Radical Islam vs. radical Christianity: What do you think?
Is radical Islam the same as radical Christianity? Are Christians a threat to America?
According to Rosie and the TV audience of The View, we are.
I guess I am surprised and yet, I'm not. For one, if Christians and their beliefs are readily accepted by the world, something is wrong. For two, there is a major misunderstanding of what "separation of church and state" even means and the context in which it was first stated.
However, to have a well-known figure compare radical Christianity to radical Islam on national television seems a little misplaced. After all, throughout the ages "radical" Christians are the ones who have laid down their lives for others. They have sacrificed and risked their lives for others. Quite the opposite of what we see happening through radical Islamic groups - those who willingly lay down their lives to take lives, not to save lives.
Shannon has written an excellent letter to Barbara Walters which articulates a lot of what I would write (only Shannon says it much better!).
I was thinking about encouraging you to write a letter but then I got to wondering: Is this a battle we should be trying to fight? I don't know. Is it worth it? Two years ago, I would have been up in arms about it and wanting everyone to blast off strong letters and emails to Barbara Walters and ABC asking for an apology. However, that was two years ago. I've changed a lot through blogging and interacting with so many people. I've been wondering how effective a barrage of letters to ABC would be. Sure, it would prove that we are out here and care about what is said about us. But, should we, as Christians, really care what ABC thinks? Could good come from a public apology from ABC? Is there a more effective approach?
What do you think? I'd love to hear, if you'd care to share. However, please do not use the comments section to blast ABC or Barbara Walters or Rosie O'donnell. That, for sure, won't do any good.
According to Rosie and the TV audience of The View, we are.
I guess I am surprised and yet, I'm not. For one, if Christians and their beliefs are readily accepted by the world, something is wrong. For two, there is a major misunderstanding of what "separation of church and state" even means and the context in which it was first stated.
However, to have a well-known figure compare radical Christianity to radical Islam on national television seems a little misplaced. After all, throughout the ages "radical" Christians are the ones who have laid down their lives for others. They have sacrificed and risked their lives for others. Quite the opposite of what we see happening through radical Islamic groups - those who willingly lay down their lives to take lives, not to save lives.
Shannon has written an excellent letter to Barbara Walters which articulates a lot of what I would write (only Shannon says it much better!).
I was thinking about encouraging you to write a letter but then I got to wondering: Is this a battle we should be trying to fight? I don't know. Is it worth it? Two years ago, I would have been up in arms about it and wanting everyone to blast off strong letters and emails to Barbara Walters and ABC asking for an apology. However, that was two years ago. I've changed a lot through blogging and interacting with so many people. I've been wondering how effective a barrage of letters to ABC would be. Sure, it would prove that we are out here and care about what is said about us. But, should we, as Christians, really care what ABC thinks? Could good come from a public apology from ABC? Is there a more effective approach?
What do you think? I'd love to hear, if you'd care to share. However, please do not use the comments section to blast ABC or Barbara Walters or Rosie O'donnell. That, for sure, won't do any good.
posted by Crystal Paine at 3:57 PM
40 Comments:
My husband and I had a long talk about this last night at dinner after I read Shannon's post. My first inclination was to write a letter too. But then my husband pointed out that I already sort of "voted" by the fact that I don't watch the View. As a family, we strongly believe that Christians need to glorify God through our actions such as who we vote for, what we buy, and what we watch. Certainly all of those decisions are more effective if articulate letters are written explaining our effectual boycotts, but frankly if we wrote a letter for each thing we choose not to do, that would take up most of our time. In most cases, we tend to focus our efforts on actually doing things, rather than explaining what it is that we are NOT doing.
That said, I think letters like Shannon's are excellent when we make a sudden change - as in her experience watching the View and being offended by it. If I were in that position, I would probably write a letter too.
Sorry to leave such a rambling comment!
If we are upset about the comparison between radical Islam and radical Christianity (and we probably should be considering the "scholar" who proffered it), then perhaps we should spend a little time considering what sets Christianity apart from Islam.
