Over the last week, we here at Irregular Times have said a great deal to condemn the violence and death threats by radical Muslims who are upset about a few cartoons. There is no excuse for their bullying mob terrorism, intended to force us in the West to submit to tenets of Islamic law.
However, the radical Muslim violence is not the whole story. In Europe and America, there are many people who are using this crisis as an opportunity for a kind of religious cheerleading, in which they declare their religion to superior to Islam. Specifically, many Christians, especially right wing Christians, are seizing upon the moment to cast Islam as an irredeemable religion of violence, and Christianity as a wholly virtuous religion of peace. These Christians personalize all the wickedness of Islam and the virtue of Christianity into the religions’ two main prophets, describing Mohammed as an insane, raging warlord and Jesus as a placid prince of peace.
One such comment, written by an Irregular Times reader, uses the anti-cartoon violence to follows this course of argument, claiming,
“I’ve read the King James & New King James version and the NIV bibles and have never seen where Jesue [sic] preached anything but love and peace. Can the same be said of Muhammed?… I also know of no Christians in the past 100 years that have beheaded innocent people in the name of their God. Conversely, it happens in this day and age and I’ve yet to hear a muslim stand against that kind of behavior… It is no coincidence that the terrorist acts all over the world (Bali, Spain, U.S., etc.) have all been committed by muslims.”
This comment reflects how many American Christians see the state of religion in their world. They honestly believe that Christianity is a purely peaceful religion, and that Jesus never advocated violence. On the other hand, they regard Islam as a purely violent religion, which is designed to promote bloodshed, with the prophet Mohammed as nothing more than the Osama Bin Laden of his day.
Well, folks, the picture is not that simple. Yes, there is violence in the religion of Islam, but cannot the same be said of Christianity? Let’s go to the Christian Good Book and see if our reader was right. Did Jesus never advocate violence? That’s not how it seems in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10, verses 34-39.
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
In these verses we see Jesus the Jihadist. Jesus directly contradicts the idea that his religion will be a religion of peace. Instead, he calls upon his followers to take up the sword in his name, to create strife. Furthermore, he calls upon his followers to leave their families behind in order to join his jihad, saying that those who are killed in his holy war will be rewarded. This is not the only passage in the Bible where violence is promoted as a good thing.
Now, many Christians will come back to me and say that I’m misinterpreting the passage. They’ll say that Jesus didn’t mean it literally. They’ll say that it’s just a metaphor.
Well, Christian history indicates something very different. For centuries, verses like this have been used by Christians to justify their own religious violence, in the form of the Crusades, the inquisitions against heretics in Europe, and the violent colonization of much of the world that led to the historic growth of Christianity.
Oh, the American Christians will say, that’s all in the past. As our reader claims, there aren’t any Christians within the last 100 years who have run around chopping people’s heads off, right?
Wrong. Let us consider the Lord’s Resistance Army, a Christian group in Africa that is at this very moment engaged in a campaign of terror that has the same motivation as America’s Religious Right: The Lord’s Resistance Army, and its partner in holy war, the People’s Redemption Army, wants to put the Ten Commandments into law. So, what are they doing in the name of Christianity and the Ten Commandments? An article from the San Francisco Chronicle from last Sunday summarizes their Christian holy war as follows:
“Led by the ubiquitous Joseph Kony, the Lord’s Army has kidnapped thousands of boys and girls, forcing them into their ranks as child soldiers and sex slaves. Those who resist are killed or maimed, driving more than 1 million Ugandans into semi-permanent refugee camps.”
But, at least the Lord’s Resistance Army is not chopping off anybody’s heads. I mean, the Christian jihadists don’t behead anyone, right?
