Tolerance
You probably heard the news stories last week about Abdul Rahman, the man who was sentenced to death in Afghanistan for converting to Christianity. He fled the country and eventually found asylum in Italy.
What you might not have heard was the response of Abdul Raoulf, a senior Muslim cleric who had been branded by many as a 'moderate':
"...A man who converts has to be killed. Rejecting Islam is insulting God. We will not allow God to be insulted... They should cut off [Rahman's] head, and pull him to pieces so there's nothing left."
Which is less tolerant: a Christian who pleads with people to turn to Christ as the only way to eternal salvation, or a Muslim who advocates beheading and torturing Christians to help God save face?
What you might not have heard was the response of Abdul Raoulf, a senior Muslim cleric who had been branded by many as a 'moderate':
"...A man who converts has to be killed. Rejecting Islam is insulting God. We will not allow God to be insulted... They should cut off [Rahman's] head, and pull him to pieces so there's nothing left."
Which is less tolerant: a Christian who pleads with people to turn to Christ as the only way to eternal salvation, or a Muslim who advocates beheading and torturing Christians to help God save face?
posted by Bob | 1:37 PM
4 Comments:
Bob, I really doubt there's a whole lot of people who would say that Islam is more tolerant than Christianity.
Thanks Trav. My point was to use this story to take issue with the claim that Christian evangelism is "intolerant" - a charge leveled because we claim that Jesus is the only way to God. Christianity is actually one of the most tolerant of the world's religions, because it leaves judgment to God. Christ left us a mission of persuasion, not force and intimidation.
Fair enough. :)
I was actually starting to discuss this claim of intolerance or "unfairness" with a buddy of mine last weekend. Actually it's the same guy I emailed you about a few days ago. Unfortunately topics changed so fast I was unable to form a good response in time.
Bob said, concluded with; Christ left us a mission of persuasion, not force and intimidation. I agree that force and intimidation is the wrong method. Persuation though? Can any amount of persuation or intellectual logic truely change the heart of the non-believer. Does the idea that you or I could persuade anyone to become a believer challenge the sovereignty of God? I can plant the seed and water it. But can I make it grow or give it life? And what is the seed that we are commanded to sow? Is it my words or is it the Word? Where does the scripture say that Christ left us with the mission of persuasion?
I beg your pardon, this is a discussion about tolerance. What does it profit the Kingdom of God to debate tolerance or intolerance of Christianity? Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father. That is intolerant of Islam, Hinduism or Budism or any other religion that say there is another way to the One True God.
As for human beings, Christians are the only source of tolerance in this world. Watching working and waiting upon the Lord to change people from within. Any other religion tries to change people from without.
Post a Comment
<< Home