Ultimately there are only two religions in the world. There is Christianity and there is the Religion of the Law. Every religion, other than Christianity, preaches some variation on the same theme: "Do this and you will live." Christianity preaches the cross of Jesus Christ – the unbelievable thing God did so that you would live.
So if you went to church this Sunday and heard a good moral lesson about how to live right in God’s eyes, you really do need to ask yourself: "What is it that distinguishes my religion from Islam?" (And, by the way... there are at least three fingers pointing back at me on this one.)
W e ditched out our TV about 2 months ago, and we have been blessed by it. I personally don't think letters would make a difference, and I'd rather write one to uplift someone than to put my energy into something that will drain me.
I think there are some things worth fighting for, but daytime TV is not one of them. My vote, like the above commentor, is not watching or supporting them in any way, shape or form. Let the world have them.
Ms. O'Donnell did not simply state her disagreement with Christianity and its doctrines. She falsely accused 'radical Christians' (whoever that is) of murdering innocent civilians - presumably she is inferring Iraq and Afghanistan.
The USA is at WAR. Unfortunately, war does mean that innocent civilians might be killed UNINTENTIONALLY. There is a huge difference between murderous and barbaric terrorist tactics and the USA defending itself against and rooting out terrorist groups, wherever they might be.
I haven't noticed any Christians of ANY kind in the news lately for attempting to blow up high-rise buildings, using airplanes with passengers as bombs or kidnapping and beheading innocent civilians.
It is disturbing that her notion of Christians is that we are just as evil, violent and hell-bent on destroying innoncent lives as radical Islamo-fascists. We don't force conversions or execute those who leave the faith. We don't murder our daughters and wives if they are raped in 'honor killings'.
I wrote a letter to ABC. I want them to know that 1. I don't watch the View because of the questionable moral content on it and 2. it is one thing to disagree with a viewpoint or a religion, but another to lie and slander.
You know, if it hadn't been for the audience's reaction, I might have written a letter, too. But the truth is that the audience of the show actually *agreed* with Rosie. And to me, that indicates more than just a media bias against Christianity (which exists, don't get me wrong).
I don't think being the 'squeaky wheel' is what will turn things around. At least not in the way we want it to. We certainly shouldn't start a fight... Perhaps we should approach in the same way that Paul told Timothy to deal with those who opposed him?
i realize that my letters don't mean much to ABC or the View but i wrote them anyway. i do not watch tv but i did in the past so i know the show and agree with the above commenter on the objectionable moral content.
viewers of any tv show see ads and that relates to money so i let advertisers and producers etc know why i don't watch them in hopes that they will change their ways.
I just don't know.... Sometimes I want to get out there and write all the letters and do all the boycotts etc. yet on the other hand, we are Christians, and the bible says Joh 15:19,20* If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
So, in that, I expect it.
When it is a christian group of people saying things then it is different to me, but for me, Jesus said they would hate us and I think in another place it says that it would be bad if they loved us!
Rosie is a lesbian and hates Christianity because true Christians believe her life style is sinful. That is why she says what she does. Period. She has nothing to back up her slander, though. People like her love to bring up the Crusades as "proof" that we are as dangerous as radical Islamists, but they can't bring up any other examples in the last 500 yrs...except, maybe the three "Christians" who killed some abortionist. That really makes Rosie's "point" valid (sarcasm intended). If I usesd her logic I could say that humanists were just as dangerous as Islamist terrorist because of Hitler and Stalin and some serial killers. I would have more evidence than her (more recent in history, too).
I NEVER view "The View" (pun intended), but I do get concerned when Christians want to back out of the picture completely. If we keep in silence will our silence result in loosing our rights to worship freely. "The View" is watched by like, 4 million women and I don't think that that stupid show about nothing will be a big factor, but it does show that there are a lot of people who have been brainwashed to believe this garbage.I don't know if writing a letter is the best answer, but I won't stop anyone from wanting their voice heard. We Christians NEED to speak up and make our presence known. I want my sons to worship freely as I do.
