No doubt you have recently heard about the public outcry
within the Islamic community over a cheaply produced anti-Islamic film. This
film, Innocence of Muslims, is a disgusting production made by a right wing
hillbilly and could quite possibly be labelled the worst movie of all time. (You
can see how crap it is on youtube, as I write it has received over 11m hits.) Demonstrations
and violent protests against the film broke out on September 11 in Egypt and
Libya. The protests spread to Yemen and other Arab and Muslim nations over the world and have resulted in a several
deaths, including the death of a U.S Ambassador.
Shockingly, Australia has not been exempt from the
demonstrations, despite the leaders of the Muslim community here calling for peace.
So far 6 men have been charged for the assault on police officers during a wild
melee in Sydney last week involving more than a 1000 protesters. Perhaps the
most disturbing image from the riots is that of a child holding a sign calling
for the beheading of any who insult the prophet Mohammad.
What perplexes me most is the violent nature of the reaction
of these people. Yes, I understand that the broader Muslim community should not
be labelled by the violent actions of a few, but where does the aggression come
from? Violence is the antithesis of what
is preached in so many religions.
Opposition leader Tony Abbot Mr Abbott rightly said that newcomers
to Australia are not expected to surrender their heritage but are expected to
surrender their hatreds. I also have to agree with Prime Minister
Gillard when she said "I do not want to see in the hands of anyone,
particularly children, offensive signs that call for the killing of others .
This is not the Australian way."
These says you don’t see Christians committing violent protests when Jesus
is ridiculed. Why? Because Jesus asked us to forgive our enemies, and not take
an eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth. Jesus said, Judge not, lest ye be
judged. Only God has the authority to Judge. Islam recognizes Jesus as a
prophet, it is a shame these violent protesters have not listened to some of
his teachings.
Yes you might be quick to point out the many violent acts
that have been committed in the name of the Christian religion. While
Christianity has a long history of charitable works, it also has an equally
long history of sponsoring or encouraging conflict around the world. The
Crusades (1095-1291)is an obvious example of terrible violence committed in God’s
name.
I believe much of the cruelty can be attributed to erroneous
interpretations of the bible, which, most especially the New Testament, actually abounds with
passages that promote peaceful coexistence, love and charity. Jesus’ main
message was to treat others as you would want to be treated- the Golden Rule.
Without a doubt, the Bible can be read as a valuable guidebook on how to be
compassionate and in harmony with the rest of creation. It contains messages of
love that can be seen repeated throughout. (I have listed a few examples
below).
This year I have been doing a lot of exploration into my
faith. Dating an active Christian has meant that I have been challenged to
review my beliefs and behaviours. I have sceptically reviewed many of the
things I just “took for granted” and can now confidently say that I believe that
Jesus is the Son of god. I have many friends (and family) who do not share this
belief. That’s fine. But they cannot deny the sheer amount of historical
evidence that suggest that Jesus was an exemplary figure from whom we can learn
so much.
One of my best friends is agnostic, as she says that as a scientist
she cannot 100% rule out the possibility that there is a God. I like that she
has explored her beliefs enough to come to this conclusion. I would classify
her as a considered agnostic, rather than an indifferent one.
Contrary to what you may think I don’t have a problem with self
proclaimed atheists or even agnostics. You don’t share my beliefs? OK cool, I
respect that. Beliefs are a very personal thing after all. What I don’t respect
is people who don’t even think to challenge their beliefs. Those that kind of half-heartedly
“think there is something else out there” but don’t actively explore what that
is or what it could mean. To those people I say “you are missing out!”
Any exploration of your beliefs is a worthwhile exercise no
matter the result. I think far too often we just live passively in the
day-to-day, blissfully ignoring our own mortality. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not
suggesting we spend hours daily reflecting on our imminent demise – how depressing!
What I am suggesting is that by considering our life, it’s span, purpose and
meaning, we will ultimately live more fulfilled lives.
But to those who use their beliefs as an excuse for
violence, I ask if what you do is truly in the spirit of your religion. I very
much doubt it.
A few
examples of messages of love in the bible.:
“Thou shalt not kill”(Exo
20:13),
“Love
thy neighbour”(Mat 19:19)
“Hatred
stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12:
“Be completely
humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians
4:2