Wrong. The Peace and Conflict Monitor describes the actions of the Lord’s Resistance Army as follows:
“Independent reports leave no doubt that the LRA, which has been fighting since 1988, systematically uses terror tactics against the civilian population in the north. They kill, burn, mutilate, behead, rape and psychologically torture their victims. The war, though little reported, forms part of Africa’s most intense conflict zones from the great lakes to the Sudan. It’s reported that more than twenty thousand children have been forcefully been recruited into the LRA, as many as eight thousand just over last year. The Ugandan government army has been unable to combat the rebels effectively, and the prospects of a negotiated peace are bleak. An amnesty and peace overtures have faltered; some guerillas/ rebels fear retribution, others know nothing but bush war.”
There you have it: A Christian army engaged in a program of decapitation in order to terrorize its enemies – not one hundred years ago, but right now. Why is it, I wonder, that our government and its allies in the right wing media are not making as big a deal about these Christian terrorists as they are about the Islamic terrorists?
Well, to be fair, the Lord’s Resistance Army has not attacked the United States yet. That’s a small point in their favor, I supppose, but the only one.
Many Christians I know have defended their religion from association with the terrorism of the Lord’s Resistance Army by claiming that the LRA’s violence doesn’t count as Christian violence. Why not? Well, the Christians say, the people in the Lord’s Resistance Army are not real Christians. Why not? Well, because the people in the Lord’s Resistance Army use violence to promote their ideology, and real Christians don’t do that. That argument creates a beautiful circle of logic that is as empty as it is smooth. Besides, the Book of Matthew shows that Jesus himself was willing to promote religious violence and strife. How then can it be said that Christian violence cannot, be definition, exist?
My point is not to condemn all Christians as murderous villains. Nor do I wish to repeat the foolish assertion that Islam is a religion of peace. Rather, it is my intention to counter the baseless assertion coming now from America’s Religious Right that Christianity is a religion of pure peace, while Islam is a force of satanic destruction. Neither Islam nor Christianity is purely peaceful or purely violent. Both religions sometimes stand for peace, but both religions have serious problems with theologically inspired mass violence.
In fact, Christians and Muslims appear to be no more peaceful and no more violent than any one else. This fact suggests that religion is less a guiding force for moral behavior, than a pretty veneer that is placed atop the reality of what human beings are already inclined to do.
Very good point in the last paragraph, but not all of the recent terrorist acts have been carried out by Muslims, have they?
It would seem that both have had their history of foghting to defend their “compassionate, meciful God”. Wouldn’t it be amusing if it was all the same God? Boy, would SHE be pissed!
I so wanted to pass this up, but I just can’t. Don’t cherrypick, look at the whole text. Jesus does use the word sword, but he’s referring to the suffering that his followers will endure, he’s not instructing them to attack others. In verse 16 of that chapter, for example, he says “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves,” in other words as those who are subject to be attacked. Sheep rely on the shepherd for defense, they don’t fight to defend themselves. And right in the passage you quoted, it says, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” He’s very clearly calling for a life of self-sacrifice (the cross), and scholars (Matthew Henry and others) agree that the sword reference is intended to give his followers and potential converts fair warning of what they are getting into. First century Christians were subject to all kinds of abuse, including prison, beheading and crucifixion.
Christian history is no different from Christian current events. People do things in the name of Christianity that are not condoned by the Christian faith of the bible. Part of the reason you don’t hear much fuss about the LRA is that it is not being covered by the media. When the media reports on Pat Robertson’s latest gaffe, most Christians are quick to dispute whatever he said. Oddly enough, and proof that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, the LRA WAS covered by Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network. I just found this article via Google. And that actually goes toward proving my point. Most Christians pay little or no attention to Robertson, and the Christians that became aware of this terrorist group not only disavowed it, but worked on helping the victims.
I hit submit too soon – where I was going with this is that, yes, some people do use Christianity as an excuse to do violence, but comparisons to Islam are not apples-to-apples comparisons, even over the history of each faith.