Just some thoughts...
Oh gosh. I just don't place that much importance in what other people on the plastic box have to say. I know that is really simplifying it, but *I* know where my heart is, and what is important to me and for my family. People are free to say what they will, and there will always be something I won't agree with. I suppose it's all about what *I* choose to give importance too. Rosie doesn't speak for me or my beliefs. :)
I can't read Rosie's mind and more often than not disagree with her maybe she was simply stating that any radical religious group can be dangerous. Many do horrible things in the name of religion--Timothy McVey was a Radical Christian Fundamentalist --so yes, buildings have been blown up in the name of Christianity. Just as we cannot say that all Christians do these things, we cannot lump together those who practice radical Islam with the majority of those who do not.
I've heard about this on news radio this past week, and what disturbed me the most was the audience members reaction. I would agree with the first three commentors that it's better off to cease from watching the show. I've seen it a few times and most of the content is pretty questionable, with exception to the young mother on the show. Just look at all the publicity they have received from this ordeal.
I think what Jammy said pretty much sums it up. Let the world have them.
We're thinking alike. www.xanga.com/justhiswhisper (Just His Whisper). Only....my post calls to pray. Glad you did this topic ;). Eileen
It irritated me when I first heard about it...but then I considered the source. Rosie O'Donnell is a liberal h*mos*xual. I'm not all that crazy about her anyway. LOL
Thansk for the great thoughts, everyone. I love these kinds of discussions!
I've been thinking perhaps a more effective approach for me would be to pray for O'Donnell's salvation and that God would use her comment to stir in unsaved hearts to bring them to the truth of the Gospel. I'm also seriously considering writing a letter to O'Donnell sharing the Gospel with her and what a wonderful transformation God has done in my heart through it. She probably would never read it, but I was just thinking that maybe this would be how God would have me respond. I'm still praying about it. She needs the love of Christ to be poured out to her.
Zan, I totally agree with you that we shouldn't bury our head in the sand or ignore things, I just felt that for me to write a letter or encourage others to write a letter to ABC about this would be reacting in my flesh - defensively. Not walking in the Spirit of the Lord. However, God may very well have called many others to write letters.
We have to pick our battles wisely and seek to have a strategy which is both effective and which is Biblical. We are to "speak the truth in love" and live a life above reproach to the world. Sometimes, the most effective witness is a life lived in holiness and righteousness and joy and peace and love. Other times, it is good and right and neccessary to speak the Truth in love. However, no matter what we should always remember that the Victory has already been won through Christ. "Greater is He that is in us, than He that is in the world."
Keep the great input and thoughts coming!
Bit of a different perspective here... I am a Christian and have also noticed similarities between radical Islam and radical Christianity. And Anonymous, if you haven't noticed Christians killing innocent civilians in the name of Jesus, you have not been paying attention.
Abortion clinic bombers, for instance. Timothy McVeigh. Westboro Baptist Church and the 'kill a fag for Christ' movement. (Never mind whether or not you think homosexuality is sinful; I think we can agree that "killing a fag" is not what Jesus had in mind). Crusades, Inquisition, KKK, each of which claimed motivation through Christ. To each of which I (and probably all of you, based on your comments) would respond that Christianity is a religion of peace; true Christians do not try to kill, neither do they hate.
'Radical' Christianity can of course mean many different things (thanks for noting, Crystal); martyrs and saints and mystics and ascetics and even nuns can be considered radicals. 'Radical' Muslims could mean the beautiful tradition of poet-saints, humanitarians, or even those crazy leaders who are trying to bring peace to the Middle East. But in the context in which 'Radical Islam' is usually used, it means none of these things.
I would hope that the difference between Christianity and other religions would be the lack of violent radicalism. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Fortunately, we have been given the grace to see our own sin and correct it, rather than to pretend it isn't there.
Amy Jo, is there a reason you won't write the word 'homosexual?' Are you that afraid of a clinical term?
