Pastor Jeff's Response to Orlando Shooting
When a person feels justified in killing someone who disagrees with him, on any issue, social, political or religious, something is desperately wrong. The pain of those who lost loved ones is surely greater than any one of us could imagine. Each life lost impacts many. Did the perpetrator pause even for a moment to consider the carnage he would leave behind? My sympathy and prayers go out to those who are hurting. May God comfort with the comfort that only He can give.
If any good is to come out of this we must acknowledge that during times of tragedy we begin to see the world as it really is. Once the debris clears, questions not previously considered come to the forefront as we begin an attempt to make sense of it all. Some of the most powerful lessons in life come on the heels of the most tragic of circumstances. But I don’t think the majority are listening anymore. The voices are still present but the masses have grown deaf to the warnings of both past and present. In the hopes that perhaps some are still listening I submit that we would do well to ask two simple questions.
One, from where is all this hatred and violence coming? When our leaders constantly and publicly vomit vitriol toward one another the effects are predictable. Passing legislation against hate speech in a “hateful fashion” is like cutting a person’s nose off and then giving them a rose to smell—one act betrays the other. In Colossians 4:6 (NIV) the Apostle Paul wrote,
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
I am definitely a Christ-follower. Yes, I believe the Bible is clear that sexual immorality of any kind is a sin against God. See Romans 1. However, I am commanded by Christ to love all people. I may not agree with the pornography industry but I am called to love those who are trapped inside it. I may not agree with the atrocious acts committed by some who are in prison but I am commanded by Christ to love, teach, forgive and even visit them. See Matthew 25. I may not agree with those presently cheating on their spouses but I am commanded to instruct and inspire with love and grace. And more specific to the present situation, I may not agree with same sex relationships but I am called to treat every person with honor and respect. In short, I hold firm to my positions while stating clearly the Biblical imperatives with speech that is filled with grace and seasoned with salt. People who truly follow Jesus speak to others with love, mercy and grace without compromising the teachings of Jesus.
Politicians may not have guns in their hands but their blatant hatred is evident in the barbaric fashion in which they speak to and deal with one another. No, the massacre in Florida is not the fault of the politicians but merely a symptom of the larger disease of narcissism that has become epidemic. Such self-centeredness and self-aggrandizement comes out of a low self-esteem and the belief that one must either push everyone down or rise above them. Either way, the real focus is on “self,” not others. Rather than honest dialogue seasoned with humility, we scream our beliefs at each other often resorting to violence when we are unable to convince others of our position. “He who shouts loudest must be right,” is the lesson we are teaching the next generation. They are hearing us loud and clear.
Yes, every faith system, including Atheism, possesses aggressive, hate-filled disciples whose only interest lies in monologues and imperatives. But we are teaching our children that violence and aggression is the way to win any war. When such attitudes become the norm and are modeled by those men and women in high places, it's only a matter of time before the ripple effect becomes a tidal wave that destroys our nation from the inside out. How refreshing it would be to see our politicians hold firm positions and beliefs while respecting and honoring one another.
Second, and here we go again, is Islam an inherently violent religion? To resist this question for fear of political incorrectness is to do so at our own peril. When a Christ follower picks up a sword to oppress people, he or she is in direct violation of the command of Christ. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5: 43-45).” In the same way God showers goodness upon those who rebel against Him, so also should we give good gifts to those who hate us and respond with gentleness to those who disagree with us.
Yes, many have picked up the sword in Jesus’ name. Were they following Jesus or betraying Him? I think it's safe to say that when a person picks up a weapon to force someone to convert to Christianity or even to Christ-centered morality, at that very moment he ceases to follow Jesus and becomes a minister of darkness. “He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword,” said Jesus. See Matthew 26:52.
Every belief system has its fanatical hijackers who will use the faith system to push a personal agenda. There are radical atheists (Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, Pol Pot), radical Hindus, radical Christians, and radical Islamists. The real question is, “Are any of these religions inherently violent?” Did their leaders and do their sacred writings promote peace or war? Do the central tenants encourage conversion by force and elimination in cases of rejection? This question is so important to ask given the fact that America seems to be opening its doors to the Islamic world. In past writings I have listed specific verses within the Quran that specifically condone killing unbelievers. Rather than take that approach in this season, I think it is better to ask a simple question. As they say, “The proof is in the pudding.” Therefore, in places where Islam is the dominant religion, how are people treated? Need I say any more? Why are we so afraid to stand up to Islam? Nature abhors a vacuum. When we eradicate one religion or faith system, we can rest assured that another one will take its place. This is what is so ironic to Christ followers all across America. While Christian radicals do indeed exist, the evangelical world as a whole in America will indeed be praying for the families of the victims in Florida. They will be saddened and a moment of silence will be given on behalf of those who lost their lives. While not condoning same-sex activity, the vast majority of Christ-followers will blatantly condemn the man who served as Judge, Jury, and Executioner of those inside that Florida night club. However, in nations where Islam is the predominant religion, this young man, in many cases, will be touted as a hero and celebrated.
This is why many in America are asking, “Why on earth would America’s leaders refuse to acknowledge the clear and present danger of a growing movement within our borders?” Nowhere in the world are Christ-followers tortured and killed to the degree they are in Islam-led nations. Why is this? In many Islamic countries you cannot build a church building. Freedom of religion in most Islamic States simply does not exist. While Islamic leaders have spent millions of dollars on developing and encouraging places of higher learning like Harvard and Yale to develop and teach curriculum that highlights the fundamentals of Islam, Islamic States remain unwilling to do the same concerning Christianity or any other religion for that matter.
The freedoms in America are unique and precious. But while we are truly free to believe whatever we want, we are not free to practice whatever we want. If a belief system, no matter what name it goes by or how many adherents it claims, violates the sacred rights of others and threatens the safety and security of those with whom it disagrees, that system must be denounced and its followers must be carefully considered. We must be careful however that we don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Moderate Muslims who desire to live in America under America’s traditions of peace, safety, and freedom should be welcomed and embraced with opened arms. However, those with a history of strong ties to ISIS, ISIL, or any other form of fundamental Islam must be heavily vetted and in many cases denied entry.
Is this hate speech? No, it's called common sense. Yes, I may not agree with the manner in which many in Islam treat women or incite violence against Christians, gays, lesbians and women who do not wear head coverings, but I am called by Christ to love and respect all people. However, that does not mean that I check my brain at the door and put out the welcome mat for anyone who wants to persecute, torture and kill those with whom they disagree. Loving all people includes doing what we can to protect the rights of the innocent. It does not mean that I invite into my house those I know are most likely to destroy it from the inside out. I am indeed a Christ-follower. I welcome all opposing religions to come live in our nation as long as they are not intent on killing us. Seems a reasonable stipulation to me.