bill, you say “The problem is, few Christians are sharing their faith with Muslims here in the West. Too often instead they are either engaging in wishy-washy interfaith dialogue…”
But surely the problem is that we Christians are not even sharing our faith, for all manner of reasons, with our cultural Marxist family, friends, neighbours and workmates (for that is what they are now).
If we are indifferent to the fate of those we love and know, or disbelieving of our own faith, or fearful of what the response would be if opened our mouths to declare Jesus Christ, what chance is there that we will go within a million miles of approaching Muslims who live in the same district as ourselves?
I am speaking to myself here.
David Skinner, UK
I have found that Moslem people are quite open to talk about spiritual issues – more so than apathetic aussies.
They will think about the challenge of the gospel, and are interested to read the bible – particularly if we have taken the time to check out the Quran, and ask questions about works/grace. Give it a go, don’t hold back!
Harvey Bishop
Rachel, can you provide a link to the article you refer to please?
Jane Petridge
Harvey Bishop, I was born and grew up in a Muslim country, and I agree with you 100% that Muslims are open to discussions about spiritual issues. Problem here is I’ve found over the years that its virtually impossible to get Christians out of their comfort zones and answer Christ’s Great Commission to every follower. We are willing to talk about the importance of making disciples and pray for Muslims to become Christians, but too few are willing to go out and do the sowing and harvesting. Perhaps you’d be interested to team up with a group called the Great Commission Ministry? If you are, please contact Bill for my email address. God bless you.
Eddie Sim
PS. On second thought, if anyone in Australia is interested in obeying Jesus’s Great Commission to EVERY Christian, please contact Bill for my email address.
Eddie Sim
Jane Petridge, Hi, the link is below. The bit I referred to is around the photo of Lynne Ali wearing the hijab. My Muslim neighbour who had returned from prayers looking happy and refreshed told me that they believe in Jesus and Mary whom they call Mariam. It’s amazing how quickly Christianity has declined here in the UK, I hardly know any believers – most people have placed their bets on science. Looking at the rotten fruits of our broken society it seems all the more necessary to have some part of life set aside as sacred which would place us in a better position to share our faith with people of other faiths.
Hi Rachel, that would be “scientism” not “science”. Also Mary’s Jewish name was Miriam so the Muslims have got that one right!
Ewan McDonald, Victoria
Hi Bill- Very good article, although as per our recent email exchange I’d quibble on some of the statistics. They seem too high given everything. Christian immigration is balancing the statistics to a surprising degree. That said your overall points are still valid, and your call for greater engagement by Christians in outreach to Muslims living in the west is right on!
Ed Sherman, Holland
Thanks Ed
Yes some of the figures may be questioned. Both Mark Steyn and Patrick Sookhdeo use the 40% figure concerning Rotterdam for example. Others say that it is 13%, but with another 10% for greater Rotterdam, bringing it to a total of 23%. But by that standard, Amsterdam would have a 37% total (see below).
The Netherlands
Amsterdam – 24% (180,000 of 750,000) (STAT), Greater Amsterdam – 12.7% (STAT)
The Hague – 14.2% ( 67,896 of 475,580) (STAT), Greater Hague – 11% (STAT)
Rotterdam – 13% (80,000 of 600,000) (EUMAP), Greater Rotterdam – 9.9% (STAT)
Utrecht – 13.2% (38,300 of 289,000) (STAT), Greater Utrecht – 7% (STAT)
Zaan district – 8.8% (STAT)
Hi again Bill,
I’m also reminded of the old motto of Open Doors – “Let’s take God to the communists before God brings the communists to us.” Well, the church by and large failed to take the gospel to the Islamic world (until recently there were more missionaries in Israel wanting to reach the Jews there than in the entire Muslim world), so God has brought them to us. As you say, it is both a threat and an opportunity.
In His grace,
Ed Sherman, Holland
Hi Bill,
On those statistics, is that an accurate way to read them, to add the 2 percentages together. If Muslims are only 12.7% of greater Amsterdam that would seem to lower the overall percentage. That is they are 24% of Amsterdam, but only 12.7% of greater Amsterdam. You have to add the populations of Amsterdam and greater Amsterdam together and then compute the overall percentage. I don’t think you can simply add the percentages of 2 entirely different figures together. I’m not a statistician, and I don’t know how they are computed, but it seems to be an incorrect way to compute.
