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Of Terrorism and Terrorists ...

This was originally posted in my Yahoo! 360 blog back in Aug 2006 ... and its still ass true today as it was back then ...

A couple of days ago, once again, we got a reminder of what the face of terrorism is. The West just doesn't seem to get it – its about religion stupid! Its a bit unrealistic to think that the Islamic fascists controlling the vast majority of Islam today would embrace democracy when they are still stuck in the 7th century, and they still believe that killing in the name of God is their highest calling. I say the 'vast majority of Islam' because you really never hear moderate Muslims reject or repudiate the teachings of the Islamic fascists. I know that they are out there, they just seem to be conspicuously silent, or making excuses as to why what the Islamists do is somehow justified. But then, I understand that mentality a little. Years ago I was part of the Operation Rescue movement and its attempt to eliminate abortion via non-violent civil disobedience. Some of those people were somewhat sympathetic to the abortion bombers and murdering abortion doctors, even some that would never ever participate with OR. Bombing and murdering in the name of God is domestic terrorism plain and simple. But it was justify because the 'ends justifies the means', right?

But that isn't the real problem I see ahead of the Church. The real problem back in the 80's was 'we' – the Church lost our focus. I don't remember reading about Jesus demonstrating against abortion, do you? And I don't remember Jesus trying to change the laws of the Roman government. It wasn't about politics or taking on a political agenda, as if politics can change the heart of mankind. And today, once again, we are in danger of missing the boat. Terrorism is evil, and its also very frightening and unnerving. But it is not the Church's place to get political and fight terrorism. That doesn't mean that we stop being good citizens, or stop voting for those whom we believe would be the best people to run this country. We live in a democracy and it is both our right and our responsibility to vote, according to Scripture. But does that mean we are to become political? (and yes, there should be Christian politicians) Is it the job of the Church to convert the world to our political viewpoint?

The mission of the Church is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have been given no other mandate. The Roman empire was converted from the inside out, not the outside in. No one sought to change the laws, or overthrow the government. Rome was changed one person at a time. These were Christians that were willing to die for their faith, not their political beliefs. And as much as I want to say, 'nuke'em till they glow, and then nuke them some more', that is just plain wrong. It is the responsibility of this country to defend its citizens, so I don't have a problem with US government taking out the Talaban. Nor do I have a problem with the US government continuing its fight against the Islamic terrorists of al Qaeda.

But as Christians, what should our response be? That's easy. These people are God's creation, made in the image of God, and as much as I dislike them for what they do, Jesus still loves them (but obviously, not what they do). We are called to love our enemies. That's doesn't mean that we're supposed to be their human shields, nor their human sacrifices. What we should be doing is praying for them, and praying for their salvation. I heard the other day that about 1000 Koreans were deported from Afghanistan (yes, I know, that number sounds high to me too). Why were they there? To preach the gospel of Jesus to a Muslim nation, at considerable risk to their own lives. And what about us? Do we engage our friends and neighbors? Do we even know who they are?

As we listen to what's going on in the world today and tomorrow, let us not loose our focus of why we are here on this earth in the first place. It is not to do our own thing, or making a million dollars, but to be doing the will of the Father. And what is that will? To make disciples. If you really want to make an impact on this world, preach Jesus, not politics.

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