"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." (Mohammad in Surah 9:5)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Jesus in Matthew 5:43-46)
That contrast gives those of us who have been transformed by the meaning of the gospel a guide for the way we are to respond to what we see and hear in the popular press regarding the hatred and despair we see in the Muslim world.
For one, we are to understand that the enemy is enormously effective at darkening the hearts of unbelievers and that false religion is the most effective tool in his toolbox. Christianity teaches that the human heart is by it's very nature following an impulse of lust for power and control and hatred and revenge. A religion that feeds that impulse is enormously destructive. I really believe that this is why you see masses of people who have embraced Islam so easily worked into a frenzy of pious rage and anger for the "offense of the prophet."
For one, we are to understand that the enemy is enormously effective at darkening the hearts of unbelievers and that false religion is the most effective tool in his toolbox. Christianity teaches that the human heart is by it's very nature following an impulse of lust for power and control and hatred and revenge. A religion that feeds that impulse is enormously destructive. I really believe that this is why you see masses of people who have embraced Islam so easily worked into a frenzy of pious rage and anger for the "offense of the prophet."
Secondly, we are to be careful not to let our own sinful impulses take over our hearts in the way we respond to what we see and feel. Instead, we are to see that those same sinful and hateful impulses are at work in us and that if it had not been for Christ's rescue we would be in the same boat.
True gospel- centered Christianity says that God is the ultimate judge and Christ has set us free from the need for judgement and we are therefore freed from hatred, resentment and a desire to "get even".
As Christians we say, "It is God's job to judge, it is my job to love, accept and forgive."
There is real freedom and joy in that world-view.
As Christians we say, "It is God's job to judge, it is my job to love, accept and forgive."
There is real freedom and joy in that world-view.
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