In His grace,
Ed Sherman, Holland
Thanks Ed
Hey, I am not a statistician either! But if you can find in your exploration of official government stats there (if you have the time) what the actual figures are, let us know. You could share your findings with Patrick Sookhdeo as well. I am sure he would be keen to see the results as well.
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
Hi Ewan, good point, scientism not science – I’ll remember that one – thanks.
Rachel Smith, UK
I would think that any Christian who – shall we say – recommends Christianity to Muslim colleagues in the work-place (I have some), has to be very, very careful – I mean if they’re in Britain, never mind if they were in Saudi or somewhere middle-eastern …
John Thomas, UK
I understood what he said at once, but was swayed by the politically correct politicians of the time to deny my own understanding…
Best wishes,
Dominic Baron, NZ
Hi Bill,
I am a Muslim and I have read many of your articles with great pleasure. I understand how a few confused individuals have gone fanatic in their faith but this is only a few. Many Muslims come to the UK or any developed country to escape the poverty and to provide a better life for their family, which in a sense is what all religions’ teach us. All of the three major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam believe in the same God. They are all also a derivative of the Abraham’s teaching. If we study history, all three religions originate from Abraham. I have read the Bible and the Quran and the only real difference is that Christians can drink wine. I also understand the only way to move forward in this world is together.
Darius Khalid
Thanks Darius
But a few points in reply if I may. There are unfortunately far more than a “few” Muslims who would kill for Allah and engage in jihad. There are many millions of such Muslims. And we still await “moderate” Muslims speaking out quite strongly and publicly condemning not just the jihadists, but all the other anti-democratic aspects of militant Islam.
And I am afraid your line, “I have read the Bible and the Quran and the only real difference is that Christians can drink wine” does not seem very convincing. It is quite clear that you have not read the Bible very carefully at all. There are huge and fundamental differences between Islam and Christianity. Just for starters, Christians believe Jesus Christ is the son of God who died and rose again on the cross for our sins, and is the only way to God. Indeed, he is God, part of the personal, triune Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). These truths are all vigorously denied by Islam. So I am afraid you will need to read the Bible and Koran much more attentively to see the very real differences here.
I have written many articles on this. Here are a few for starters:
There is another way of looking at the Islamisation of the West; that is it could be judgement or at least you reap what you sow. By this I mean that the Muslims (the Law) will not tolerate the overt sin of the West – gay pride parades – gone; binge drinking – gone, overt sex in all forms of media – gone and on the list would go, as well as good things to, BUT, we Christians are the GRACE in the equation and will need to reach out to all. I have really struggled with multi-culturalism, but I do believe that God is behind it to bring us humans all back together – as long as we Christian’s do our part in the great commission!
Neil Innes, Darwin, NT
I attended The Crescent Project’s National Conference just last week that discussed this opportunity. https://www.crescentproject.org/
I am going to have to change my entire way of looking at this, soon, since I struggle with this so much. One of the most interesting concepts one of the speakers discussed is how the Muslim world has a difficult time with the concept of sin and redemption, since theirs is an honor-shame culture. Everything can be seen in this context, and the idea that God can cleanse you of your sins is not really understood or valued.
For them, it would be discussed as an honor shame. God could wipe away your shame and bring you honor. This seems to be a key point. This, too, is biblically sound but isn’t something Westerners have paid much attention to, since we aren’t as concerned with the idea of shame and honor.
Kendra Mallock, USA
In the UK the Daily Mail also reported yesterday that many British career women are converting to Islam because they say the pressure to have casual sex, excess drinking and shallow values led them to convert. They were turning away from our broken society. One said she converted for intellectual and feminist reasons, implying she could be modest and a serious thinker without having to conform to her peers’ preference for glamour and flippancy and it gave her inner peace. Admittedly this social consideration has already been dealt with by feminists and lesbians. I interpret this quest as a search for spirituality and wanting a less frenetic way of life to become the norm and for unconditional acceptance . They seem to be looking for a modernised version of Islam without the “fire and brimstone” elements, which I doubt will be given up easily by the muslim clerics who see interpretation of the Koran as set in stone, although some dispute their interpretation. I suspect that the realisation that Islam is a theocratic system where politics and religion are inseparable will become a stumbling block. It’s only a pity that Christianity is not catering to the needs of people who are clearly looking for something, but they are not sure what (that’s how I have heard many people describe it).
