In Response

A few weeks ago I received a comment from "Manic Magpie", who was responding to my post about the need for a cultural reformation. The comment was rather lengthy and, after reading it, I realized the need to clear some things up about that particular post. So, Magpie, if you are reading, please allow me to explain myself and answer some of your musings.

First of all I want to state the initial purpose of my post, what my motive was and what I was trying to point out.

My words were meant to be an encouragement and a challenge to Christians to start living the life that Christ has called us to live, to rebel against the culture and societal influences, and instead be the "light of the world." I mentioned the religion of Islam, not as a standard of righteousness, but as an example of how a group of people perceives Christianity. Also, my desire was to indicate the need for us, as followers of Christ, to show Muslims and the rest of the world that we truly follow Jesus and that we are not "foul heathens" just because the culture around us revels in folly. Christians are to transcend culture, as I believe Jesus did while He lived upon the earth. So my hope and prayer in writing the post was that Christians would take an introspective and serious look at themselves and correct anything that would tarnish the name and image and person and power of Christ, that we would accurately show the world, including Muslims, the Christ who we claim to serve.

Now, please allow me to address portions of your comment:

You wrote: "I'm sure everyone (Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jew) wants to grow spiritually and live life according to their beliefs to the best of their abilities both for personal fulfillment and the betterment of society."

Response: While I can appreciate the zeal that Hindus and Buddhists and Jews have for their religions and their desire to live good lives in order to better themselves and society, this is not the goal of Christianity, nor of Christians, and it was never the desire or intention of God. Christianity is not a religion based on works or self-improvement. Jesus established the Christian church not to enhance or restore society, but so that His kingdom would expand and the Father would be glorified. For fear of sounding cliche, let me explain this in different terms. Jesus established the church so that His followers would be able to, collectively, go out into the world and show people how they may be saved, how their sins can be forgiven, and how they might be able to also join God in His saving mission on this planet. This was His goal, His intention for His church. Self-improvement and societal enhancement are simply after-effects, results of what has already taken place in a person's spiritual life. Sadly, people who follow the religions of Buddhism or Hinduism or Judaism feel the need to perform certain acts of righteousness, or be certain types of people, or live certain lifestyles in order to better themselves, fix society, and ultimately earn some sort of salvation. Christianity is the only religion in the world that does not require these things. All other religions say, "Do, do,do." Christianity simply says, "Done." This is what sets it apart from all the others! Any person in the world who wants to grow spiritually and live according to their beliefs is chasing the wind unless they have placed their faith in Jesus.

You said: "The only way we Americans as a nation could ever match the dedication of Muslims would be to make religion mandatory and change all of our laws to conform to religious creeds. What can be done if the US doesn't want our country to be seen as sinfully barbarian by the Islamic community?"

Response: First of all, my post was not meant to address the image of Americans in general. My intention, as I have explained, was to address the behavior of Christians and our image in the eyes of Muslims and the rest of the world. I do not expect America, in its own power or ability, to ever be seen as a righteous or good nation, unless the Gospel of Jesus Christ permeates our society in such a way that every American repents and turns to Christ. At the same time, Muslims have their own faults and shortcomings and should never be held as the standard of righteousness. Yes they are dedicated to their faith, so much so that they are willing to die for it. And yes they are passionate about how they live as Muslims, most of them sincerely following the 5 Pillars, and faithfully living by the Qu'ran. But even with all their practical righteousness Muslims are sinful and disobey God every day. The religion of Islam may be strongly enforced, and adherence to its tenets expected of every follower, but Muslims are still unholy and unrighteous. Religion will never fix the problem of human depravity. If religion were forced upon every citizen of America, this country would be full of morally decrepit individuals working to earn righteousness, only to find themselves falling short on the day of Judgment as they stand before God. So to answer your question about what can be done to prevent Muslims from continuing to see the US as "sinfully barbarian" - nothing can be done. The only thing that will change America's image is the Gospel, not religion, not works, not laws or rules or ethics. The Islamic community will always see America as a bunch of barbarians, as long as the Gospel is not allowed to permeate our society. Again, though, let me state: the Gospel is not to be used for the betterment of society or culture, but for the salvation of souls. My real concern is not with how this country appears, but with how Christians appear to Muslims and to the rest of the world. The Islamic community, which, honestly, is as "sinfully barbarian" as the American community, need to see and experience and know Christ, and the only answer to that is the Gospel.

To be continued...