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How Islam Plans to Change the World
Missionary strategist William Wagner postulates a well-orchestrated strategic plan of the fastest growing religion in the world and looks at how it has targeted Christianity and the West.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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January 13, 2026
A FORMER MISSIONARY PROFESSOR LOOKS CRITICALLY AT THE AIMS OF ISLAM
William Wagner is a former missionary to the Middle East and North Africa; he also taught at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and Olivet University.
He wrote in the Preface to this 2004 book, “The ‘Clash of Civilizations’ was an expression popularized [by] Samuel B. Huntington… The attacks on September 11, 2001, seemed to testify to the fact that … the ‘clash’ has already occurred… I am assuming that there is a real danger of the clash becoming more and more of a reality in the future… [My] premise is simple: Islam is a world religion with a well-defined culture and a developed strategy for taking control of the world. This is not meant to be a condemnation of Islam since most Christian missionaries have a similar rallying cry, ‘We will win the world to Christ.’… I am simply presenting what is now happening in the Christian-Islamic encounter and combining the contemporary events with writings from both the secular press and Islamic writers… My intent in this book is not to condemn Muhammad or Islam as a religion, but to show how this religion plans to take over the world. Both successes and failures are listed… At the end of the book, I have tried to show possible scenarios from the ‘Clash of Civilizations.’”
He outlines, “Among the threats to our present-day society are (1) secularism, (2) immigration, (3) ethnic population decline, and … (4) Islam… While some see the major clash as being between Islam and the Christian West, I see that in reality there are three entities, each fighting against the other. The first two are …. Islam and the Christian West. I dare to add a third---secularism. Christianity views this humanistic form of thought as a problem… As the two largest religions of the world seek to further their own goals, they must keep a close eye on the third. The second threat to the West is the mass migration of peoples… The world is going through a demographic change of a magnitude never before seen. People of many nations …. seeking a better way of life are invading the more affluent countries of North America and Europe. Uncontrolled immigration threatens to change the West at its very core. Muslims do not always desire to become a part of the new chosen land… many prefer to remain distant and distinct.” (Pg. 30-31)
He observes, “Both Islam and Christianity are missionary religions. Both have some of the same goals and both believe that the widespread propagation of their message is God’s will. These similarities can lead to conflict… Muslims … take seriously the missionary and evangelistic visions of Christianity… Two words are on the black list of the Muslim psyche. They are the Arabic words ‘irsalyyaat’ (missions) and ‘tabshir’ (evangelism). These two words are not used by Muslims to describe their work of Da’wah [‘invitation’].” (Pg. 43)
He notes, “An important mission field for Islam in America, particularly … among African-Americans, is the prison system… The appeal is simple. Islam presents African-American inmates with the possibility of not only a changed life but also a changed culture… The new convert is then invited into the community of Muslims, which in some prisons is rather large and influential. Muslims on the outside then take on the responsibility of caring for the families of those in prison and even help the prisoner whcn he is released.” (Pg. 50)
He points out, “Westerners are often confused when they hear two entirely different explanations of ‘jihad’… one saying that Islam is a religion of peace, love, and forgiveness, while the other says that Islam promotes and rewards war. Which of the two options is correct?… There is a dichotomy in the faith that allows for both views to be held at the same time… The Qur’an was written ... at different times in the life of Muhammad… Early in his career, while in Mecca, Muhammad recited verses that were kind to non-Muslims… the early writings of Muhammad can easily be understood to say such things as: 1. Anyone who believes in one God (Allah) should be respected and left alone. 2. There should not be an attempt to force people (especially Christians and Jews) to convert to Islam. 3. Christians and Jews have nothing to fear from Islam. Muslims quote these … to show that Islam is a religion of love, peace, and forgiveness. However, the second part of the story is that a section of the Qur’an was written in Medina… Muhammad’s language had changed. His last words commanded harm to non-Muslims… terrorists use them… [to] form the basis of a fundamentalist’s definition of ‘Jihad.’” (Pg. 67-69)
He suggests, “I submit that Muslims living in the West will attempt to give a less militant interpretation based upon … that they are living in an area where Islam is Weak. Those in countries where Islam is strong … use the …. interpretation … that calls for a more violent holy war.” (Pg. 71)
