Christian Jihad? Who Would Jesus shoot?
A few days ago I was in a Christian bookstore. I went over to the current events section and basically it was primarily end-time books. Sadly, we don’t know what to do with current events other than identify two or three sins and look at the world and cry like Chicken Little. The overwhelming majority of them were taking current events and tying them to their personal eschatology. As a teenager in the 70’s, I saw this done. In the 80’s, the “87 reasons why Jesus is coming in ‘87,” then “88 reasons why Jesus is coming in 88, then the 90’s with the Gulf War, and now Iraq and Afghanistan along with current tensions with Iran have brought many books out doing the same. As I browsed a couple of the books they literally wrote that the U.S. should have a “preemptive strike” to one country in particular. One said if it didn’t happen in the next 18 months it’s over for America. (Funny if they believe all that prophecy like they say they do, they need not fear.) Another book stated “Jesus came for the Gentiles, not the Jews” thereby not requiring the Jews to accept Jesus like everyone else. Not only has this man twisted Scripture, but I wish he knew a little church history. Christianity began as a Jewish movement! Soooo, last night when I’m channel surfing, I hear this one guy preaching, who writes on this, and he was literally stating “We should send a preemptive strike on. . .”
What is the difference between Jihadist and this guy? They’re both calling for war in the name of God. I regularly read the Gospels, I’ve never seen where Jesus organized the Apostles into 12 platoons and sent them out to take over the Romans. If church history is accurate, except for John, the Apostles all died preaching their faith, not warring for it. I have read where he told Peter to put up his sword and that his kingdom was not one made on the system of this world. Jesus’ life and message and words were very clear. When we emulate him, we lay our life down. We die for our faith--not kill for our faith.
I’ve heard other Muslims say unless attacked the Koran doesn’t call for war/jihad. I’ve heard their words, but I’ve seen their terrorist and question it. Sooo, if they’re sitting in the Middle-East and this religious station is beaming in from America to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, and they hear this man preaching that we should launch a pre-emptive strike on . . . what do they think? He then uses the Bible to justify his statement. How do we overcome that? So the next time I’m in the Middle-East trying to emulate the love of Christ, and they tell me what they heard and I explain not all Christians believe that, that Christianity is after the life of Christ and is peaceful . . . What response will they have? Will they believe me? The other guy must know he’s on TV. Furthermore, he has his picture with President Bush and other Senators and leaders; therefore, he must speak for Christianity--right?
The responsibility of a nation is to protect its citizens. It’s one thing to protect yourself. It’s another thing to invade or attack another nation--especially in the name of God, like some angry Christian Mullah’s would call for. You want to know what I really think? I think the Jihadist and the Crusader are the same--men who fear loosing control in the world, men wanting to conquer the world, and use their gods like the Romans did before a war to bless them. Turning religion and speculative theology into foreign policy always leads to dead ends. Emulating the life of Christ always leads to hope and healing. Somehow, the image of Jesus in the war room, putting his finger on the red buttons to launch bombs and spread war, I just don’t see it. Gandhi once said, “Christians and Hindu’s should change Holy Books. The Jesus of the Christian book lived a life of peace like Hindu’s teach, but as Christians we have vast armies.” Whereas, the Hindu book starts with war--that would more suit western civilization.
I know some would say, “Well, you can’t take that guy serious because he doesn’t speak for all Christians.” That may be true. So what should our response be when we see images of mad mullahs preaching hate to the West?
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Oct 23, 2007 at 05:56 AM
What troubles me about this is just how many Christians and churches now seem to believe that the mission Jesus gave to us is to defeat our enemies not love them. I talk to these people and I can't tell if I am talking to Christians or conservative talk radio. They talk a great deal of end times and seem content to imitate Jesus in his second coming, but have no grasp of his first or of the gospel. If they do present the gospel it comes off as "hey why don't you come over to the winning side!" Like some bully at the beach who after kicking sand in your eyes asks you to join his frat.
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Oct 23, 2007 at 06:07 AM
Thanks for writing this. I really appreciate what you have to say. Some of these television folks are living in a theology of fear, and they're embroiled in their own rhetoric.
Oct 23, 2007 at 11:13 AM
To whom, if anyone, is this Christian "spokesman" formally accountable for his words on his broadcast?
