“Right wing, Christian fundamentalist, extremist terrorist” is the way the media is reporting the perpetrator of the biggest single massacre and loss of life in Norway for over 50 years. He succeeded in bombing a large part of the Oslo city centre which houses government buildings, and then, dressed as a policeman, made his way to a Labour Party youth camp on the small island of Utoeya where escape would be almost impossible. He had a captive victim group to empty his guns on.
We are well used to seeing reports of Islamic extremism, and the terrorism they embark on around the world. We may even be getting used to it. But how can those words at the beginning of this piece be used in one phrase to describe a Christian? Not only has this 32 year old Norwegian man changed the face of a very peaceful nation, he has been successful in giving the media a description of a 'mad Christian'. Almost immediately, there have been tweets and facebook comments coming out against the Christian faith and religion in general. Who can blame them?
Anyone who does not know Christianity, or only knows about it from a distance, can be excused for thinking Christians are no better or different from Muslims when it comes to terrorism. How does this square with these words of Jesus from the sermon on the mount?...
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: Matt 5:9-13 (KJV)
Like you, I am still coming to terms with the horror of this event in Norway, carried out by a strange and possibly deranged young man, but please let's not get confused in our minds about what Christianity is, and who a real Christian tries to be like. Jesus is not a terrorist, or extreme, or a right wing fundamentalist. He is the “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9v6), so cannot be blamed for the atrocities. Unfortunately, I can easily see the media latching on to an easy target, and tarring us all with the same broad brush. Suddenly, we have earned the same description as extreme Islamists, and one which will last for a long time. This man has made more than two horrific attacks, and will be judged for them all. Some on this earth, but all in his final judgement, unless of course he repents!
As each day unfolds their own stories from the intended victims, the real horror of a deranged mind comes into focus. A peaceful nation has been rocked to its heels, and changed forever. How can they ever be the same again? For me, it was also very telling that the King and Queen of Norway cried openly, no wept (there is a difference) at the Cathedral service for the victims, both known and unknown. I have a hard time thinking that the UK monarchy would ever weep openly like that. And yet, they are united in their grief, from the top down. That makes me think they will heal better and faster as a whole community of individuals. Weeping has its own healing properties (I think)!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless, David.
It was very moving to see the King and Queen openly shedding tears. There was something fitting and appropriate and very touching about the country's reaction as a whole.
ReplyDeleteIt has been an absolute tragedy brought about by a sick and deluded man. Who appointed this man judge and jury to decide who lives and who dies? A Christian by very definition of the word is someone who exhibits Christ-like behaviour and emulates Him to the best of their abilities. There is no hallmark of love, understanding, tolerance or acceptance here, and so much for "by their fruits shall ye know them". This man and his actions bear no resemblance to what Christianity is really about. Is it wrong to hope he suffers as much as he has made his victims suffer? Probably. Actually, yes. But ... I do anyway. That's not a very Christian attitude either .... but I'm working on that.
Hi Anonymous. You speak for many people when you set out your feelings so openly, and well. I too have difficulty with revenge in cases like this, and have to remind myself that revenge is God's, and that He will not be mocked. I believe this man has mocked God by bearing His name, while committing his atrocities. Thanks for your thoughts! Oh, by the way, right now there are many people having to work on their Christian attitude, so you are not alone!
ReplyDelete