I am genuinely curious.
Rosie lives a very comfortable life with her children and same sex lover. I'm pretty certain if she was to be living among radical Muslims, under their law, that wouldn't be happening. They kill homosexuals and have little respect for women.
My prayer for Rosie is that she will find Jesus christ, repent and know what it is to have true peace!
Bravo, Crystal! I love this:
..."I've been thinking perhaps a more effective approach for me would be to pray for O'Donnell's salvation and that God would use her comment to stir in unsaved hearts to bring them to the truth of the Gospel. I'm also seriously considering writing a letter to O'Donnell sharing the Gospel with her and what a wonderful transformation God has done in my heart through it. She probably would never read it, but I was just thinking that maybe this would be how God would have me respond. I'm still praying about it. She needs the love of Christ to be poured out to her."
That is powerful stuff.
My only concern w/a letter writing campaign is that ABC & Barbara Walters knows that we are not the type of people who watch their show anyway. So, how important is our opinion to them? Probably not very.
I think the best way to handle the situation is to pray for a change in their hearts & continue to not watch shows like that.
First, I don't believe in Radical Christianity. There is no such thing. In my opinion those that do anything to the extreme that is not godly such as making hate remarks, or bombing abortion clinics are not christians. I do not believe God (Jesus) acted that way nor does the word of God say those things are right. Romans 12 tells how Christains should act and actually the whole word of God is our example and I don't believe its our place to judge others for we will be judged. I don't agree 100% with abortions and homosexuals it is a disgrace and a shame to our country and those will be held accountable but so will people that think they are christians and fight against these things in dangerous and extreme things. It is one thing to write and band and boycott and protest in a loving valuable way but it is another to stand at our funerals and say GOD HATES FAGS. Who are they? Do they not commit sin? It is all equal. As far as the Islam situation there is no comparison in my eyes but in God's I don't know. And as far as Radical Christians those two words don't exsist. There is no christian that is a true christian should be even consider such a thing. Your not a Christian if you don't act and behave in godliness and I don't believe that people bombing clinics should be called Christians. People need to let God be in control and let Him have his wrath. We don't need to take extreme matters in our hands. We would be acting out as God. I do not agree with Rosie at all. I will not ever watch the show. I don't anyway due to the homosexual view. Like I said you can not support things that are not of God but do it in a tactful way. But I will not become desensitzed by the worlds standards I will fight when needed but in a Godly, prayed up way!!!
Chrissy (Illinois)
I think it is good to define our terms when speaking of "Radical" Christianity - I would view "Radical" Christianity as a person who is completely abandoned to God. As Oswald Chambers would say, "Recklessly abandoned to God." I love that mental picture. It is one of being a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
Those who are blowing up buildings or performing other acts of violence in the name of Christianity have a very skewed view of "Christianity." My heart breaks for these people. We happen to live nearby a group which condemns homosexuality in a way which is as far from loving as it gets. We've had some interaction with these folks and it is so sad. Though they say they are doing this in the name of the Lord, in all honestly, from our observations and dealings with them, they are completely missing most of Scripture. There is no love, no desire to share Christ, no overflowing joy in their lives. Instead, it appears to be vitriolic hatred. Sadly, they have given Christ a very bad name in our community and all across America. We've tried to talk with them and engage them in a conversation and share Scripture, but it got nowhere. I do pray for them often, though. Maybe someday I will get another chance to speak with them.
Kathryn, I'm guessing that the commentor did not write out "homosexual" in deference to my blog - so that it is not brought up in search terms for this subject. Many people will always mask that term and similar terms for that reason. Since I moderate comments here, I don't have a problem with people spelling things out. However, in other unmoderated forums, it is often helpful.
