Juan Williams is a liberal/progressive analyst for Fox News. He also used to be a commentator for NPR (National Public Radio)until he was fired this week for saying "inappropriate" things with respect to fearing Muslims on an airplane. Just a week or so earlier, Bill O'Reilly had a "run in" with some of the ladies on "The View" and his comment that "Muslims attacked us on 9/11" caused Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg to walk off the set in disgust. As I see and hear it, there is a controversy brewing with respect to how Americans ought to view Muslims. President George W. Bush made it clear, at the time of the attack of 9/11, that we were not at war with Islam. He attended services at a few different mosques and made connections with some Muslim clerics to build relationships around the world. The discussion has changed a bit under President Barack Obama. The phrase "war on terror" has been removed from the dialog and it is politically incorrect to say that "Muslims attacked the U.S on 9/11." Instead, the "correct" way to state it is that "extremists" were responsible for the 9/11 attacks. I am certain that conservatives and progressives will continue this debate through the mid-term election and beyond. I have a political opinion about this, of course (are you surprised??). However, I have more recently tried to think about the controversy through the lens of my faith. How should I, as a Christian, view Islam, terror, jihad and Sharia law?
The issue came into focus for me while reading yet another Ted Dekker book, "Blink of an Eye." In this book, written in 2002 and reprinted in 2007, he tells the fictional story of Miriam, a Saudi princess, who flees persecution and possible death in her own country to pursue freedom and love. Dekker's story is fictional but his accounts of brutality, oppression and torture of people by Muslim extremists is horribly accurate according to what I have read. I understand, both from reading his book and researching Islam,that not every Muslim reads and interprets the Koran or Qur'an the same way. Like the Pharisees and Sadduccees of the Old Testament, there are different sects of Muslims (Sunni and Shia most notably) who have different interpretations of the law (Sharia law). I understand that not every Muslim takes a "literal" view. However, I must admit, it is hard for me to understand how American "liberals" can support or be sympathetic of a "theology" that so demeans women.
What ought to be my response as a Christian to all of this? In looking at the historical roots of Islam, I discovered some of what the early Christians thought of it. In Dante's "Inferno" the prophet Muhammad is depicted as split in half, indicating his split from the Christian church. The monk Bede wrote a long argument detailing how the Islamic faith came from Ishmael the son of Hagar and Abraham. He noted how Ismael's "hand would be against everyone and everyone's hand against him." More recently Franklin Graham spoke of Islam as "evil" and "wicked." Is this the "right" view for Christians to hold?
I can honestly say I don't know; not for certain anyway. I think it is clear that a Bible believing Christian has to see Islam as a false religion. As John notes in John 14, Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father but by me." As a Christian I think I have the responsibility to show the love of Christ to all who don't know him as Savior. This would apply to Muslims. Is Islam an "evil" and "oppressive" religion or have some hijacked this faith and made into something different? I'm not wise enough to say. My response as a Christian, however, seems to be pretty clear. Love as Jesus would and try to show an example of his grace.
As an American, though, I can understand what Juan Williams was saying. While it may not be all of Islam that has declared "jihad" (holy war), certainly a part of the Muslim world has. Muslims who believe these actions to be abhorrent should denounce them. Westerners should be wary and wise. These are difficult times.
Thanks for reading...
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Unruled Frontier?
Last week the nation was shocked by the tragic suicide of Tyler Clementi. The circumstances surrounding the awful episode were even more disturbing. Clementi's roommate and one other student are accused of using a hidden camera to catch Clementi in what he thought was a private moment in his room with another man. This video was then posted on the internet for the world to see. Clementi was mortified and felt, I suppose, unable to deal with the situation, so he took his own life.
While I can somewhat understand the mortification and the reaction of the young man, though I wish he'd chosen a different solution, it is hard for me, an admitted "old man" of forty-five, to understand the cruelty and callousness of the other two young people accused in this episode. I am still at Union Middle School in good old Union, Missouri. This year I am working in the OCS Room (that's off campus suspension for you in Kansas). Yesterday I spent the last thirty minutes talking to my five boys and one girl about why they think their generation can be so "mean" or "cruel." I was a bit surprised at the "straight" answers that they gave me.
"We don't know right from wrong and aren't told or shown by anyone."
"Kids today don't have any discipline."
"They get away with acting disrespectful and their parents let them."