He reports, “There seems to be a definite philosophy within Islam concerning the existence of churches in Islamic countries. In a few countries the building of churches is tolerated, while in most others, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, it is forbidden… It should be noted that shrines and buildings of other religions have also been desecrated or destroyed. A good example was the recent destruction of large Buddhist statues by the Taliban.” (Pg. 91-92)
He recounts, “The Pact of Umar… was an agreement with the Christians of Jerusalem … on the occasion of the conquest of that city by the Muslims... Umar rescinded the Roman decrees that had banished Jews from Jerusalem and accorded Jews all the rights granted Christians. Umar supposedly saw both the Christians and the Jews as people of the Book and desired to treat them the same. It is claimed that the pact allowed ‘The People of the Book’ who had been conquered by the Muslims to be treated equally… In fact, millions of Christians who currently live in Muslim countries live as second- or third-class citizens.” (Pg. 107)
He states, “The most astute students of Islam realize that, in the mind of the average Muslim, Islam is much more than just a religion---it is a complete way of life. Because politics, economics, and social actions are fused together, the condition of Islamic dominated societies [poverty and tyranny] is telling.” (Pg. 111)
He asserts, “Some argue that not only is it possible for Shariah and democracy to coexist but that it is being practiced in a limited way in the United States today. The only way the two possibly could be brought together … is for a more moderate form of Islam to win the debate… the past twenty years have seemed to show that when Islam takes over a state or country, the institution of Sharih [Islamic laws] is not far behind.” (Pg. 115)
After 9/11, “Many Muslims living in America were braced for the expected backlash. There were more than one thousand reported acts of violence against Muslims and mosques in the United States, but these were in most cases isolated events… Most observers also expected that this would be a black mark against the Islamic faith, one that would be difficult to recover from in a short period of time. On the contrary, Islam did not suffer but rather made a giant leap forward … Not only did Islam not suffer in America during this period, but it actually experienced growth … Mosques all over the United States and Europe were ready with programs to take the bad news and use it to their advantage… Interest was greatly increased in he minds of the Americans and they asked, ‘Who are these Muslims?’ Those in the mosques then said, ‘Come and visit us and we will show you the true Islam.’… They did such a convincing job that some converted and others became vocal supporters of tolerance for Islam in their communities.” (Pg. 161-162)
He lists a number of Islam’s ‘Successes’: “1. They have been successful in having a global strategy… 2. They have been successful in using international trade as a tool for growth… 3. They have been successful in using their students to do Da’wah… 4. They have been successful in reaching the blacks of the world, both in Africa and in the West… 5. They have been successful in portraying their theology to westerners in terms that can be accepted by them… 6. They have been successful in the use of large amounts of the petrodollars … This probably the single most important success that they have… 7. They have been successful in the prisons of the West… 8. They have been successful in the use of intimidation… to bring fear into the lives of many in the world… 9. They have been successful in the use of force.. 10. They have been successful in changing the image of Islam… 11. They have been successful in the construction of numerous mosques in the world… 12. They have been successful in the portrayal of both the simplicity and the piety of their religion.” (Pg. 203-206)
This book might appeal to some seeking critical perspectives on modern Islam.
William Wagner is a former missionary to the Middle East and North Africa; he also taught at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and Olivet University.
He wrote in the Preface to this 2004 book, “The ‘Clash of Civilizations’ was an expression popularized [by] Samuel B. Huntington… The attacks on September 11, 2001, seemed to testify to the fact that … the ‘clash’ has already occurred… I am assuming that there is a real danger of the clash becoming more and more of a reality in the future… [My] premise is simple: Islam is a world religion with a well-defined culture and a developed strategy for taking control of the world. This is not meant to be a condemnation of Islam since most Christian missionaries have a similar rallying cry, ‘We will win the world to Christ.’… I am simply presenting what is now happening in the Christian-Islamic encounter and combining the contemporary events with writings from both the secular press and Islamic writers… My intent in this book is not to condemn Muhammad or Islam as a religion, but to show how this religion plans to take over the world. Both successes and failures are listed… At the end of the book, I have tried to show possible scenarios from the ‘Clash of Civilizations.’”
