I haven't posted in a while. I'm trying to refrain from writing when I feel like I might spill over into the political fray and cause more division than good. Even though this post might only skirt the political issues, it jumps into the religious crap with both high-booted feet!
I commented to my boss the other day that it makes me sad to think how often we have our flag at half staff these days. I mean it's good that we honor those that have given their lives serving our country; it's just sad that so many are making that sacrifice.
The latest violence against the USA seems to be much more organized that originally thought. Whether this is from riots over an offensive movie or from organized terrorist groups, it's definitely a bad deal for Americans in the Middle East. The outrage over the events of the past week seems to be misplaced and directed at the entire Muslim world. I've heard numerous sources (from members of Congress to individual citizens) that want to immediately flex our economic muscles and stop sending all aid to the Middle East countries.
I do have issues with the amount of money the US gives in the way of foreign aid. I sometimes want to bring all of our troops home until I realize that the oppressed of the world are counting on us. I know that the protesters and terrorists are a small minority of the populations of the Arab countries. I know that the ignorance of the freedoms that we enjoy is great in the nations that have never enjoyed these freedoms the way we have. I know that there are many citizens of those countries that have been very grateful to the US for the aid in helping the success of the Arab Spring movements.
I want to say that I'm a little mad over the religious hatred that I've heard from many that are Christians and are often toting the religious freedom banner. Truthfully, it doesn't surprise me and it makes me more sad than mad. If we abandon the people of the Middle East that are in desperate need of the Jesus that we profess, can we really claim to be His followers? Or is that Christianity thing just for Sunday mornings?
Do we want to base our perceptions of all Muslims on the actions of a few? Do we want to decide that they can all go to hell, and we're not going to have anything to do with them--including building a relationship that will allow us to talk about the differences in our beliefs and share Jesus with them?
Okay.
That's it.
Short vent.
Today.
John <><
It is indeed sad that religious beliefs that should bring comfort and peace are used shamelessly by some people for vile socio-political ends. It is also sad that toleration of different beliefs seems to be not much accepted outside the US. I find it offensive that people who ought to know better draw a comparison between the occasional random (and quickly condemned) acts performed against Muslims here at home, and the towering rage and violence visited on members of other faiths by many Muslims around the world. It seems that tolerance and compassion toward Islam are demanded of Christians, Jews, and members of other faiths, but that reciprocal tolerance and compassion are not demanded of Muslims. Sadly, I don't see the situation improving any time soon.
ReplyDeleteWise words, John. We need to avoid the East.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem like the flag is at permanent half staff lately.
ReplyDeleteWars of religion were something of the 17th century. It's distressing that they still occur nowadays. For most people, their religion provides a message of peace, but not so for others.
ReplyDeleteNonbelievers and believers seem to feel no respect for each others' sensibilities. The internet makes this worse, in a lot of ways.