A. Catholics
B. Evangelical Protestants
C. al Qaeda
D. The Ku Klux Klan
They are all classified as religious extremists groups by the U.S. Department of Defense. While I am not Catholic, I can confidently say they are not extremists. As a born again Christian I do qualify as a evangelical and can say without certainty there is a huge difference between myself and my beliefs and the hate filled rhetoric that comes from the other groups on the list such as the al Qaeda, the KKK, and the Christian Identity.
Adding these two groups to the list, even by accident, associated most true and loyal followers of God's word with groups who sole purpose is to take the word of God, or their god and distort into justifying violence and hatred. It also creates more negative sterotypes in the a society that is currently coming down on Christianity over social changes.
Christians who stand up for the Biblical view on topics like homosexuality/bisexuality are currently be labeled as a group who hates the people who choose that lifestyle, when, in fact, although we do not condone the act and acknowledge it is a sin, we do not condemn those who choose it.
We are getting close to the end folks. Our nation that once stood firmly for God and His ways is now trying to drive Him out, both intentionally and unintentionally. Although there are many evangelists and missionaries spreading the word worldwide, it seems we as a world are getting away from God. This is all things that mark the end of times.
(Matthew 24:9) Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
(Matthew 24:10) And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
(Matthew 24:11) And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
(Matthew 24:12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax [become] cold.
(Matthew 24:13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Why all this doom and gloom of the end of world? No one knows when why worry about it? Because while we may be right with God how many friends or family members do we have that we cannot say for sure what will happen to them at death? I believe Christ is going to take those who love Him away before the world reaches it lowest point, do you want your friends or family left?
We, as Christians, need to become extremists. Our weapons should never be violence, intimidation, or fear we need to use the strongest weapons of all faith, hope, and love. We should never be ashamed or nervous about expressing our belief in our God. We should tell others of the promise of eternal life. No matter how much the world tries to turn away, we should always do everything within our power to turn it back to God, one soul at a time.
God be with you!!
Link to the article:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/apr/5/dod-presentation-classifies-catholics-evangelicals/?page=2
While I do understand what you're saying, and agree in theory with your post, I have sadly met too many people (Catholics and Evangelical Protestants) whom I would classify as extremists. These people have no tolerance for homosexuals, bisexuals, those who have premarital sex, those who get abortions, etc. They have named themselves judge, jury and executioner of those who do not fit into what they consider a good Christian lifestyle. They look down on them, speak bad about them, and don't bother trying to help them in any way. If they saw a known homosexual lying in the street bleeding, they'd walk right past with comments of "he deserves what he gets."
ReplyDeleteI am not a homosexual or bisexual. And quite frankly, I don't care what other people do. If they choose this lifestyle, that is their choice. Who am I to tell them their choices are wrong? I'm a sinner. I've made many decisions which others deem as being sinful. But, it's not others' job to deem them as sinful. That is up to God and God alone.
All I want to teach people - God loves them, no matter what. And they should simply try to reach a relationship with Him. Through this relationship, they'll come to understand what is right or wrong, what is expected and what isn't. And it will be between them and the Lord.