The kids I have did not shirk from responsibility as they agreed that they, too, at times, were guilty of these same things. They seemed to be wanting a bit more structure and rules. I then sought their opinions on the internet and facebook. Should there be rules for what is posted? I think about Kimber and those of her generation. They are so much more technologically advanced than I am. The kids in my OCS class can set up and "fix" computers far better than I can. I know that I am out of my league discussing technology and may be like "Don Quixote," but I think there should be some basic internet rules. My young kids agreed. Here is what we came up with. Consider them...
1. Do not post anything on the internet that would bring harm or embarrassment to someone else. The Biblical injunction for this is clear. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs" (Ephesians 4:29).
2. Post things that have something to say. The idea here is to elevate the level of discussion. Too much trash enters the mind through the internet. Don't be a distributor of trash. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are "lovely," excellent," "true," "noble" and "praiseworthy." Our minds and our posts ought to reflect the same standard.
These are two basic rules that a little OCS class in the small town of Union, MO agreed would help. I know it is a bit like "tilting at windmills," but to erase cruelty one person at a time might help. I hope you think about it. In Room 6 of the SRC, we will.
Thanks for reading...
While I can somewhat understand the mortification and the reaction of the young man, though I wish he'd chosen a different solution, it is hard for me, an admitted "old man" of forty-five, to understand the cruelty and callousness of the other two young people accused in this episode. I am still at Union Middle School in good old Union, Missouri. This year I am working in the OCS Room (that's off campus suspension for you in Kansas). Yesterday I spent the last thirty minutes talking to my five boys and one girl about why they think their generation can be so "mean" or "cruel." I was a bit surprised at the "straight" answers that they gave me.
"We don't know right from wrong and aren't told or shown by anyone."
"Kids today don't have any discipline."
"They get away with acting disrespectful and their parents let them."
The kids I have did not shirk from responsibility as they agreed that they, too, at times, were guilty of these same things. They seemed to be wanting a bit more structure and rules. I then sought their opinions on the internet and facebook. Should there be rules for what is posted? I think about Kimber and those of her generation. They are so much more technologically advanced than I am. The kids in my OCS class can set up and "fix" computers far better than I can. I know that I am out of my league discussing technology and may be like "Don Quixote," but I think there should be some basic internet rules. My young kids agreed. Here is what we came up with. Consider them...
1. Do not post anything on the internet that would bring harm or embarrassment to someone else. The Biblical injunction for this is clear. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs" (Ephesians 4:29).
2. Post things that have something to say. The idea here is to elevate the level of discussion. Too much trash enters the mind through the internet. Don't be a distributor of trash. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are "lovely," excellent," "true," "noble" and "praiseworthy." Our minds and our posts ought to reflect the same standard.
These are two basic rules that a little OCS class in the small town of Union, MO agreed would help. I know it is a bit like "tilting at windmills," but to erase cruelty one person at a time might help. I hope you think about it. In Room 6 of the SRC, we will.
Thanks for reading...
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
What Makes A Difference
Have you ever felt like your relationship with Jesus Christ was stale? I have heard a lot of talk about people just "going through the motions." I understand that. There have been times in the last year that I have wondered whether or not I heard the Lord's call or if I have "plateaued" in my faith. Many Christian writers and singers have addressed the issue of growing cold or stale. I think the popular term for that today is "lukewarm" from the book of Revelation. There are books, songs and sermons that try to ignite faith and consume spiritual malaise. For my money, the best I have come across is Ted Dekker's new book Immanuel's Veins. I have been a fan of Ted Dekker for a while and enjoy many of his books. This one, though, went deeper than just enjoyment. This powerful story spoke of that which can really deepen faith and spur growth. It is a story about sacrificial love.
I do not want to spoil the story for those who may yet read it and I hope that there are many that do. I will simply say that this fictional account reminded me of what matters. The story is set in 1772 and reads as if it were an historical account. Toma Nicolescu is a decorated soldier in the service of Catherine the Great. He is sent to the base of the Carpathian Mountains in Moldavia to guard a mother and two daughters. Of course, it is not that simple. In Dekker's own unique style a story of intrigue, suspense and surprising chills leads to a profound spiritual message. What makes a difference is sacrificial love.
What did that story mean to me and what can it mean to you? First, let me define "sacrificial love." It is the kind of love that the Greek word "agape" describes. It is the love that is willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference, without regard for what it may or may not receive in return.