As humans go, we’re an inconsistent, irrational, and underdeveloped species (especially in the humility, maturity, wisdom and tolerance departments, among many others). It seems that most of the trouble on planet earth is either caused by, exacerbated by, or poorly responded to by we humans. We fail to see the big picture and only act in self interest (according to many psychologists and other schools of thought). Who ever invented the idea that some humans can have more while all the others have much less, corporations as having human rights, the idea that anyone can “own” land, and the unbalanced rule of law (especially in the USA) is a typical example of human thinking. We worry about skin color when the real problem is in our DNA and our social institutions, for example. We spend most of our days doing completely meaningless, self-satisfying actions while contributing to the massive problems facing us as a species (pollution, my side vs your side thinking, greed, arrogance, and the big money chase). Meanwhile, we’ve set up a system of “civilization” which KEEPS it this way and keeps us distracted.
Of course there are violent people amongst the Christians. And violent people amongst the Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists.
However, at this time in the 2000s, most of wars and terrorism being waged in the name of religion, is being waged by Muslims.
The Muslim extremists are fighting other religions, (or each other), in dozens of countries; including wars in south Thailand, northern India, southern Russia, a number of African countries including the genocide of Black Christians in the Sudan, and in parts of the Middle East and South Asia.
And of course there have been terrorist attacks by Muslims in Europe and North America.
While all types of humans have their bad people, there is no doubt that there is a deeper and more profound problem with the Muslim faith today in regard to getting along with other people and accepting modernity. And there is a problem in the mUslim world of tolerating the rights of religious minorities and women, in many Muslim countries.
Historically speaking, if my sources can be seen as even remotely accurate, the lives of these two leaders speak about who they were. Jesus was known as a healer. He did not promote violence. He taught about peace and love. He knew that His teachings might divide people (hence the sword reference) and that love and dedication to God is more important than a child’s commitment to his/her parents – a person should not put their family heritage before their commitment to God. Jesus taught people to turn the other cheek and love their enemies. Jesus pointed to the idea that God was present with humanity and if we call out to Him, He would open a way for people even where no way seems possible – violence was taken out of the picture through Jesus because salvation, which originally only belonged to the Jews was opened up to all people everywhere – so how can violence be thought of as an appropriate action – everyone is potentially a Christ follower – killing a non-believer means that their chance is taken from them. Christians are not called to kill. Jesus stopped violence that might have ended in killing on the night when he was arrested. Jesus ran from violence on atleast one other occassion.
Mohammed became a political leader and was given leadership of armies. He used those armies to conquer cities – this caused bloodshed and lots of it. 900 Jews were killed simply because they were Jews. This was done under Mohammed’s command. Mohammed passed on the Qur’an which is supposed to be a direct revelation from God. In it violence is considered a very appropriate solution to various problems. Women are seen as property. The Hadiths are reports of reliable eyewitnesses on the things Mohammed said and did. Some Muslims regard the Hadiths as trust worthy and some do not. The Hadiths point to a violent and power hungry ‘prophet.’
It is said that Mohammed met with an angel in a cave and that is where the Qur’an came from. The Bible warns that satan will masquerade as an angel of light. I believe the angel in the cave was satan and that Mohammed did exactly as satan wanted. That is what Islam is. It came after Christianity to lead people away from the way of Jesus. Read the books yourself and make your own mind up.
Jesus “did not promote violence”, except that the Bible says he’ll send people off to burn in a lake of fire for eternity.
I’m sure it’s a very comfy, plush lake of fire. You know, kind of a soft tyranny.
One thing that I have heard many non-muslims comment about not trusting Muslims is that Muslims seem to have no problem with 911. Muslims did not cry out as a group against 911. How can Muslims be thought of as trustworthy if they do not speak out against the violence of people who are claiming affiliation with them. No Muslim groups are holding peace vigils or days of mourning for the misrepresentation of Islam. They are not concerned with being seen as a healthy and positive contributing presence in the world. In its roots Islam is a religion that hopes to take control politically. There was one guy who tried to have a march on Washington in the states to speak out against muslim violence and he found no support among Muslims in America; he found resistance. Muslims have not sought peace where they are, or to safeguard against this kind of behavior. I’ve heard Muslims say that Islam is a religion whose goal is peace – what they don’t say is that it will attempt to achieve ‘peace’ by any means possible – violence is an appropriate means to peace in Islam. Sounds foolish, but that is what Islam is.
