A recent issue of the American magazine, Newsweek, was entitled, “Everything you think you know about Iran is wrong.” In a series of articles in the issue, the authors labored to show that while there still needs to be concern about Iran, many of the ideas held in Western countries about Iran are distorted. Among other things, the premise was put forward that Iran did not really want to have nuclear weapons, that it did not really want war with Israel, that president Ahmadinejad’s views do not necessarily represent those of the people of Iran, and that many of the Iranian people are moderates who want peace, not war. There may be some truth in all of these statements, but the end result of the articles is to portray Islam as a peaceful religion that does not really want to cause the terrorism and bloodshed that have been attributed to it. This is in spite of the fact that Ahmadinejad apparently believes that he is destined to usher in worldwide Islamic rule.
Former Muslim Terrorists
In another incident last year, a group of three former Muslim terrorists were scheduled to speak at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Prior to their speaking, more than one newspaper hinted that they had fabricated portions of their past and protested that the real reason for the engagement was to promote Christianity. They pointed out that because these terrorists had converted to Christianity, their speaking was “inappropriate in a government setting,” as they might “profess evangelical beliefs.” Other incidents could be multiplied. In some areas of the U.S.A. now, Muslim students are allowed time for prayer in public schools, led by a staff member, while prayer by Christians is not allowed. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the airport authority has suggested that some taxicabs be labeled “sharia,” so that Muslim drivers will not be compelled to carry Orthodox Jews or people carrying alcoholic beverages. This has not been implemented yet, but the suggestion was made.
Sikhs
Lest it be thought that we are targeting Islam, incidents concerning the encouraging of other false religions could be brought forward. In 1990 a decision by the Solicitor General of Canada permitted Sikhs who wanted to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to be excused from wearing the traditional headgear of the uniform, as their religion required them to wear their turbans at all times. In contrast, several years ago a Christian medical doctor who was invited to give a presentation to the Canadian Senate on the question of legalizing gay marriage was repeatedly interrupted, forced to shorten his speech, and finally stopped altogether. It is reported that some senators who disagreed with his Christian view were so enraged that they could hardly speak.
Hindus
Hinduism is usually presented as a peaceful and tolerant religion, in spite of its caste system that keeps many in terrible bondage, its practice of sati (burning a wife on her husband’s funeral pyre), and escalating attacks on those of other religions, particularly Christians. It is a well-established fact that human sacrifices are still practiced among Hindus.
The True Picture
It gives us no pleasure to expose all these things, and it is not our purpose to spend our time in tearing down other religions. However, some facts are helpful in showing us the true picture. While all this goes on, Christianity is attacked at every turn. At the time of the tsunami several years ago, India refused foreign aid because they knew that Christian organizations would be some of the first to respond, and they would bring not only aid, but also the gospel. More recently Myanmar refused foreign aid workers for the same reason, although they were in desperate need of help. Bhutan (a Buddhist country) has singled out Christianity as a threat, more than any other religion. In much of Western Europe and North America, traditionally part of Christendom, any reference to the Bible and any mention of the Lord Jesus has been strictly forbidden in public circles in the past few years. Several years ago an evangelical rally in San Francisco was condemned by the local government as a hate group. A prominent Christian leader in the U.S.A. recently remarked, “We are, after all, a society that abides abortion on demand, has killed millions of innocent children, degrades the institution of marriage and often treats Christianity like some second-rate superstition.”
The Choice of Barabbas
While believers are understandably distressed at all this, we should not be surprised. The world made its decision when it was presented with a choice between the Lord Jesus and Barabbas. The Word of God records that Barabbas had made insurrection, committed murder, caused a tumult, and was a robber. Yet the world chose Barabbas and demanded that the Lord Jesus be crucified. Since then Satan has been both the god and the prince of this world, and men have suffered the consequences of that awful choice. It is true that the world does not like terrorism, robbery and bloodshed, but it preferred to cope with all this rather than have the presentation of Christ.
So it remains today. The terrorism and other acts of war that have occurred over the past few years have sobered this world to some extent and taken away the sense of peace and safety that was prevalent in the Western world. However, these things have not, for the most part, turned the world to Christ, but only brought out a strong and determined resolve to force Christ and His claims out of the picture. The Word of God tells us that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13).
The Christian’s Place
Our part as believers is, first of all, to recognize all this and not to be unduly distressed or downcast as a result. On the bright side, we can look up and know that our “redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:2828And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28)). Also, this attitude should give us energy to redouble our efforts in the gospel, for the time is short. God has left us here to be living witnesses for Him, and there are many opportunities in spite of the apostate attitude that has overrun former Christian countries. We can be thankful for the liberties God has preserved to us, while recognizing that events are heading up to a day when Satan will attempt to destroy all worship of the true God and substitute the worship of himself. However, God has said, “Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion” (Psa. 2:66Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. (Psalm 2:6)). Christ will reign in righteousness, and we will reign with Him.
W. J. Prost