The Light of the Holy Qur'an — Page 39
Fo o T N o T e F r o M PAG e 25 Fo o T N o T e F r o M PAG e 25 39 with riches and they had political power in their hands and they invented different kinds of wine. 1 ٭ What transpired thereafter? They indulged in all kinds of misdeeds under the influence of this ‘mother of sins’. I have not said these things on my own, rather esteemed British histori- ans have testified to this fact and continue to do so. The revered Reverend Bosworth and the esteemed Bishop Taylor have recently given lectures on these very things and have clearly and vehemently demonstrated that the past evils of the Christian faith have destroyed it. Accordingly, Bishop Bosworth, the pride of the nation, says loud and clear that the Christian people are being accompanied by three curses that have hindered their pro- gress. What are those? Adultery, alcohol, and gambling! In short, in this age it was the due right of these Christians over all others that they remain ahead of everyone in the realm of evil deeds. For, in this world man can eschew sin only due to three reasons: (1) that he should fear God Almighty, (2) that he should save himself from the blight of an abundance of wealth which is the means of evil, and (3) that he should lead a humble and modest life with- out seeking political power. The Christians, however, had been freed from these three barriers and the doctrine of Atonement had emboldened them to sin openly while their political power and wealth aided them in their transgression. Thus, since worldly comforts, bounties, and riches were liberally bestowed upon them and they also came into possession of a great empire, whilst 1. ٭ Note: Making wine is regarded as a miracle of Jesus c hrist, and drink- ing alcohol plays an important role in the c hristian faith, like for exam- ple during the e ucharist. —Author