I am probably one of the most apolitical people you will meet. Don't get me wrong. I have opinions, lots of them. But most of the time, I know, I have absolutely no factual basis for what I believe (not to say there isn't one) but I haven't taken the time to find out one way or another so I won't argue much.
However, I will say, without fear of being accused of ignorance, that putting someone to death because of what they believe theologically is WRONG. You all may be completely aware of this if you are not a news ostrich like me. There is a Christian pastor in Iran that has been sentenced to death for not recanting his faith. Here is a link to a blogger that does seem like someone who has done his research.
http://blog.chron.com/partisangridlock/2011/09/iranian-pastor-sentenced-to-death-for-apostasy/
I was shocked to hear about this. I'm still wondering if there is an angle to this story that I don't know about. I think too often I insulate myself in my safe bubble of familiarity knowing that stuff like that doesn't happen in my country. But, is it really okay to forget that it still happens other places?
I went to church today and practiced my Christian beliefs. I didn't have to. I could have stayed home lying in bad. Or I could have gone and met with the group that is building the mosque a few miles away or listened to Hebrew in the synagogue or to the top of the mountain to sing Kumbaya. People could judge me, talk about me or if they wanted to say I couldn't worship with them, but nobody is going to kill me. At least not about that and not in a government sanctioned attack. So, whatever you did today or yesterday or anytime this year to celebrate your God or lack of it, be thankful you live in a place that isn't going to kill you over it.
I'm with you on not killing folks for what they believe. Although that has been the norm, more often than not, throughout human history. I think it's human nature to attack folks that are different than us. Again, history is full of groups that have been subjucated or oppressed that when finally winning freedom and power - immediately begin subjugating and oppressing everyone Around them that doesn't conform to their demands.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a pretty tolerant corner of the world in a pretty tolerant time in history. I do appreciate it, I really do.
It's like that experiment in which they made half the group prisoners and half jailers and how that impacted their level of cruelty to one another.
ReplyDeleteChina still heavily persecutes Christians. If they weren't under so much scrutiny from the world in general, right now, I'm sure they'd still be putting Christians to death.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Andrew. I love to get other people's thoughts. There is probably religious persecution going on in too many places for me to realize. I think it is the 'if you're not with us, you're against us,' mentality. Fear is a dangerous motivator.
ReplyDeleteWell, it happens a lot in the US, too, unfortunately, just not usually to the extent you see it in other parts of the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm not even sure if it's really fear that's issue other than the fear of not being in control.
Not to go back and forth too much as I certainly respect your opinion but I have to go back to fear. One of the many hats I have worn professionally is that of a psychotherapist. If you look closely at almost any violence, fear is at the root. Sometimes, it is well covered but always there. After all, what is 'wanting control' other than the fear of what may happen if you don't have it? People get greedy and want it all because deep down they fear someone will take it from them. It is a powerful emotion that is usually the fuel behind anger.
ReplyDeleteReligious persecution isn't always about violence, though, which is why I hesitate to attribute it all to fear. I do see your point about fear as a root motivator, but I'm not sure I can say that's always fear that causes persecution.
ReplyDeleteexcellent point but I guess I still see any type of persecution as a response to a fear. Although let me be clear, just because someone fears something does not mean they are a good guy. In fact, I would say the worse a person's character is, the more they have to fear if someone else has power, because they think everyone is as corrupt as they are.
ReplyDelete