Extremism

We hear a lot about extremism in the news media, and it always refers to a form of hard Islam. It is called extremism for good reason, and rightly so. That kind of religious mindset has resulted in the loss of many innocent lives, and their only ‘sin’ was to hold differing views from the man holding the sword, who is all too ready to use it to end life. In fact life itself is not seen as precious and is used as a bargaining chip as they pursue their own ends. This is their faith, and no one will move them from it being right. In fact, theirs is the ONLY right way to interpret and use their so called holy book, they say.

Can I be controversial? If not, stop reading now and go no further. I notice that there are some within the Christian Church who see themselves as the keepers of the true gospel, and who will discuss, debate and argue with anyone who might see things differently. Oh deaths do not happen, at least not physically. However, what do you call it when a young tender life is deterred from ever thinking about taking Christianity seriously? That could be considered as a worse death, because it is eternal.

We know about those who promote ‘aggressive atheism’ and we don’t like them or their attitude. In a similar way, the ‘aggressive christian’ would never see themselves as doing the wrong thing, and would not hold themselves responsible for souls being lost. But they are misguided, and souls are being lost. There may be a way to counter this kind of approach, and that is to stand between them and the souls they put at risk. The thing is, the true message is as simple as it is effective. Show love. Real love. Unconditional love. After all, wasn’t it love that took Jesus all the way to Golgotha to die for us on the cross? We may not have to die to prove our faith, but we can show love. We ALL must, and should show love.

All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other. John 13:35