Is he part of a denomination? Does his organization have a Board of Directors?
I suspect the answer is "no one" that as long as his broadcast makes money, he can pander to his audience unaccounably, regardless of the harm it causes others who are trying to advance God's will on earth by Gospel norms.
Oct 24, 2007 at 04:26 AM
I couldn't agree more, Bob. This TV preacher and his message of hate and intolerance are deeply troubling. My moods swing from wanting to throw my shoe at the TV to wanting to weep because of what unbelievers must think when they hear this message.
Religious people scare me (whether Muslim or Christian). Because they are not only willing to die for their dogma, they are willing for you and I and everyone else to die for their dogma. This dude is very religious!
Unfortuately, a lot of evangelicals are buying into it. A pastor recently told me families left his church because he tried to bring some correction to this Christian Zionists teaching.
Oct 24, 2007 at 08:50 AM
What about the preachers who only teach of the good of God? They make it sound like no repentance is required and we have nothing to fear. God is Good God is kind. Don't worry, just look forward. We need to remember we have Rules (the laws) and we need to be aware God is good, but we need to be also.
Oct 24, 2007 at 10:33 AM
I think that a steady diet of end-times teaching is behind a lot of this line of thinking. I was one who grew up eating this for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it made me fearful of God for most of my life. I thought that, if I acted a certain way, witnessed more, followed all the rules, that I was doing my part to stop the progression of events that would ultimately lead to the fulfillment of prophecy -- not that I alone could stop it, but if a great many of us just "behaved" . . .
How arrogant was I to think that I or anyone else could stop God's plan? We aren't called to interfere with His plans, whatever they are. We are called to love.
It was not until very recently, probably the last 5 years, that I've begun to realize what the "good news" really is. That it's not all about punishment, pain, suffering, and damnation. It's about radical love. I agree with the last commenter that there are rules that need to be followed, but I submit that they are to be followed not out of a sense of guilt, fear, or punishment, but, again, out of love. If we love our neighbor as ourselves, we can't help but follow the "rules".
"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Galatians 5:14
Oct 24, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Wow - wouldn't it be cool instead of "end times" extremist, there were "love" extremist that would lead people to love others so much they literally put their lives on the line for the sake of others? Wow - didn't Jesus do that?
Oct 25, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Romans 12, Bob. If you get the chance to overcome the facade of the "Christain Mullahs" next time your in the Middle East, share with them passages from Romans 12.
I was an Air Force brat, and spent 9 out of 12 years in the 95th Division as a Field Artillery Drill Instructor. Got to play with some cool weapons too! Grenade lanuchers, shoulder fired rockets, 3 types of machine guns, and the M109 howitzer. Great fun working on a crew to send 99lb high explosive projectile to it's intended target. Fortunatley, I never had to fire a shot in anger. I know too well there isn't anything our military can't do, or objective that cannot be achieved. There is a power there that is totally incredible (Unless of course you are lead by politicians!). Yet I never checked into the fact that we were still just a small part within God's Kingdom.
On my journey as a Christian over the last several years, I began to find the "armed to the teeth" patriot in me in conflict with the Christian developing in me, who is now armed with grace, love, and a promise. As the Christian grew, the patriot asked "what's going on here?". Than after reading Romans 12:20 ("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. ” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.) I began to understand. While God recognizes the nations, His kingdom knows no borders. It is in the developement of my faith that I have gained comfort here, and in the face of the tribulation some would say is upon us. In fact, all of Romans 12 played a large part in the scriptural study part of what continues to be my transformation.
Don't get me wrong, I still love and believe in the USA! Yet I now understand we are just part of His Kingdom, and are called to serve in a consistent faith and love, no matter what border we stand behind, or that he leads us to cross.
Oct 29, 2007 at 08:07 AM
Thanks Ed.
Oct 31, 2007 at 05:18 AM
I'm assuming this preacher was speaking about Iran. President Bush has stated the very same objective along with Condi and the team. They are concerned about the Nuclear developments of a man who has stated his commitment to erase Isreal from the planet. I don't believe any of these things should ever be done in the "name of God", however if there was a clear and direct attempt to destroy Israel or the U.S., should there be military action? I felt from the beginning, and stated so, that our invasion of IRAQ was extremely retaliatory and misdirectional, however, if I had believed that they had Nuclear capability, and intended to use it to inflict horrifying pain on Iraeli children, or my own for that matter, would National and International Defensive action be considered?
