In response to the failed plane bombing recently, President Obama called for mutual respect between America and the Muslim world, in order to combat terrorist plots and activities. This is a noble charge, but inherently flawed. If Obama thinks gaining consensus on health care reform is daunting, then he should reevaluate his statement on mutual respect between America and the Muslim world when he considers the radical divide between Muslims and Christians. While Obama's call for mutual respect was not between Muslims and Christians, essentially that's the nature of it. The point here is not to argue if America thinks she is a Christian nation, because the Muslim world generally regards America as a Christian nation, or in the very least as the dominant power and influence of Western culture. Either way, the Muslim world is fiercely opposed to both.
Ask yourself this question, "How can there be mutual respect when Muslims, in general, consider Christians to be infidels?" Infidels are not met with compassion, but castigation. On the other hand, true Christians seek to meet Muslims with compassion because of their need for Christ. That's why many missionaries risk life and limb to spread the gospel in Muslim dominated countries.
Living in America means the Constitution affords all individuals the right to worship according to their elective choices. While I stand in opposition to any worship contrary to the worship of the God of the Bible, I stand in agreement with the letter of the Constitution in granting the freedom of religion. If not for that freedom, then my worship of God would probably be underground and constantly fraught with peril.
So, I vigorously defend religious freedom, while simultaneously denouncing any worship of God that is not directed through the Lord Jesus Christ. Castigating non-believers hinders the spread of the gospel. And, why would I seek to hinder the heart of Christ's message, the good news? Being at odds religiously and philosophically does not mandate hatred and exclusion. Consider this, non-militant Muslims vehemently oppose conversion to Christianity. Death threats follow after converts. Parents renounce familial ties with infidel children. Where is the respect?
In contrast, true Christians act differently toward familial deserters. Hurt, pain and anguish characterize those stunned by news of a "new" religion. But, ceaseless prayers break like ocean waves upon God's throne for the genuine salvation of the wayward family member. The Christian parents yearn for the release of religion and the revelation of a relationship with Almighty God through his only provision, Jesus Christ.
The existence of such an unbridgeable chasm seriously questions the possibility of mutual respect that supersedes political correctness. Real respect can only be fostered between the world's dominant religions when conversion to Christianity is not punishable by death or disowning. I know respect is a two-way street. While I would be utterly heartbroken if one of my daughters converted to Islam, I would never disown her. My tears would soak my knees and drown the church altar for her true conversion to Christ.
Yes, both Christian and Muslim parents desire for their children to be as they are. The difference being, I don't believe my children are born Christian. They need God's salvation offered in Jesus Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit to break upon them. I cannot force them to be Christian. I must pray, teach and lead them to Christ. You are born a Muslim if your parents are Muslim, thus making you a follower of Islamic doctrine. On the contrary, you are born a sinner in need of repentance toward God and faith in Christ if your parents are Christian. A striking difference indeed! Christianity is driven by love and faith, while Islam is driven by legalism and fear.
Where can common ground for mutual respect find breathable air in that unstable atmosphere? Oh well, there is always health care reform.
