I have not blogged in several months - I must admit that I do not thave the passion to blog that I once had. A story I read this weekend, however, reignited a bit of that passion. It seems that a British teacher was jailed in Sudan for allowing her (predominantly Muslim) students to name a class teddy bear Muhammed - and this in spite of the fact that Muhammed is one of the most common names for men in Sudan. And, if that were not bad enough, the Sudanese government assented to a raucus demonstration by angry Muslims demanding that this teacher be executed for her actions. What evil we can excuse in the name of religion!
Islam is not to blame for the blatant ignorance and intolerance displayed in Sudan any more than Christianity is to blame for abortion clinic bombings. What is to blame, however, is blind devotion to evil, intolerant, and egotistical leaders who thrive on being able to coerce their loyal minions into frothy hoards of mongrels who forego any sense of TRUE religious behavior in the name of whatever false god their leaders are touting.
And, while the two examples cited above are extreme displays of higher than usual ignorance and hatred, we see more discreet forms of the same behavior every single Sunday morning. How can someone claim to be a follower of Christ and yet maintain an attitude of intolerance toward someone of another race? How can someone claim to be a follower of Christ and yet adamantly demand their way in regards to Sunday morning worship music choice? How can someone claim to be a follower of Christ and yet 'gang up' to oust preachers or deacons or Sunday School teachers? James, I believe, said it something like this: "Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so......if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, ......this does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. (James 3:10-15)
Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35) Love is not displayed through intolerance, racism, backbiting, selfishness, envy, greed, arrogance, or lust. Rather, love is displayed through forgiveness of wrongdoings and seeking each other's well-being above our own. Anything less is not of Christ.
Grace and peace,
PTL
Islam is not to blame for the blatant ignorance and intolerance displayed in Sudan any more than Christianity is to blame for abortion clinic bombings. What is to blame, however, is blind devotion to evil, intolerant, and egotistical leaders who thrive on being able to coerce their loyal minions into frothy hoards of mongrels who forego any sense of TRUE religious behavior in the name of whatever false god their leaders are touting.
And, while the two examples cited above are extreme displays of higher than usual ignorance and hatred, we see more discreet forms of the same behavior every single Sunday morning. How can someone claim to be a follower of Christ and yet maintain an attitude of intolerance toward someone of another race? How can someone claim to be a follower of Christ and yet adamantly demand their way in regards to Sunday morning worship music choice? How can someone claim to be a follower of Christ and yet 'gang up' to oust preachers or deacons or Sunday School teachers? James, I believe, said it something like this: "Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so......if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, ......this does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. (James 3:10-15)
Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another." (John 13:35) Love is not displayed through intolerance, racism, backbiting, selfishness, envy, greed, arrogance, or lust. Rather, love is displayed through forgiveness of wrongdoings and seeking each other's well-being above our own. Anything less is not of Christ.
Grace and peace,
PTL
posted by posttinebraelux | 5:42 AM
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