9/7/2017 Minutes
Submitted by Tommy Fulton, Contributing Editor
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by John Dukes.
Cart Blackwell gave the invocation, followed by Larry Sindel and pianist Bill Oppenheimer, who led us in song and the Pledge.
Introduction of Guests & Visitors: Tom Martenstein introduced our guests along with visiting Rotarians.
Announcements: Save the Date: Our Gala will be October 11th @ Southern National from 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund will assist Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort
Bill Oppenheimer invited members to attend the NEST of Mobile function Oct. 12th at the Steeple.
Program: Tom McGehee introduced our speaker, Norman H. McCrummen, III. His topic is “A Particular World View – The Essence of Islam.”
“Our individual world view shapes our relationships and our outlook on life.” With that statement, Mr. McCrummen explained that we cannot understand the situation in the Middle East with respect to the Muslim community and Islam unless we understand their mindset. They believe that they live under the constant watchful eye of God, and that mankind will be returning to the mindset of the 7th century. Much of what he spoke about was based upon Graemme Wood’s book, “The Way of Strangers.”
Currently, there are an estimated 200 million militant Muslims around the world. They fervently believe that we are in the end times and that year duty is to bring about Apocalypse to their own benefit. This is being hastened by massive technological advances, which also means that information about these extremists is being disseminated in greater amounts than ever. The Islamic State exists to eradicate any who disagree with them.
Mr. McCrummen said that the horror show we currently see in Syria is a precursor to a massive world war. In countless instances, “Doomsday” stories are told to Muslim children that humanity is in the period described in the “Signs of the Hour.” Under this scenario, true followers of Muhammed must destroy opposition quickly and completely. They are working towards the “Great Slaughter” as part of the caliphate. In their minds, for example, Turkey is considered apostate.
In one of the more intriguing parts of his talk, McCrummen said that Jesus is considered the 2nd most important figure in history behind Muhammed. It is their belief that at the end of times, Jesus will return with the Mahdi army and lead the Muslims against the rest of the world. Their goal according to the Koran is that Christians and/or Jews must be mutilated if they refuse to pay fees to the Muslims. That includes loss of limbs all the way to death as punishment for non-compliance.
Finally, Mr. McCrummen urged the audience to look past our “safe” lives to recognize the dangers faced by the rest of the world now. The Islamic State is dedicated to bringing on the Apocalypse, which will lead them to their ultimate goal of eternal heaven.
After a question and answer session, John Dukes thanked Mr. McCrummen for his presentation and presented a certificate to him, noting that a donation in his honor had been made to the Rotary International Foundation.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.