Rachel Smith, UK
I recently tried to get our church involved in some outside projects that involved petitions and the responses I got were quite disappointing. These days it seems that being a Christian means not getting involved in politics but I believe that it is every Christian’s solemn duty to be politically aware in the sense that we need to know what is going on around us in our society and the world at large. Plato coined a beautiful saying: The price good men pay for refusing to get involved in public affairs is to be ruled by evil men. How true!
Steve Davis
Bill, you say “The problem is, few Christians are sharing their faith with Muslims here in the West. Too often instead they are either engaging in wishy-washy interfaith dialogue…”
But surely the problem is that we Christians are not even sharing our faith, for all manner of reasons, with our cultural Marxist family, friends, neighbours and workmates (for that is what they are now).
If we are indifferent to the fate of those we love and know, or disbelieving of our own faith, or fearful of what the response would be if opened our mouths to declare Jesus Christ, what chance is there that we will go within a million miles of approaching Muslims who live in the same district as ourselves?
I am speaking to myself here.
David Skinner, UK
I have found that Moslem people are quite open to talk about spiritual issues – more so than apathetic aussies.
They will think about the challenge of the gospel, and are interested to read the bible – particularly if we have taken the time to check out the Quran, and ask questions about works/grace. Give it a go, don’t hold back!
Harvey Bishop
Rachel, can you provide a link to the article you refer to please?
Jane Petridge
Harvey Bishop, I was born and grew up in a Muslim country, and I agree with you 100% that Muslims are open to discussions about spiritual issues. Problem here is I’ve found over the years that its virtually impossible to get Christians out of their comfort zones and answer Christ’s Great Commission to every follower. We are willing to talk about the importance of making disciples and pray for Muslims to become Christians, but too few are willing to go out and do the sowing and harvesting. Perhaps you’d be interested to team up with a group called the Great Commission Ministry? If you are, please contact Bill for my email address. God bless you.
Eddie Sim
PS. On second thought, if anyone in Australia is interested in obeying Jesus’s Great Commission to EVERY Christian, please contact Bill for my email address.
Eddie Sim
Jane Petridge, Hi, the link is below. The bit I referred to is around the photo of Lynne Ali wearing the hijab. My Muslim neighbour who had returned from prayers looking happy and refreshed told me that they believe in Jesus and Mary whom they call Mariam. It’s amazing how quickly Christianity has declined here in the UK, I hardly know any believers – most people have placed their bets on science. Looking at the rotten fruits of our broken society it seems all the more necessary to have some part of life set aside as sacred which would place us in a better position to share our faith with people of other faiths.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1324039/Like-Lauren-Booth-ARE-modern-British-career-women-converting-Islam.html
Rachel Smith, UK
Hi Rachel, that would be “scientism” not “science”. Also Mary’s Jewish name was Miriam so the Muslims have got that one right!
Ewan McDonald, Victoria
Hi Bill- Very good article, although as per our recent email exchange I’d quibble on some of the statistics. They seem too high given everything. Christian immigration is balancing the statistics to a surprising degree. That said your overall points are still valid, and your call for greater engagement by Christians in outreach to Muslims living in the west is right on!
Ed Sherman, Holland
Thanks Ed
Yes some of the figures may be questioned. Both Mark Steyn and Patrick Sookhdeo use the 40% figure concerning Rotterdam for example. Others say that it is 13%, but with another 10% for greater Rotterdam, bringing it to a total of 23%. But by that standard, Amsterdam would have a 37% total (see below).
