Sam Bacile made a very bad movie mocking the beliefs of another religion. What was the point of this? We can claim freedom of speech and to right to do ‘whatever the heck we like’ but what real positive impact does mocking others have in our society? This was not a man trying to engage in an intelligent and reasonable conversation about comparative religions. There are ways and means to communicate effectively in truth and love. His way was only arrogant and trouble making! Now he has increased the risk for ALL western ex-pats living in sensitive countries!
Be encouraged through that some people actually love and care about people outside of their own culture and religion. How much effort do we make in actually getting to know others from outside of our communities? Typically we congregate closely with people adhering to a similar worldview to ourselves. This is human nature. It means we have to actually make an effort to get to know those with a differing worldview to our own. Because we rarely do this, when something infamous happens that involves those from another social, religious or ethic group, we tend to put them all together and judge them together accordingly. While at times certain worldviews hold to principles that we may not agree with and that may be morally wrong (by definition not everything can be true), behind each opinion and face is a person made in the image of God. Every human person has intrinsic value and the right to free will. Each person has a mum and dad, feeling and emotions, problems and joys, a body and soul. We are learning through personal experience that behind all the religious mudslinging, there are real people with real problems living real lives. That does not mean we all have the same worldviews or agree with each other’s religion or beliefs but we recognize we are all a part of the created humanity.
Our worldview determines how we relate within that humanity. While I have the ability to focus on and communicate all the theological and academic differences between Muslims and Christians, what I am learning to do is focus more on MY faith, MY responsibility and who I have devoted my life to serving. If I am someone who loves and follows Jesus Christ, does my life reflect His teachings and attitudes? Do I treat those around me in the same way He did? He demonstrated through His life and teachings how to treat those around us. Jesus condenses the Law into 2 commandments, love God with every part of yourself and love your neighbour as yourself (Luke 10:27). Jesus then reminded us that our neighbour is at times our perceived enemy and a person we intentionally go out of our way to avoid (Luke 10:25-37). If we claim to love God and follow Jesus Christ, do we really love our neighbours as ourselves? Do you consider Muslims your neighbours? Do not get defensive and start telling me why do don’t need to love them. The Jews hated the Samaritans yet that was the relationship that Jesus used to make His point. To love our neighbours in our neighbourhood, we must literally love the Muslim people. And you know what, by the grace of God it is not that hard or as bad as the western mindset suggests. They are our friends with whom we live our lives side by side. We might not agree on some things such as the deity of Jesus but they were created with a free will to choose just as we were. It does not mean we cannot share our lives with them, loving them as Jesus loved and gave His life for us.
There is a book that is very challenging to the western mind, very thought provoking and worth taking the effort to read. While it is fictional, is it one of the best books out there (in layman’s language) that presents the reality of life between the people of the Muslim and Christian faith. I am not saying the book is perfect but it sure does give a unique insight into the volatile situation the world finds itself in today. It presents the many challenges yet does not give all the answers because we do not know all the answers. Please take the time to read it, you will not regret it (it is available on the Kindle as well).
http://www.amazon.com/Someone-Has-Die-Jim-Baton/dp/1616389222
I hope this latest incident concerning the video mocking the Muslim prophet helps teach us from the west what it is like to all be tarred with the same brush for the act of a few fools from our community. If you don't think you've stereotypically judged others before yourselves, how do you feel when you sit next to a Muslim on a plane? Just as I thought J.
It's time to add to the academic theorizing about comparative religions and start learning to live and walk side by side with people from other faiths. Jesus was able to live and walk among different communities, speaking the truth in love, without compromising the Truth of God’s Word. The relationships he built were so strong and His love for them so deep, people followed Him to the point of death. Are the followers of Jesus today known throughout communities around the world as peacemakers who love God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength and their neighbours as themselves? If not, why not?
Please pray that the current situation calms and that no more lives are lost unnecessarily. Pray that the instigators of the strife are apprehended and the community leaders are given wisdom in guiding people to express their feelings in a peaceful way. Pray that these events would be a reminder to you and me about the importance of not only the theory of our faith but the living reality of it …
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21
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