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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Opus 2016-2: Peace, Brother

There is only one religion of peace in the world.  It is not Christianity.  It is not Judaism. 

Christianity is defined by agape or love.

Judaism is limited by torah or the Law.

Only Islam is called a religion of peace.

The problem, as usual, is in our definitions.

What would a real religion of peace teach?  Christianity has nothing in the New Testament that gives Christians authorization to kill people who disagree with them.  Islam does.

In the Old Testament there are some specific, one time commands to destroy a city or people.  True, but keep in mind that they were limited not open ended.  They were one time events.  The Old Testament has a bigger principle of compassion and care.  Let me give you a few examples.
(Leviticus 19:18 KJV)  Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

(Proverbs 25:21 KJV)  If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
You thought that was only in the New Testament, right?

When Islam speaks of peace it is the peace of a happy slave.  It is joyful submission.  If you refuse to submit, it is the peace of the grave.

You have heard the expression, “Pick your poison.”  In this case it is a matter of picking your peace.

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. Ultimately, the peace of the grave is the ONLY one. Bless those murdering muslims for helping so many find it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually understand your point. It applies in many areas of life that produce the moment of crisis.

      Grace and peace.

      Delete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.