The Netherlands
Amsterdam – 24% (180,000 of 750,000) (STAT), Greater Amsterdam – 12.7% (STAT)
The Hague – 14.2% ( 67,896 of 475,580) (STAT), Greater Hague – 11% (STAT)
Rotterdam – 13% (80,000 of 600,000) (EUMAP), Greater Rotterdam – 9.9% (STAT)
Utrecht – 13.2% (38,300 of 289,000) (STAT), Greater Utrecht – 7% (STAT)
Zaan district – 8.8% (STAT)
http://islamineurope.blogspot.com/2007/11/muslim-population-in-european-cities.html
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
Hi again Bill,
I’m also reminded of the old motto of Open Doors – “Let’s take God to the communists before God brings the communists to us.” Well, the church by and large failed to take the gospel to the Islamic world (until recently there were more missionaries in Israel wanting to reach the Jews there than in the entire Muslim world), so God has brought them to us. As you say, it is both a threat and an opportunity.
In His grace,
Ed Sherman, Holland
Hi Bill,
On those statistics, is that an accurate way to read them, to add the 2 percentages together. If Muslims are only 12.7% of greater Amsterdam that would seem to lower the overall percentage. That is they are 24% of Amsterdam, but only 12.7% of greater Amsterdam. You have to add the populations of Amsterdam and greater Amsterdam together and then compute the overall percentage. I don’t think you can simply add the percentages of 2 entirely different figures together. I’m not a statistician, and I don’t know how they are computed, but it seems to be an incorrect way to compute.
In His grace,
Ed Sherman, Holland
Thanks Ed
Hey, I am not a statistician either! But if you can find in your exploration of official government stats there (if you have the time) what the actual figures are, let us know. You could share your findings with Patrick Sookhdeo as well. I am sure he would be keen to see the results as well.
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
Hi Ewan, good point, scientism not science – I’ll remember that one – thanks.
Rachel Smith, UK
I would think that any Christian who – shall we say – recommends Christianity to Muslim colleagues in the work-place (I have some), has to be very, very careful – I mean if they’re in Britain, never mind if they were in Saudi or somewhere middle-eastern …
John Thomas, UK
Bill,
I’m reminded of this famous speech:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/3643823/Enoch-Powells-Rivers-of-Blood-speech.html
I understood what he said at once, but was swayed by the politically correct politicians of the time to deny my own understanding…
Best wishes,
Dominic Baron, NZ
Hi Bill,
I am a Muslim and I have read many of your articles with great pleasure. I understand how a few confused individuals have gone fanatic in their faith but this is only a few. Many Muslims come to the UK or any developed country to escape the poverty and to provide a better life for their family, which in a sense is what all religions’ teach us. All of the three major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam believe in the same God. They are all also a derivative of the Abraham’s teaching. If we study history, all three religions originate from Abraham. I have read the Bible and the Quran and the only real difference is that Christians can drink wine. I also understand the only way to move forward in this world is together.
Darius Khalid
Thanks Darius
But a few points in reply if I may. There are unfortunately far more than a “few” Muslims who would kill for Allah and engage in jihad. There are many millions of such Muslims. And we still await “moderate” Muslims speaking out quite strongly and publicly condemning not just the jihadists, but all the other anti-democratic aspects of militant Islam.
And I am afraid your line, “I have read the Bible and the Quran and the only real difference is that Christians can drink wine” does not seem very convincing. It is quite clear that you have not read the Bible very carefully at all. There are huge and fundamental differences between Islam and Christianity. Just for starters, Christians believe Jesus Christ is the son of God who died and rose again on the cross for our sins, and is the only way to God. Indeed, he is God, part of the personal, triune Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). These truths are all vigorously denied by Islam. So I am afraid you will need to read the Bible and Koran much more attentively to see the very real differences here.
I have written many articles on this. Here are a few for starters:
https://billmuehlenberg.com/2007/08/19/no-we-do-not-worship-the-same-god/
https://billmuehlenberg.com/2007/08/16/what-to-make-of-allah/
Bill Muehlenberg, CultureWatch
You are right Bill, thanks for this article.
Same happened in Middle East after the beginning of Islam and still is going on in Asia and Europe as well.
LEAD is the Organization which stood up and ready to defend persecution in Pakistan. Pray for LEAD.
Service In Christ,
Missionary Pastor Mushtaq Gill
leadpakistan2009@gmail.com
http://leadfamily.blogspot.com/2012/03/now-pakistani-court-will-decide-fate-of.html