Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” – Mark 9:33-35
Here’s my dilemma: I want to write something about some of these absurd, blanket, anti-Muslim statements being made by high-profile public figures (just a few of the examples include Donald Trump suggesting a national registry of Muslims – the equivalent of pinning a yellow star on a Jew; Trump’s latest, simply refusing Muslims entry to the USA; and Liberty President Falwell suggesting that if everyone carried concealed weapons we could “end those Muslims before they walked in…”).
I want to write about it, but then I think, “But it’s completely unnecessary to comment, because it’s so obvious that what they’re saying is ignorant, xenophobic, bigoted, fear-mongering, inflammatory, wrong, un-American, and stands in diametric opposition to the most elementary teachings of Christian faith…”
Then, having said that to myself, I read the news and I see that Trump’s poll numbers have gone up, that people like Jerry Falwell Jr. are lauded and applauded, and that such pronouncements – distortions and lies that marginalize and place blame on an entire religious culture – seem to tap in to a vast reservoir of intolerance located barely below the surface of public discourse, a repository of narrow-mindedness that is too easily mined, too readily manipulated, too deftly exploited, and – ultimately – too comfortably controlled.
In short, a huge number of American Christians seem to be handily hooked by this cynical ploy, and then reeled in without so much as a question.
And that – friends and readers – worries me much more than the rhetoric that has been designed so cleverly, and deployed so cynically to capitalize on such fear.
RADICALIZED: Last week’s shooting at the Colorado Planned Parenthood Clinic was the work of a “radicalized” Christian. Should we ban Christians from international travel, or open up a national registry so we can keep a closer eye on them?
Today’s political and religious rhetoric is inflationary. Those who contrive to make intolerance inflationary too, and violence, and bigotry, and fear, are moving this world more resolutely away from solutions and toward a tragic conflagration.
When “Christians” talk about “ending” Muslims, and requiring religious litmus tests before the huddled masses yearning to breathe free are allowed access to our air… then they are not representing Jesus any more so much as their own made up religion of exclusive, jingoistic, secular, vaguely Christianized nationalism.
Jesus said our response should be, always, to love our neighbor, that we should do everything in our power to help, and that – if we really do want to be leaders, the best approach is to offer ourselves as “the servant of all.”
Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest…
– DEREK
Derek,
You really expressed in words what I have been feeling lately. Politicians and “Christian” leaders so often look so little like Jesus. It saddens me to see so many people led astray in their quest for power that they forget about loving their neighbor as theirself.
Your blog is a breath of fresh air in what can be such a sad environment. Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
Aaron V. Lopez
Thanks much, Aaron. I appreciate it.
With so much hot air going around, it’s nice to be referred to as fresh!
Strong message that needs to be heard. Hope and pray your backlash is minor. The fearful will be heard.
Sent from my iPad
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I totally agree with this post 100%, when i first “saw” trump on the TV was the republican debate and i was like 🙁
and i was really mad/saddened and just frustrated that this is what it has come down to.
Then started reading my bible and stumbled upon Psalm 37… and i find it to be so true and applicable at this time.
Well said! I agree with you. I wonder if you don’t mind me reblogging this. You said it so well. I think others need to read this.
Go for it!
Thanks
[…] don’t be manipulated by fear-mongering (Jesus trumps Trump) […]
Derek, I am really torn. I do not support a “ban” (Trump’s word) on all Muslims entering this country. A great many of these refugees are leaving their homeland and heading to America to escape political and religious persecution. They are parents who want their children to live free without fear of being “drafted” at gunpoint or indoctrinated into a violent faction of Islam. I do believe, however, that we need to be sure we know who is coming here. And that is no easy task. I don’t even know how we can do that, but then again I don’t work for the State Department. This stuff is way above my pay grade. I see an opportunity to witness to these refugees and let them see the error of believing in a dead prophet and a non-existing God. Teach them how Islam is one of the many false religions that are purposefully trying to wipe out God’s chosen (the Jews) and His converts (the Gentiles). We are afraid of these refugees because we’ve seen what jihadists are capable of. There is an unfortunate randomness to their attacks. There are literally dozens and dozens of terror attacks that have been foiled since 9/11 by intelligence arms of the federal government as well as the NYPD and other city police departments. I believe all we can do is be vigilant and smart, and trust God in all His infinite. wisdom to keep us safe.
God bless you and the United States of America.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
– Derek
Reblogged this on At Heaven's Gate and commented:
I am not reblogging to “preach to the choir”. I am reblogging to add ‘counter weight’ to the madness out there. I will also share on Face Book for the same reason. Keep writing Derek.
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