Steve,
With your blanket statements you haven’t even begun to scratch the surface. Look harder and see what you find.
You have taken that verse WAY out of context and a simple search of the Bible will show that your argument holds no water. Jesus made it very clear while being arrested to be put to death that the use of the sword is unacceptable. Peter was quickly rebuked when he pulled out his sword. Jesus also taught that “He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword.”. At no point did he teach violence. If you search for just the word sword in Scripture you will find that the sword used by Jesus is not a long sharp metal thing but rather the Word of God. This word will cause people to be rejected and set forth the striff that is then brought up. He doesnt say leave your family, but rather if you follow me be ready to lose everything. He is honest and doesnt promise a thousands virgins. Instead he says if you follow me people will hate you, disown you, and maybe kill you. If you take a brief look at history you will see evil “Christians” in some places and you will see Christians killed for their faith across all ages. History proves him correct. Follow me and the world will hate you.
Righhht. Which is why Christians are all over the TV, in the newspapers, book stores, and have almost exclusive access to governmental power, giving prayers before Congress, with the President , etc etc etc. Suuurrrre. You’re an outsider. Oooookay.
We have been blessed in this country but if your eyes are only open here you are blind to 90% of the world. Christinas around the world are killed daily and in many places there crime is that they are Christians. I have lost several friends to murder while they were missionaries. They are very dead and it is very real. Anybody who thinks the world embraces Christinas with open arms is uneducated. Ant one who thinks that Christians have to been killed for being so is blind to 2000 years of history and probably thinks Jews were loved by Hitler and that Blacks were never slaved. I understand having a left facing slant in your news. I have a right facing slant, its natural to be biased. There is a differance though in biased and poor reporting. If you want to nail Christians you have a lot of things to work with… We have been a very flawed group of people. Why attack on an issue that makes you sound silly? Why argue points that are so falliable?
As far as violance because of hell… Is it violance when a judge orders punishment because a crime was committed? This is the same situation. We want a good that has justice, as long as we are not the ones that he has it towards. We only want him to send “bad” people there. The truth is we are ALL sinners and fall short of the glory of God. Christians and noChristians alike can not enter into heaven because it is a rightous place and we are not worthy of being there. We have ALL committed crimes against God. The only differance betwen Christians and others is that we have fallen on our knees and said “I am not worthy of you God.” Jesus walked into the court room and said judge punish me and allow them to go free.
You are more then welcome to stand before the judge and see true justice. I am accepting that I am unable to please God without the help of Jesus.
I find it kind of funny that a God of “violance” which made hell is considered bad and yet he has told us that there is no reason for us to go there. He gave you a way out, you flip him off and said I can do it on my own and yet he is the bad guy. At least think about it
IOKIYAD: It’s OK If You’re a Deity.
So, you think that it should be a crime for people not to be Christians, and that they should be thrown into a lake of fire, and that’s not violence?
It doesnt say anything about being Christians. The crime is rejecting God. You cant reject Him and think its OK. Have you looked in the Bible? Have you looked at the commandments?
Those are your commandments, not mine.
So, you’ve refined your violence. Big deal… or are you still claiming that burning people, tormenting them for eternity is not violence?
I will never make you see but those are not my commandments. Those are His and whether you accpet Him or not He is still Lord and He is still in control. You can deny all day bu that doesnt make it any less true.
On committing violence, once again,
IOKIYAD: It’s OK If You’re A Deity.
