Where Do People Go Wrong?
Where Do People Go Wrong?
Reading the wrong book,
Following the wrong leader,
Using the wrong methods,
Dying for the wrong cause.
I am not an expert in terrorism. I am not a student of the
Islamic religion, nor can I offer any insight into the divisions and sects of
that religion (mainstream, extreme, etc.). I have no standing as a pundit or
news analyst. I am a Christian, therefore a student of the Word of God, and I
write this article based on that identity.
While our reaction to the events of Sept. 11th cannot allow any prejudice,
personal battle of vengeance or discrimination toward anyone, we must reflect
soberly on the steps that lead people to mass murder in the name of their cause.
It seems to me, at least four steps should be noted: Reading the wrong book,
following the wrong leader, using the wrong methods and dying for the wrong
cause.
Reading the wrong book.
The Qur'an is a self-contradictory document and many passages defy any clear
interpretation. Yet there are many bold statements in the book calling for
attack against "unbelievers." Statements like: "...slay these transgressors...
fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is professed only for
ALLAH ... (Qur(an 2:192-194). (There is a more comprehensive analysis of these
passages in an article by Tim Haille. Find his work at: http://www.gospeldefender.com/Haile/battlecry.html).
According to George Will (Jewish World Review, Aug. 17, 2001), the official TV
station of Yasser Arafat's Palestinian Authority aired this statement: "All
weapons must be aimed at the Jews... whom the Koran (Qur'an) describes as
monkeys and pigs... blessings to he who shots a bullet into the head of a Jew."
Whatever arguments might be made about Islamic division, interpretation, etc.,
there is no doubt that some who read this book are devoted to hatred and human
destruction. In this same column, Will reports on a June bombing that did not
have children as "collateral victims," but targets. "Abdallah al-Shami, a senior
official of Islamic Jihad, celebrated 'this successful operation' against 'pigs
and monkeys'."
One step toward terror is reading the wrong book. We must resist the temptation
to stigmatize everybody who espouses loyalty to Islam as a "terrorist," but we
cannot voice any compromise about the book. It is not the Word of God, does not
lead people to Christ and actually advocates violence. According to news
reports, Bible sales are up after September 11th. My prayer is, those new Bibles
will be read; that readers will become students and disciples. The Word of God
is the right book to read. It is "able to save your souls," (Jas. 1:21).
Following the wrong leader.
There is one perfect, ultimate Leader! He is not located in a cave or tent,
surrounded by a assembly of criminals. He is enthroned at the right hand of God
(Acts 2:33; Phil. 2:9-11). No other leader was active in creation (Jno. 1:1-3),
was the subject of prophecy (Jno. 5:46), nor was born to a virgin (Matt.
1:18-25). No leader expect Jesus has a perfect record of behavior (Heb. 4:15).
No man but Jesus died for us, and by the atoning merit of His death is qualified
as our Savior (Jno. 1:29). He was raised from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4), and "God
highly exalted Him, and gave Him that name that is above every name," (Phil.
2:9). He is deity, thus to be honored "even as" the Father should be honored.
When you recognize who He is and what He did, then respond with a whole heart -
with faith that prompts obedience, you are following the right leader; "the
author and finisher of our faith," (Heb. 12:2).
Using the wrong methods.
In 1998, Osama ben Laden said it is a religious duty "to kill the Americans and
their allies, civilian and military, in any country in which it is possible to
do it" (U.S. News & World Report, Oct. 1, 2001, p.76). This is not simple
evangelism (teaching to gain converts). This is not just an attitude and manner
of rude intimidation. This is war - aggressive, angry and antagonistic - without
qualms of conscience; and in fact, the warriors see themselves as doing the
bidding of their god and preparing themselves for eternal peace.
May we, in our pursuit of truth and righteousness, never allow our methods to
degenerate beneath the cause we advance! Let us plead with people "by the
meekness and gentleness of Christ," bold in presenting His message yet governed
by His methods and the attitude He illustrated. "For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down
arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...," (2 Cor.
10:1-6). Remember: "...the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of
God," (Jas. 1:20).
So far we have a deadly combination: Reading the wrong book, following the wrong
leader and using the wrong methods. These are steps in the wrong direction. Add
to this...
Dying for the wrong cause.
Based on the evidence that is now public information, about twenty men were
willing to die for their cause; an act of slaughter against over 6,000 innocent
people. There are causes worth dying for. In defense of freedom and life, men
volunteered in great number to suffer and die in World War II. In his
bestseller, "Band of Brothers," Stephen Ambrose relates the stories of young
parachutists who served in Easy Company. One soldier wrote to his mother: "If
necessary, I shall die fighting, but don't worry about this because no war can
be won without young men dying. Those things which are precious are saved only
by sacrifice," (p.#55, Band of Brothers, Stephen Ambrose, 2001). These brave men
were willing to die for the cause of defending life and freedom. In the Roman
epistle, Paul wrote about men dying for others. His comments were introductory
to the highest example of dying for others: "For scarcely for a righteous man
will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God
demonstrates His own love forward us, in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us," (Rom. 5:8,9). So among men there are great examples of
self-sacrifice, and in the gospel of Christ there is the supreme example of one
dying for the right cause. But dying for a cause is not commendable, unless the
cause is right! Sacrifice, personal devotion, zeal and endurance are commendable
qualities, unless pressed into service for the wrong cause! Make sure your cause
can be authenticated; make sure it is right, then in the work you do to advance
your cause - use methods in keeping with the values of that cause!
This is the time to re-examine where you real security is. "I cried out to God
with my voice - to God with my voice; and He gave ear to me. In the day of my
trouble I sought the Lord; my hand was stretched out in the night without
ceasing..." (Psalms 77:1-2a).
Acknowledgment of Resources:
U.S. News & World Report, Oct. 1, 2001.
http://www.gospeldefender.com/Haile/battlecry.html
Jewish World Review, Aug. 17, 2001
Band of Brothers, Stephen Ambrose, 2001
By Warren E. Berkley
The Front Page
From Expository Files 8.11; November 2001