He outlines, “Among the threats to our present-day society are (1) secularism, (2) immigration, (3) ethnic population decline, and … (4) Islam… While some see the major clash as being between Islam and the Christian West, I see that in reality there are three entities, each fighting against the other. The first two are …. Islam and the Christian West. I dare to add a third---secularism. Christianity views this humanistic form of thought as a problem… As the two largest religions of the world seek to further their own goals, they must keep a close eye on the third. The second threat to the West is the mass migration of peoples… The world is going through a demographic change of a magnitude never before seen. People of many nations …. seeking a better way of life are invading the more affluent countries of North America and Europe. Uncontrolled immigration threatens to change the West at its very core. Muslims do not always desire to become a part of the new chosen land… many prefer to remain distant and distinct.” (Pg. 30-31)
He observes, “Both Islam and Christianity are missionary religions. Both have some of the same goals and both believe that the widespread propagation of their message is God’s will. These similarities can lead to conflict… Muslims … take seriously the missionary and evangelistic visions of Christianity… Two words are on the black list of the Muslim psyche. They are the Arabic words ‘irsalyyaat’ (missions) and ‘tabshir’ (evangelism). These two words are not used by Muslims to describe their work of Da’wah [‘invitation’].” (Pg. 43)
He notes, “An important mission field for Islam in America, particularly … among African-Americans, is the prison system… The appeal is simple. Islam presents African-American inmates with the possibility of not only a changed life but also a changed culture… The new convert is then invited into the community of Muslims, which in some prisons is rather large and influential. Muslims on the outside then take on the responsibility of caring for the families of those in prison and even help the prisoner whcn he is released.” (Pg. 50)
He points out, “Westerners are often confused when they hear two entirely different explanations of ‘jihad’… one saying that Islam is a religion of peace, love, and forgiveness, while the other says that Islam promotes and rewards war. Which of the two options is correct?… There is a dichotomy in the faith that allows for both views to be held at the same time… The Qur’an was written ... at different times in the life of Muhammad… Early in his career, while in Mecca, Muhammad recited verses that were kind to non-Muslims… the early writings of Muhammad can easily be understood to say such things as: 1. Anyone who believes in one God (Allah) should be respected and left alone. 2. There should not be an attempt to force people (especially Christians and Jews) to convert to Islam. 3. Christians and Jews have nothing to fear from Islam. Muslims quote these … to show that Islam is a religion of love, peace, and forgiveness. However, the second part of the story is that a section of the Qur’an was written in Medina… Muhammad’s language had changed. His last words commanded harm to non-Muslims… terrorists use them… [to] form the basis of a fundamentalist’s definition of ‘Jihad.’” (Pg. 67-69)
He suggests, “I submit that Muslims living in the West will attempt to give a less militant interpretation based upon … that they are living in an area where Islam is Weak. Those in countries where Islam is strong … use the …. interpretation … that calls for a more violent holy war.” (Pg. 71)
He reports, “There seems to be a definite philosophy within Islam concerning the existence of churches in Islamic countries. In a few countries the building of churches is tolerated, while in most others, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, it is forbidden… It should be noted that shrines and buildings of other religions have also been desecrated or destroyed. A good example was the recent destruction of large Buddhist statues by the Taliban.” (Pg. 91-92)
He recounts, “The Pact of Umar… was an agreement with the Christians of Jerusalem … on the occasion of the conquest of that city by the Muslims... Umar rescinded the Roman decrees that had banished Jews from Jerusalem and accorded Jews all the rights granted Christians. Umar supposedly saw both the Christians and the Jews as people of the Book and desired to treat them the same. It is claimed that the pact allowed ‘The People of the Book’ who had been conquered by the Muslims to be treated equally… In fact, millions of Christians who currently live in Muslim countries live as second- or third-class citizens.” (Pg. 107)
He states, “The most astute students of Islam realize that, in the mind of the average Muslim, Islam is much more than just a religion---it is a complete way of life. Because politics, economics, and social actions are fused together, the condition of Islamic dominated societies [poverty and tyranny] is telling.” (Pg. 111)
