The Radical Problem

Well, things have calmed down a bit now, at least in our part of the world. Wow, it's been a crazy few weeks, what with embassies being attacked and protests and riots and whatnot. Here on the island there wasn't much trouble- whatever was brewing was pretty well snuffed out before it got started, and there was only some small protests and vandalism during the Islamic uproars. This, however, was on the mainland last Friday:

There was a HUGE demonstration by Muslims, outraged at the slander of Mohammed. They tried to go to the US embassy, but the police and military were were ready at arms, to keep them at a distance. Bob was actually there in the city that day; he said it was crazy, and put the city into confusion for the better part of the day. Their signs say 'Curses on America and Israel'. Wow, let's blame two entire nations for the foolish work of one scum bag Egyptian! Of course, it's not really about the ridiculous film, it's much deeper than that, but that silly clip gives them something tangible to complain about. Speaking with Muslims that day, Bob was frustrated as he tried to talk earnestly with them, encouraging them to look at this reasonably.
The attacks on the embassies are awful and tragic. It is unbelievable how adherents of Islam can even begin to say that theirs is a peaceful religion. Yet they insist it is!
Most Muslims are not what you'd call radical. And yet, most cannot disagree with what the radicals are doing, because this is part of their religion. Islam is spread through fear, intimidation, the sword, and slavery. It has always been so. Apparently they are not aware of the old adage, "He who is convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." Yet, what one thinks is not so important as his works/looks/prayers/etc.
How often I wish I could make my friends here understand that the Lord looks into a man's heart, not at his works!
Jesus came to save. He did it not through conquest, but through laying down His life as a ransom for many. He came to save those fellows in the picture above. Gilbert asked why they were demonstrating, as Bob was telling us about it. I answered, "Because they do not know the love of God. That is why." They do not have His love and forgiveness in them, that is why they are full of rage and violence. It's a terrible state to be in.

"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, HE saved us..."

The radical problem is sin, and we've all got it. But through Jesus, God has made the way for us to be reconciled. How I thank Him for His mercy! We continue to pray, and talk with our neighbors. These events do strain some relationships, but it opens up lots of dialogue too. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be children of your Father in heaven..." This is way of our Lord. We will follow Him.