Seeing "sacrificial love" reminded me that if I am in the spiritual doldrums or bored with my walk, my focus must change. If I love sacrificially, then I am seeing the world through the eyes and needs of others. It is the kind of love that took Jesus to the cross. It is the kind of love John spoke of when he said, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." If I begin to see the world through the eyes of those around me, it becomes a different picture. I become less concerned for how I am being treated and more aware of how others are feeling and what they perceive. If I am to be more like Christ, it will not be because I "will" myself to do it. Being shamed into changing my behavior can make a difference, but it won't likely last as long. I am convinced that real change will happen because I begin to love as he did; sacrificially. Loving in that way makes me a different person.
"Sacrificial love" also drives me to act upon my love. If I love "sacrificially," I am compelled to act. I think this is what James was thinking of when he wrote about faith being dead without works. To really love as Jesus did drives me to do something. Jesus, himself, set the example. He loved us enough to endure the shame and agony of the cross. His love was defined by his incredible action at Golgotha. "Sacrificial love" needs to be what motivates me, too. I reach out to others, not because I have to or I feel an obligation, but because that's just love. I see someone with a problem or a need and I act to the best of my ability. I may give up some or all of my possessions depending upon the situation. I seek opportunities to enrich someone else's life. If and when I begin to love sacrificially, then I will experience the joy and peace that comes from really loving.
Finally, I think "sacrificial love" identifies me with Jesus Christ. If I claim the name of "Christian," which I do, then I have a responsibility to be more like him. There are many ways in which I can attempt this, but I am discovering the best might be to simply receive the amazing love he has for me and love others that way as well. Kimber Lane, a bright, Godly young lady who I like to call "my kid," has a blog entitled "Love wins." I like that very much. I think that's the message of the cross. I think that's the message that this world needs today. "Love wins." If I am to be more like Christ, let me drink deeply from the "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins." I know that "Sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains." Love wins.
Thanks for reading...
I do not want to spoil the story for those who may yet read it and I hope that there are many that do. I will simply say that this fictional account reminded me of what matters. The story is set in 1772 and reads as if it were an historical account. Toma Nicolescu is a decorated soldier in the service of Catherine the Great. He is sent to the base of the Carpathian Mountains in Moldavia to guard a mother and two daughters. Of course, it is not that simple. In Dekker's own unique style a story of intrigue, suspense and surprising chills leads to a profound spiritual message. What makes a difference is sacrificial love.
What did that story mean to me and what can it mean to you? First, let me define "sacrificial love." It is the kind of love that the Greek word "agape" describes. It is the love that is willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference, without regard for what it may or may not receive in return.
Seeing "sacrificial love" reminded me that if I am in the spiritual doldrums or bored with my walk, my focus must change. If I love sacrificially, then I am seeing the world through the eyes and needs of others. It is the kind of love that took Jesus to the cross. It is the kind of love John spoke of when he said, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." If I begin to see the world through the eyes of those around me, it becomes a different picture. I become less concerned for how I am being treated and more aware of how others are feeling and what they perceive. If I am to be more like Christ, it will not be because I "will" myself to do it. Being shamed into changing my behavior can make a difference, but it won't likely last as long. I am convinced that real change will happen because I begin to love as he did; sacrificially. Loving in that way makes me a different person.
"Sacrificial love" also drives me to act upon my love. If I love "sacrificially," I am compelled to act. I think this is what James was thinking of when he wrote about faith being dead without works. To really love as Jesus did drives me to do something. Jesus, himself, set the example. He loved us enough to endure the shame and agony of the cross. His love was defined by his incredible action at Golgotha. "Sacrificial love" needs to be what motivates me, too. I reach out to others, not because I have to or I feel an obligation, but because that's just love. I see someone with a problem or a need and I act to the best of my ability. I may give up some or all of my possessions depending upon the situation. I seek opportunities to enrich someone else's life. If and when I begin to love sacrificially, then I will experience the joy and peace that comes from really loving.
Finally, I think "sacrificial love" identifies me with Jesus Christ. If I claim the name of "Christian," which I do, then I have a responsibility to be more like him. There are many ways in which I can attempt this, but I am discovering the best might be to simply receive the amazing love he has for me and love others that way as well. Kimber Lane, a bright, Godly young lady who I like to call "my kid," has a blog entitled "Love wins." I like that very much. I think that's the message of the cross. I think that's the message that this world needs today. "Love wins." If I am to be more like Christ, let me drink deeply from the "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins." I know that "Sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains." Love wins.
Thanks for reading...
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