Is it the thought process that defensive military action is never approved of, and if so were all of the wars fought, including Hitler, in error? Is Romans 13 applicable in context in any of these situations? Is it even contextual to apply Romans 13 to modern day war? Is George Bush entirely wrong about the whole thing? Also, if Bush is wrong, why are so few Christians willing to say that publically? Political correctness? Fear of supporting a Democrat?
Just some questions? Anyone?
Oct 31, 2007 at 05:32 AM
You know Tim - my problem with the whole thing was a preacher of the Gospel standing up at a religious gathering and promoting war. It's one thing for "those given authority" as Romans 13 teaches to debate and speak to these issues in diplomacy and rhetoric. It's another for a preacher to enter that fray.
Regardless of what his personal opinion was. When those of us in Christian Leadership use our platform to push national agendas of war and peace - that's just outright scarey to me. I don't see a lot of difference in that and in an Islamic Imam promoting jihad.
Oct 31, 2007 at 08:49 AM
Tim -
Again I firmly believe there isn't anything our military cannot do, and I am proud t have served our country! However, the military is subjugated, misused, and abused by the politicians.
Here's my "conventional wisdom", as I thought until recently, view point....
Conventional wisdom tells us when diplomacy has outright failed, .....outright failed, then the military should be given the (full) reigns of the conflict with the end goal NOT being ownership of more property, but and end to a conflict, and the return of a country to self government. And there should be a total and absolute change in command and control in resolving that conflict of and by the military, lead by 1, count it here, 1 Commander In Chief.
Human nature screws this up! Why? Politicians making a name for themselves and driving public opinion by wielding self serving views; corporate America who buys the politicians and "give them their views"; the press by printing only the headlines that sells advertising or that serve a political end; and people in key positions that are afraid to be held accountable for what would normally be "just" actions in the face of all the mis-directed public opinion; and in the people of a country that still have yet to REGAIN a base of moral courage and just values. Tim, this is one messed up soup sandwich, and we call it the USA? In my opinion, we are not the same country our founding fathers secured liberties for, we are not the country who came out of WWII. Don't get me wrong, I STILL LOVE THIS COUNTRY! Why? It's because the basic liberties our founding fathers secured in the constitution that we have the freedom to worship, the freedom of speech, and so on. These freedoms provide an incredible opportunity to allow us to grow in the knowledge of God and Christ for the Christian; and yes, of Allah for the Muslim, of God and the Tora for the Jew, etc. And I still think we can get back to who we were as America, if we regain our moral courage and ethical values.
Do I think Hitler have been stopped? Yes. Should we have stopped the perceived WMD threat from Iraq? Yes. Should Israel have stopped the Syrian Nuke program? Yes. If it put evil down and stopped genocide and oppression, yes. Says the old patriot in me, who also wonders why peace, diplomacy, honesty and integrity did not work. Were they absent?
Given this, we are still a nation with a border and ideologies, that share a world with other nations that also have borders and ideologies. Yet, as I said before, while God recognizes the nations, His Kingdom knows no borders. Look at Bob's blog between here, and the one with Secretary Rice titled "Start with Society, Not the Church" and in this you'll see where I see the answer. Again, and in my opinion, It's because of what Bob has been lead to do, and in how he leads Northwood to serve, that the success seen in Vietnam has gotten him invited to the tables of government that ask him, "how did you do that, and can you go 'here' and do it again? What is "that"? It's Romans 13:9b "...You shall love your neighbor as yourself". It's good works as a result of our faith. It's His works through us leading others to a peace that we should all know.......
So here's the thing; what if a pastor and his church went to a country to help it's situation, it served orphans and dug wells and treated water and provided care. It went in with truth and honesty respected by the government, and when the government saw what an incredible benefit of peace and love this was for it's people, it opened it's doors even wider. And what if another country in a state of termoil saw what went on in the first country, and said, "our people need help too...". Says the transforming Christian in me from one of the pews at Northwood.
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