Saturday, May 30, 2015

Would Jesus Insult Islam?

In the 1990s, WWJD became a popular phrase and motto for a number of Christians who rightly believed that, before performing an action, we should ask ourselves, "What Would Jesus Do"? We don't see the bracelets very often these days, and although the phrase isn't as wide spread as it once was, I'd like to think that most Christians would still ask themselves that question today rather than act without thinking of the sinfulness of the action.

Today, it appears that "Draw Muhammed Contests" are becoming all the rage in the U.S.. One such event was planned for Friday, outside a Phoenix, Arizona mosque by "former Marine" Jon Ritzheimer who was encouraging folks to "utilize there [sic] second amendment right at this event just incase [sic] our first amendment comes under the much anticipated attack." Ritzheimer was quoted as saying, "This is purely 100% a Freedom of Speech Rally. Stand Tall and show that we can PEACEFULLY protest our rights that are under attack. That is the sole cause for this Rally and Islam wants to silence us."

Personally, I fail to see how bringing firearms to an event that intentionally insults a religious group can be call "peaceful". I'm also wondering how we Christians should react to this. Does Jesus ask us to stand outside a mosque wearing a "F**K ISLAM" T-shirt ?

Over the years, non-Christian's have displayed anti-Christian works of "art", such as the infamous "piss Christ" without fear of violent retaliation from the followers of Jesus. We Christians have, instead followed Christ's command to "turn the other cheek" and to forgive, "not seven times but seventy-seven times".

Obviously, Muslims will have a far different reaction. Are we permitted to insult Muslims because they fight back?

I am not asking these question out of fear of Islam or Muslim extremists. I hope that, should the time come, I'd be able to face death for Christ. I'm simply saying that we should treat Muslims the way we would like to be treated.

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