He asserts, “Some argue that not only is it possible for Shariah and democracy to coexist but that it is being practiced in a limited way in the United States today. The only way the two possibly could be brought together … is for a more moderate form of Islam to win the debate… the past twenty years have seemed to show that when Islam takes over a state or country, the institution of Sharih [Islamic laws] is not far behind.” (Pg. 115)
After 9/11, “Many Muslims living in America were braced for the expected backlash. There were more than one thousand reported acts of violence against Muslims and mosques in the United States, but these were in most cases isolated events… Most observers also expected that this would be a black mark against the Islamic faith, one that would be difficult to recover from in a short period of time. On the contrary, Islam did not suffer but rather made a giant leap forward … Not only did Islam not suffer in America during this period, but it actually experienced growth … Mosques all over the United States and Europe were ready with programs to take the bad news and use it to their advantage… Interest was greatly increased in he minds of the Americans and they asked, ‘Who are these Muslims?’ Those in the mosques then said, ‘Come and visit us and we will show you the true Islam.’… They did such a convincing job that some converted and others became vocal supporters of tolerance for Islam in their communities.” (Pg. 161-162)
He lists a number of Islam’s ‘Successes’: “1. They have been successful in having a global strategy… 2. They have been successful in using international trade as a tool for growth… 3. They have been successful in using their students to do Da’wah… 4. They have been successful in reaching the blacks of the world, both in Africa and in the West… 5. They have been successful in portraying their theology to westerners in terms that can be accepted by them… 6. They have been successful in the use of large amounts of the petrodollars … This probably the single most important success that they have… 7. They have been successful in the prisons of the West… 8. They have been successful in the use of intimidation… to bring fear into the lives of many in the world… 9. They have been successful in the use of force.. 10. They have been successful in changing the image of Islam… 11. They have been successful in the construction of numerous mosques in the world… 12. They have been successful in the portrayal of both the simplicity and the piety of their religion.” (Pg. 203-206)
This book might appeal to some seeking critical perspectives on modern Islam.
November 21, 2016
The author documents the recent history and strategies of Islamic evangelism. Having done missions work in Africa, I can attest to many of the methods he describes. The most surprising find in this book was the Baptist author's appeal to the miraculous in the "Power Encounter" chapter as one asset in the Christian arsenal lacking in Islam. This book is a vital intelligence briefing if you are an evangelical and serious about world missions.
August 18, 2019
When I read this book many years ago I thought, ‘ok, he covers the basics of Islam, he proposes what they wish to do, and the usual...’ 15 years later and having observed what has happened around world, specifically in Europe and Africa, I’m more convinced than ever that the author was right on about Islam. Their system has a built in doctrinal imperative that seeks world wide domination and rule by the sharia (their version of socio-religious-economic-cultural life). If you have not seen what has occurred throughout Europe; as they blindly, in the name of failed multiculturalism, have sought to assimilate their Islamic neighbors, then you should have a thorough look. London has been virtually renamed to Londonistan. Brussels likewise expects to have a majority of Muslims within 10 years. I need not mention what has happened to Paris, Madrid and other cities. All of this helps to explain the deaths of Theo Van Gogh, the acid attacks, rapes, installation of parallel Islamic courts, and on an on. If you want to understand how a civilization is lost and won, read this book.
October 28, 2025
Crazy that I read this 20 years after it being published and NYC is electing its first Muslim mayor and Western European cities have already fallen to Islam. The strategies presented in this book were all used on the West and will continue though people are in denial.
December 15, 2016
I read this several years ago. It seemed a bit reactionary and fear-based though it does report some worthwhile information about Islam.
October 2, 2022
I felt like this book was alarmist and drew upon stereotypes. Would not recommend.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews