CYPRESSWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST
August 29, 2004
KEEP PRAYING FOR:
Our congregation Our nation, leaders and military
Our college students David and Leon in the military
Various friends, relatives and friends
WE’RE RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS
“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:19, NRSV).
In the world today there is much persecution of Christianity. I was reading an article of several tribal groups in Burma that are being physically persecuted by the government because they are primarily Christians. We should not be surprised at this. In our country, there is no physical persecution. There is however a great debate of the role of religion, Christianity in particular, in society. In our free society, there is nothing wrong with such a debate. How to accomplish helping the poor (through private or governmental means or a combination of both), the use or abuse of faith, and the separation of church and state are all being discussed today. Some people do “wear their religion on their sleeve” as one prominent person recently said. Others want no Christian standards or symbols anywhere. Many Christians just want to be left alone to worship as they please. Others want to reflect Jesus in their lives through humility and service. So the debate will continue.
Then there is the attitude of some secularists that raises concerns. One is the former Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich, who said that “the problem” with “religious zealots” is that “they confuse politics with private morality.” This is typical of some who support “privately” a Christian perspective (or so they say), but as public figures they must support the law of the land or are concerned with others. One area this is seen in are politicians who personally oppose abortion but publicly vote for every form of abortion that comes along. To me they are trying to justify their actions and keep their positions. What some like Mr. Reich do not understand is that Christians believe that their faith should influence all areas of their lives, public and private. This argument as been ongoing for years.
It is Mr. Reich’s conclusion that draws concern.
“The great conflict of the 21st century will not be between the West and terrorism. Terrorism
is a tactic, not a belief. The true battle will be between modern civilization and anti-modernists;
between those who believe in the primacy of the individual and those who believe that human
beings owe their allegiance and identity to a higher authority; between those who give priority
to life in this world and those who believe that human life is mere preparation for an existence
beyond life; between those who believe in science, reason, and logic and those who believe that
truth is revealed through Scripture and religious dogma. Terrorism will disrupt and destroy
lives. But terrorism itself is not the greatest danger we face” (from Ramesh Ponnuru, National
Review Online, 7/6/04).
Christians have often been criticized as being outdated, tied to the past, and ignorant. What Reich said is nothing new. And many have drawn the same conclusion: Christianity is dangerous. The Soviet Union, communist China and North Korea have all attempted to remove Christianity from its midst. The Soviet Union fell and churches opened again, China is seeing that Christianity might not be as great a threat as they thought, and North Korea is starving its people at the hands of a madman. What does all of this have in common with Reich’s comments? Secularism.
Why is secularism afraid of Christianity? It is a battle for the hearts and minds of people. It is competing worldviews. Secularism sees Christianity as a threat to its power and position. So we believers are zealots, ignorant and more dangerous that terrorism. Terrorism just kills but Christianity is life changing. In a sense, Mr. Reich understands what Christianity can do. Of course, in another sense he cannot understand the pilgrim nature of our belief, looking forward to eternal life with God. So secularism thinks that if Christianity becomes a dominate worldview, then he will be threatened in some way. There is always a danger in power.
Many Christians don’t mind the debate wanting our principles to be the underlining philosophy of our nation, and just want to have our symbols left alone. We see nothing wrong in attempting to persuade people to come to Jesus Christ. While there have been abuses done in the name of Christ, most Christians reject them, emphasize the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and restitution. We seek peace and try to fine solutions to problems, helping those who need help. We do not try to control speech or limited debate. We are not perfect and make efforts to correct past injustices. Often the Crusades, the Inquisitions, and most recently the clergy sexual abuses are raised. Most Christians question the wisdom of the sword in the first two and demand that the clergy come clean, face the consequences of their actions, and make restitution in the latter.
Now what is the history of the past involving secularism that has become dominant in a society. The 20th Century is the evidence for that. R. J. Rummel titled it Death By Government. Over two hundred million people died by the hands of their governments, most in times of peace. Consider Nazi Germany, communist Russia and China, Uganda, North Korea, Iraq, and others. Secularism will do what it claims Christianity would do. And that is the concern, even danger, that secularism offers. To Reich and others, terrorists are not the enemy, Christians are.
Should we be surprised at this? No. Jesus told us that the world hated Him first and it will hate us. How should we respond? Jesus again has the answer: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Pray for Mr. Reich, for our nation, our leaders (those we like and those we don’t), for our enemies, and for God’s guidance and protection.
George B. Mearns