Radical Islam is equated to radical Christianity in America? Obviously this is evidence of a blinding to the Truth of the Word of God. In Islam, Allah requires performance for acceptance into his eternal bosom, specifically the death of infidels/unbelievers and also the followers of the "radical" Islam faith version. Concerning the faith relationship of being in Christ and Christ being in the follower(THIS is Christianity and quite radical to those not adopted into the family of God), in stark contract to the religion of Islam, believers are commanded to love unbelievers and desire(sometimes by laying down their own life in the process, like Jim Elliot) that they come to know God. In Christianity it is God Who died to pay the debt of sin and provides eternal life as a free gift. The God of Christianity completed the work necessary to place a person in Christ in Heaven positionally BEFORE they pass from this life to the next, in perfect practice His children of light pass from the body physically to heaven. So, yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus story figure with a historical human heralded yet a HUGE contrast between religion such as Islam and the faith relationship of Christianity. The contrast is the difference between life and freedom...and enslavement to death and sin.
Love because of Jesus,
Joyce
Crystal,
Last night my husband and I for the first time watched united 93 which is about the flight that was highjacked and off to plunder the pentagon. However, through the courage of some of the male passengers on board that day, the plans of the terrorists were thwarted, thus, sparing thousands of lives in Washington....it reminded me of this post that I had read. I am saddened to think that anyone could compare Christianity to Islam, a religion where there is such hatred and no peace...a religion that has so many deceived.
Us Christians need to stand up for ourselves, while we still can. If we sit back and watch our rights being taken one stage at a time, we will turn into China and Russia. Godless nations, where a belief in scripture is a jail sentence.
Socialism and communism are coming to America through liberal channels. Beware!
Crystal--
Thank you for your thoughtful responses. You made my point exactly.
"Those who are blowing up buildings or performing other acts of violence in the name of Christianity have a very skewed view of "Christianity.""
This represents my view exactly, as well as the views of most Christians in the world. Subsitute 'Islam' for 'Christianity' and you have the exact feelings of most Muslims in the world. Radicals on both sides (different definition of radical than you're using, but I think we can agree that the word CAN be used this way) distort the words of their scriptures in order to do violence. To call Islam a 'religion of hatred' is to see only the Timothy McVeighs of Islam and to ignore the Mother Theresas.
-Kathryn (the same Kathryn as above, but please don't link to my blog-- I didn't realize it would show up as clickable)
Kathryn - in the future, just log in as "other" with your name when you post and it will not link to your blog. Or you can post anonymously like you did. However, I always appreciate if people sign their name or initials or penname when doing so because there is no way that I can figure out all the nameless, faceless people otherwise. :) Thanks for signing your name.
i personally would NEVER EVER take on Rosie O'. her agenda is evil and it would just be messing with the enemy, seriously. A HUGE ENERGY AND TIME WASTER TAKING US AWAY FROM OUR FAMILY (and that is what we are here for)we can do so much better than that. We can stand in different ways. Rosie is not for the traditional family whatsoever.
I'm not sure if you were referring to my mentioning of writing and sharing the Gospel with her or not, homemakerang, but I don't think it is ever a time waster to share the Gospel. Even if someone may seem "hopelessly lost" - there is yet hope. Think of the Apostle Paul - the "Chief of Sinners" and yet God's grace was still sufficient to save him. Wouldn't the salvation of someone like Rosie be a huge testimony for the glory of God?
I often think that people like her are extremely lonely, sad, and broken-hearted and they hide it under a guise of staunch opposition to what may seem moral, etc.
But for the grace of God, I would be just like Rosie. She needs Christ just as much as you and I do.
Obviously, we aren't all called to share the Gospel with Rosie, but if we all just avoid people like her as "evil" who will ever share Christ's love and forgiveness with her?
Christ came to save sinners - what a glorious message we have to share with the world!
I think that it is (obviously) just a personal decision for every person. At this point, I don't know what I will do, as far as writing a letter or whatever. BUT, I've been thinking about this all weekend long, unable to get it out of my mind. After watching the video on Shannon's blog, I was not shocked, to be honest, but I didn't know quite what to think. I posted my thoughts here:
Oh, and Crystal....a while back you asked about Blogger Beta, and I was the one who told you that you couldn't use your own template. Well, that option is now available!!! They have the HTML section enabled to edit your template, or download a copy of an old template off your computer. Just thought I'd let you know! :o)
Crystal,
I agree that Rosie does not seem very happy. I remember seeing some show about her and her S.O. was saying that she had a very dark personality. I always thought she looked and acted depressed and very bitter.
