It’s No Laughing Matter….

It’s A Crying Shame

By: D. James Heffner

Unless you’ve been asleep, or out camping in the remotest parts of the Earth, you’ve heard or read about the Danish newspaper that published cartoons which made a mockery of the Prophet Mohammed, Islamic Extremists (Terrorists) and the Quran. Not to be outdone several other European papers, and other media, also published them which further inflamed the hatred and anger – as evidenced by riots everywhere - within the worldwide Muslim areas of influence. This anger and hatred was clearly directed towards the Western nations and peoples. You must remember, devoted Muslims consider Western lifestyles and moral behavior as unacceptable in light of the teachings of the Quran. We are, in effect, Infidels who must either convert to Islam by accepting the teachings of the Prophet or be killed. There is no place in Islam for those who sin by violating the teachings of the Quran or insult their Prophet. It is generally the opinion of Westerners (read Christians) that Islam’s Prophet is a false teacher – which Jesus warned us about – and those who follow him are motivated not by Faith but by demonic influences. Why else would their behavior be so evil and filled with anger and hate? I can hear you now, a Christian response to such behavior is, “we’d never do that, we are too sophisticated, civilize and educated. Only people from less developed nations who are poorly educated would behave in such an appalling manner!”

Warning! The world is heading towards a violent conflict between Islam and its peoples, and nations where Christianity is prominent. Though I’m not sure these Christian nations are overflowing with people who fervently follow Christ. However, it is not a crime to be fervent about your belief in God, the crime is how you exhibit this fervor or devotion.  It’s that old saying, “actions speak louder than words.” And, while it’s obvious I’m being critical of Muslim’s religious behavior I want you to know I am also pointing my finger at Christians. Why? Because it’s a crying shame that those who follow Christ simply roll over and play dead when non-Christians insult, mock, and profane the name of Jesus and/or the Word of God – the Bible. Where is our response to these actions against Christ or the Bible?

Have Christians been misled or deceived about how we are to react to such evil? Well, you’re probably saying to yourself, “we’ve been taught to turn the other cheek and to love those who harm us. After all, didn't’ Jesus say, ‘But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’” (Matt 5:44).  Also, in I John 3:13 we read, “Marvel not, my brethren if the world hate you.” Clearly Jesus taught that being meek was a good thing, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt 5:5). Essentially Christianity is a religion based upon Love.  But neither the Bible nor Jesus ever taught us to be wimpy.

Come on now, have you forgotten how severely Jesus reacted to those who were using the Temple in Jerusalem as a place for commerce? There were moneychangers, people selling doves, all of which were profaning God’s House. The Gospels record that Jesus acted passionately and forcefully to drive these people from the Temple. It is safe to say Jesus was very upset and his actions clearly exhibited wrath towards these evil doers. What Jesus and the Epistles teach us is to be forgiving towards those who treat us with hatred, disdain and so forth. But these do not teach us to be passive when our Lord and God and His Kingdom are under attack. We are to take action and to contend for the Faith and take up the Whole Armor of God to fight against the forces of evil – these may be spiritual forces but they do not fear to posses people to carry out their attacks.  Of course, God doesn't need us to fight His enemies; their defeat is already a ‘done deal’. We are often referred to as the Army of God, but, does God need an Army in Heaven? Of course not! It is here on Earth we are to serve Him as His force for good against evil. So, how do we do this?

For one thing we do not take to the streets, looting, burning and screaming all manner of hateful words towards those who hate Christ and His church. But there is nothing prohibiting our taking to the streets in a peaceful show of force; do you recall the march on Washington D.C. to rally Christians under the theme of, If My People who are called by My Name….. Are there not Christians demonstrating in front of, or nearby, Abortion Clinics, etc? The answer is a resounding - Yes! However, Christians mostly ignore the rising threat of Islam as it expands the attack on Christianity under the guise of the One True God and Religious purity. We can ill afford to ignore this threat by sticking our heads in the sand and wait for Jesus to return to rescue us. If you think I’m being an alarmist about this consider what Islam has done in many countries where the Gospel has been, at one time a force for change and good. Africa, a country where many, many Crusades have been held for years and years, and Missionaries have ministered and established churches for decades, is falling into the hands of militant Islam.

The fact is, Muslims are killing Christians in Africa and many countries without any hesitance – they hate Christ. But this is nothing new – Jesus said we’d be hated for His name’s sake. But, again I ask, does this mean we sit ideally by and not voice our feelings and demonstrate our love for God? Doing so is a witness to the world that Christianity has no power, with no reason for people to believe in our God – for anything. So, what should be done regarding this situation? In my opinion, and this is how I see it, it’s time for dedicated, sold out Christians to counter-demonstrate and show the World we are sick and tired of all this bashing we’ve been taking for so long. They are not ‘bashing' us, they are showing hate and disregard toward God just as the moneychangers did in the Temple in Jerusalem. Let’s ‘figuratively’ go turn over some of these misconceptions about what it means to be a Christian. Let’s put on massive public displays of what Christ means to us. Remember this fact – although the Gay and Lesbian population is a small minority they have, by visible and public actions, changed laws and twisted the moral compass of the World. We who are greater in numbers need to step out and show the World that laws and other things that destroy our way of Life are no longer acceptable. We’re angry and not going to take it anymore!

So far most of the actions taken to counteract what’s happening in America have been small and ineffectual resulting in many forming the opinion that Christians are a small minority and generally a laughingstock at best. Let’s correct this misconception by doing, at least, the following:

At Christmas time - insist that it is our celebration of Christ’s birth, not a holiday for commercial excess and celebration of Santa Claus – don't just complain, rise up and join forces to put the people who’re intent on shoving Christ out of Christmas in their place. Return our Lord’s birth to being part of school activities and plays and so forth. Get those Manger scenes back on community property – we pay taxes too – pointing out we don't object if the Jews and others do so during their Holy Days; they pay taxes too. If there are to be Christmas Parades then throw out the secular stuff by creating a truly Christian celebration; enough of the Elves and Santa and all that which takes the focus off Christ.

At Easter time – ‘shoot’ the Easter Bunny and eliminate his contra-biological emphasis on Eggs. If we’re ever to get young people thinking about the true meaning of Easter let’s have them search for items (crucifixes, scripture books, etc.) that have something to do with His resurrection from the grave. If there are to be Easter Parades we need to change the emphasis from outward finery to inward holiness. Shouldn't Easter be one of our most glorious celebrations and displays of Christ’s resurrection power! Our parades should make Mardi Gras look like a poor excuse for having fun. Where is it written we’re to sin in excess so we can ‘fast’ or repent for these sins? Let’s show the country that Grace is a far better answer.

As I said, the above are simply my views and feelings, mostly of disgust over how things have deteriorated. What do you think? Send me E-mail and let me know!