The World Gone Mad
UPDATE: “We want to make it clear that if the pope does not appear on TV and apologize for his comments, we will blow up all of Gaza’s churches,” [Lions of Monotheism] said in a statement.
(This has inadvertantly become a series.)
I ask you this: Has the world gone mad?!
Five Christian churches in Palestine were attacked on Saturday by radical Muslim groups in reaction to the Pope's comments:
This is absolutely absurd. Using explosive devices to protest accusations of violence! It is complete and utter stupidity, and all those who fall prey to it are lying to themselves or sadly deluded.
And sadly, the world trembles. The Pope didn't technically recant, but it seems as though he stopped short of an apology and really just felt bad for offending Muslim sensibilities. Of course, this isn't enough for them. To the angry, no apology is enough.
I do not like to wave the broad strokes of stereotypes, but as I said before, violent Muslims simply are following the example of their "exalted one". You may immediately flip a history textbook to the Crusades, but remember, those were people who were not following the example of the one they claimed as Lord. Christ's words in Matthew 5 was certainly the furthest thing from the minds of the Crusaders as they invaded foreign lands. But these Muslism who seek to kill and destroy are doing exactly what the Koran teaches a good Muslim should do.
The last thing I want is a war of civilizations; but I also do not want to cower in fear at their chants. We serve the living God, Jehovah! Why do we tremble at their threats? The may take our heads from us, but they cannot separate us from the love of Christ!
Some important links to check out:
The Pope's speech in it's entirety
A brief lesson on jihad (thanks Jill)
InterAction:
17 September 20062. Michael Hutchins:
Ah, Jesse. It is indeed absurd...of course, I fear that in our justifiable disgust we are in danger of making the same mistake many believers make when evaluating Islam's conflict with the Catholic church. Unfortunately for the Pope, I don't believe that a clear distinction can be made between Catholicism and Islam (particularly from the believer's perspective). They are both religions with two faces: one for war and one for public relations. It shouldn't surprise us that Islam spread through violence, nor that Catholicism was spread through enslavement and tyranny (in the Americas, for example) since both are based on a misunderstanding of Grace. So, while it is rather too ridiculous for muslims to violently protest their being characterized as violent, it is just as worthy of ridicule for the Pope to imply that there is a qualitative difference between the two religions.
17 September 20063. Michael Hutchins:
...So what I am saying is that I don't have the same beef with Islam, since I am not really in competition with it. Indeed, the sword cannot compete with the love of the cross.
17 September 20064. Jesse Gardner:
Brilliantly said, Michael.
I was wondering if anyone here was going to start assuming I was a Catholic and that I support the Pope because of these posts. My intention was merely just to point out the inconsistencies in the Muslim response. But you're right, understanding the importance of Grace and Love is something both parties are guilty of.
17 September 20065. Michael Hutchins:
Jesse, I hope you know that I knew that you knew that. (And by the way, I wouldn't be bothered even if you were a Catholic. I am sure that there are plenty of attendees at Catholic churches who believe as we do. I just find the organization's official mantra is problematic) Good stuff here.
YourThoughts?
(Minutia)
This entry was written by Jesse on Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 6:16 PM and appears in the World chapter. The previous article was entitled, "The Best Way Not To Prove Your Point", and the next entry is called, "Space Shuttle Mystery Vapor". Bookmark the permalink, save it to del.icio.us or Digg it.
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17 September 20061. crystal:
This is so maddening, but your spiritual reminders are helpful. We studied Islam at church this summer, and it was so encouraging to sing songs of God's reign over the earth, because to not understand that could be so terrifying. It was also encouraging to hear of Christ's work in the hearts of Muslims around the world. Thousand are coming to know Him, and not even the sword can prevent it!
On a side note, why did they attack an Anglican church in response to the Pope's comments?