The sin of Islamaphobia can never atone for the sin of anti-Semitism. They are two sides of the same coin. They are a rash, a sickness, fueled mostly by fear, that has simply moved from one part of the body of so-called Christendom to another part. Despite all the positive work that has been done to bring healing between the Christian and Jewish world, the disease is not healed. Dehumanizing language towards our Semitic brothers and sisters is still tolerated, re-tweeted, celebrated and voted for.
Look at some of the common things that are expressed regarding Muslims in social media and elsewhere. Many of my Christian friends would be appalled if such language were used of Jews, but have no problem with it being used against Muslims.
Tolerance of such language reveals that the sickness of a broader anti-Semitic mindset remains for many people in the Western world, many of them Christians. I can't help but think that those who tolerate and support such language against Muslims in today's world, would also have had no problem tolerating and supporting such language in Europe in the 1920s and 30s.
The language is the same. The fears are the same. (They don't assimilate into our culture, they are anti-christ, they are secretly working to overthrow us, you cannot trust them).
We need to stop falling prey to this idea that there must inevitably some sort of war and murderous hatred between the children who call Abraham their father.
I pray that true Christian peacemakers will arise with open hearts towards the gorgeous God-given humanity of the others -- and for the sake of Christ (our beautiful Christ), become ministers of reconciliation and a gospel that is actually good news for the world rather than ministers of conspiracy theories and Hillary's emails. (Sorry if that is too pointed a jab, but I have seen SO much of this that I feel it must be acknowledged as part of the problem).
How does anyone even breathe in that tight, dark little world?
That compressed little stunted version of Christianity will someday merely be a chapter or book in some future generation's analysis of the ways that Christianity failed in this generation.
(And no, I am not saying that Christianity is an utter failure in this generation. I have full and glorious confidence in Jesus Christ and his righteous and peaceable kingdom. And for those who are wondering, neither am I laying the blame for all the problems at the feet of the Christian world. However, Jesus taught us to take the log our of our own eye first, before looking at everyone else. I wish everyone would take this approach).
I dedicate this post, with honor and respect, to various pastor friends of mine who are taking their congregations to visit mosques, sending words of condolence and support to them. I also dedicate it with honor and respect to the Jewish congregations in New Zealand and elsewhere who are standing mourning with their Muslim brothers and sisters...and finally to my dear Muslim brothers and sisters who have taught me so much about love and friendship.
Lord, teach us the way of love, for love never fails. Teach us to dwell in the broadness of Your heart. Amen.
Thank you, Andrew. I couldn't agree more. Such an act of violence and hatred is truly anti-christ. We mourn with those who are mourning and we reject this spirit of dehumanizing hatred. May we be shown mercy and given the grace to see everyone through the eyes of Christ, for then we will see they are loved and treasured by our Abba Father as dear children. I echo you by praying as well, "Lord, teach us the way of love, for love never fails. Teach us to dwell in the broadness of Your heart. Amen."
eric h janzen
Posted by: eric h janzen | March 17, 2019 at 02:01 PM