It really is very sad.
This post is acutally the first I have heard about it since I watch limited TV.
One thing I would like to add is that the term Christian and Christianity are thrown around very loosly in our day.
A person can beleive that there is a God and he's out there somewhere - that's the extent of their beleif and yet they consider themselves a Christian.
True Christians are "Christ-followers", born-again, following after His example and I don't beleive that we can be too extreme in that area.
-Jenn
NO!!! of course not, I would witness to her too. I was referring to changing her mind about some things she is involved with...
I am "warning" you though (cant think of a better word) to be VERY CAREFUL what you decide to do. Make sure Jesse is in 100% agreement with you. My hubby would say NO. He knows what this kind of thing can bring on a household. I was trying to say (hard to in email) that I would rather play with kathyrnne than take to much time out of my life to talk to her. She has a very dark side. Yes she can be saved and all that of course, i am just saying when you confront it takes a lot of energy away from your family and what you do as mom. I think confrontation needs to happen in life, but I usually really pray and see if the Lord is calling me to do it or if I just want to do it, do you understand what I am saying. i am saying this all in much love and not condescending at all, etc.
you said it best above :)
"We have to pick our battles wisely and seek to have a strategy which is both effective and which is Biblical"
ok, one more thing. a great book is by James Dobson (i dont care for all of his books) "A Parents Guide to preventing Homosexuality" I am basing a lot of my arguements on this towards Rosie. The Homosexuals have quite an agenda and this book devulges it. They want our kids! They are a force to be very careful to try to reckon with. the whole agenda is straight from the pit! be careful...
do you know anything about R.O? it would be really good to take a look at her and what she stands for and all of it.
Homemakerang, Don't worry, I know that you are saying all this in love. :) My whole point in posting what I did on this post was because I was just wondering about what the best approach is in this. Sometimes I think it is easy to be defensive and respond in the flesh. I know I struggle with this and this is an area God has really been working on my heart in. I'm not planning to go fly somewhere and confront Rosie, though if God called me to, I would talk to her face-to-face. I was just saying that I was considering writing her a letter. I'm still seeking the Lord's direction on this.
I know that when you speak the Truth and share the Gospel there is tremendous opposition. I experience quite a bit of that on my blog quite frequently. However, I do not want to run from hard things or not listen to the promptings of the Lord because I am afraid of persecution.
Just yesterday, a rather large very vulgar website featured my blog on their homepage as something that was "very evil" (don't ask me where these people find me, they always seem to!). We received hundreds of visitors from that website and then they've spent the last 24 hours picking apart, mocking, taunting, and twisting much of what I've written here on their message forum. At first, I was a bit disheartened, but I quickly changed my mind. In spite of the fact that almost 100% of the visitors from that website were coming to my site to find something to ridicule and curse at, I prayed that the Lord would use it in their lives as a witness. In the midst of their sin-darkened world, I wanted this website to be a breath of fresh air. Something pure, something lovely.
Of course I'd rather that no one ever mocks what I write, however, if because of the mocking, many people are introduced to a Christian family who is seeking with all their hearts to glorify and honor the Lord, I'm all for it.
I've been given so much and oh how I want to live a life of giving back to the One Who gave His life a ransom for me.
amen! i agree with your last comment... thanks for stopping by my place too :) we are excited. on another note though, i am so sorry about the other people tearing you apart... i have a website that does it to me, i wont mention the name to give them any press but i know how you feel. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK for the kingdom! xoxox
Probably at least 50% of Rosies audience are Christian. Didn't seem like a smart move, and you could tell by the look on Barbra's face, she didn't approve.
I think Rosie will try to take over the show. Soon it will be the Rosies' view.
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