I’ll make a deal with you. At one point we all have to stand before the Lord of the universe. We have to give an account for our lives. jesus will stand for me, you will stand for you. While you are there use you r funaycronym and tell him hes a big mean god and let me know how that works out for you…
To paraphase: I’ve got a big-ass god of vengeance on my side, and man, is he going to whup your ass if you don’t get in line.
Sounds like a pretty big endorsement of “might makes right” violence on your part.
I’ll make a deal with you. At one point we all have to stand before a giant iguana named Fred, and do a Broadway song and dance number, wearing an outfit with sequences. Kirk the Magic Kangaroo will sing and dance with me, and you’ll be on your own. You go and insult Fred and Kirk if you like. See how well that works out for you, okay? Send me a postcard.
I think its an endorsement for ‘make sure you know the road you travel’. Almost everyone agrees that we have one chance at this life. Make sure your path is straight. And yes, the Bible says God is a God of vengeance and yes he is going to whup everyone’s blank that doesnt follow him. Just like the judges in our penail system are judges of vengeance and when you commit a crime they whup your blank and you take your punishment. What kind of rightous God would he be if he didnt judge rightousness?
Oh, so now Christianity IS a religion of violence and vengeance. Not like you said before. Glad to know we’ve come into agreement.
There is a major difference between violance and justice
I think your fundamentalist Muslim counterpart would say something pretty similar. Everybody’s own violence is “justice.” Everybody else’s violence is just “violence.”
I submitted to early
And God in the New Testement did not tell his followers to be violent
Valid point. I can see how someone with no understanding of God and who he is and no desire to do more then scratch the surface could be confused by the large amount of contrary religions in the world. I guess all I can ask is for you to dig deeper. If you open the Bible dont do so to cherry pick what makes your point sound good, I think my “fundamentalist Muslim counterpart” would ask you to do the same for his texts. And if you really want to have fun lay them side by side and dig deeper.
I did want to comment on one last thing… You do not believe that God is real and thats up to you. But you do believe that people are real. Why worry about your percieved evil of an unreal God amd not about the real evil that is out there? I searched your past blogs and unless I am missing it I didnt find anything on the killings of people simply because they are Christinas. You asked “So, you think that it should be a crime for people not to be Christians” but you never bring up the fact that there ARE laws against being a Christian in 49 countries and that in the past 100 years 26,000,000 Christians were killed for their faith. Do you not see that as a problem? Maybe that could be a blog. Why does our government allow this? Did you know that Saudi citizens who convert to Christianity can be sentenced to death for apostasy? Did you know that Muslims in Pakistan have also been known to rape, kidnap, and forcibly marry Christian women? Are these crimes not worthy of mention? You can say what you will but I think the facts I look at the ones you do dont jive. I wish you would step back from the agenda for a sec and look at things from a nuetral perspective. I’m sure we have ‘wronged’ you in some way but people are flawed, religion is flawed. God is not
I am sorry that you have chosen to reject Kirk the Magical Kangaroo and the giant iguana of the cosmos. That’s your right, I guess, but Pascal’s Wager clearly shows that you ought to live in fear of them every day.
Actually, if you would look through Irregular Times, you would see that we have written about religious discrimination by Muslims against Christians and others, in the US-installed theocratic government in Afghanistan, for instance.
You ought not to talk so rashly about what we “never” do without checking first, Jacob.
I did check. Look here is my line ” I searched your past blogs and unless I am missing it”. I apologize that I cant find it. Could you post a link here for me? Id like to see your thought on this subject…
Jacob, I think you need to refine your search skills. Here’s just one example, which I found within 10 seconds:
http://irregulartimes.com/index.php/archives/2006/04/03/katherine-harris-afghanistan/
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Wow the author sited verses in the Bible without citing verses in the Quran and the hadith. Suggestion to the author compare the Bible and Quran, you will see verses in Quran that commands to kill infidels
trust me….hehehe