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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
In dealing with the reality of active persecution against the Christian faith today, the key word to the scripture quoted above may very well be yet; as many contemporary readers of the Hebrew epistle did indeed experience the ultimate test of their faith – as may we. The news, primarily out of the Middle East – such as the bombing of shrines and churches, beheadings and assassinations, a million dollar bounty on a Danish cartoonist who supposedly insulted the Prophet of Islam and a death sentence assessed against an author who questioned his belief-system – has gotten the most attention in the news over the past several years. And while there have been legitimate complaints of some individuals “desecrating” the Koran, the majority of confirmed incidents of genuine aggression against people of faith show Christians to be the principle targets.
While demanding respect and tolerance of everyone else – not all – but many Muslims practice what has fast become one of the most radical and intolerant faith-based movements the world has ever seen. This mirrors to some degree the attitudes (if not the actions) of many liberals in our own country, who in claiming to champion all religions and expressions of individuality do their best to suppress anything that smacks of Christianity.
In an attempt at controlling troublesome religious rhetoric and abusive practices – to which any and all active believers will be assigned – religion in general has been increasingly blamed for all that ails the world and those seeking to rid society of the “evils” of intolerance are attempting to suppress any faith that openly practices its tenets. (Many adherents to any number of belief systems giving ammunition to their adversaries by saying and doing truly embarrassing and inflammatory things that do indeed harm others as well as themselves.) The truth of the matter is that the world at large is tired of dealing with religious extremists – as am I! The difference being, I’m not ready to throw out the baby with the bath water.
One proposed solution is for us to embrace secularism (sometimes called civil religion) as a means of purifying ourselves of the fallacies of traditional religions and their more extreme adherents. (Did we learn nothing from Hitler – Stalin – Lenin, et al?) Andree Seu writing, “The problem is that secularism is nothingism. As a negation of all religion, it is a vacuum – and nature abhors a vacuum. Just as the house swept clean of a demon but not refilled with God will attract seven worse demons (Matthew 12:43-45), so too the slogans of liberty and tolerance cannot stand before the aggressive reach of Islam. A clash of civilizations is underway. Push does come to shove, and the nation that stands for nothing will have to stand for something or be swallowed up. The nation that has no absolutes except its commitment to non-absolutes will have no chance against a nation that stands for absolutes – however terrible those absolutes. The civilization with a lie at its center – the creed that all religions and cultures are equally valuable – will collapse before that civilization that insists it is superior.”1What an insightful and frightening assessment of conditions facing us if we don’t wake up to the dangers on our horizon. (We need look no further than the example of Rome to see the outcome when an advanced yet fractured society is faced with the raw energy and focused ideals of a “barbarian” society.)
So how should we respond – entrenchment and isolation; removing ourselves from the world and tending exclusively to our own interests? I don’t think so. (In fact, that’s just what our antagonists – internationally and locally – want.) We have been challenged in the past, this is nothing new – although the intensity may be higher than we’ve dealt with in some time. Jesus reminding us, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” John 15:20; Paul assuring believers that, “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted; while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have heard and have become convinced of,…” 2Tim. 3:12,13Therefore, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (and women) of courage; be strong. (Yet) Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 And equally important, “(Do) not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
1Senior Writer for World Magazine.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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