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The Wars Behind the War By Travis K. McSherley Many voices have been heard since the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington. We've heard a powerful voice of pride and patriotism for a country that was becoming more and more apathetic. We heard the voice of those like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. "All of them who have tried to secularize America, I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen," said Falwell after the attacks, though he later apologized.(1) We've heard the voice of jubilant supporters, rejoicing the defiance against the United States. We've heard the voice of those who are quick to point out that Islam is actually a "peaceful" religion, despite the actions of a few "radicals." And one voice that has remained in the spotlight: that of political correctness. Though some amazingly positive changes have occurred in America since the terrorism war began, political correctness has reared its head throughout the events. Americans have come together in a way that has certainly not been seen within my short 20 years on this earth. Churches have been flooded the past few weeks; prayer has suddenly regained stature. The national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance now get their due respect. But just when traditional American values begin to make a comeback, political correctness is waiting to pounce. David Kupelian of WorldNetDaily goes so far as to say that "America is in danger of losing this war because of political correctness." Our PC nature has been so embedded within our culture, that we have difficulty labeling even these most atrocious of deeds as "evil." Despite the clear wickedness of the terrorists' activity, some people still have trouble accepting America's anger and retaliation. Kupelian continues: As the Washington Times reported, "an organization of religion news reporters yesterday suggested that reporters avoid the term 'Islamic terrorist' or similar labels as Muslims and their beliefs receive greater scrutiny. The Religion Newswriters Association said it was 'troubled' by the frequent use of the term in the days after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington." At its annual meeting last week, the group adopted a resolution also rejecting "similar phrases that associate an entire religion with the action of a few."In spite of the renewed interest in church and religious activity over the past weeks, much of society has become even more sensitive about acceptance and inclusion. Criticizing other people is or even the government is tolerated even less than before. Statements such as those by Jerry Falwell are rebuked as soon as they are spoken. As a USA Today article noted, comments and critiques that would have received no special attention before Sept. 11 are now treated like treason. For example: Before, it was OK to criticize the government and even make fun of the president. Now, journalists and academics are being disciplined or fired for writing things far milder than things they wrote about George W. Bush just a few weeks ago. (3)Clearly, some extra care is needed to help maximize our efforts now that we are at war. Attacking Arab-Americans and belittling or defying our governmental officials are not the appropriate answers to expressing ourselves during this time when all of our lives are at stake. We do need to be more sensitive during these times. Regardless of whether Mr. Falwell's statements carried with them any degree of truth, they were made at a most inopportune time. Yes, our country needs to clean up its act morally, but more tact is required in making that point when 6000 lives have just been lost. On the other hand, though, let us not forget that not everyone was surprised by the chaotic snowball which began rolling on Sept. 11. God was not surprised, God was not shaken, and God was not changed by the collapse of the Twin Towers. Does that mean He wanted or caused it to happen? No, of course not, but we can rest assured that His plan was not interrupted. Clearly the Lord was moving within the heart of America throughout September 2001. And amazingly, many citizens began reaching for His outstretched hands. Others, though, continued their fight to push God out of the American mind. In the name of "separation of church and state," President Bush and Congress were criticized for their promotion of prayer and faith during the aftermath of the attacks. Haven't we seen what treacherous outcomes portend in the fusion of politics and religion? I mean, at its foundation, that's what underlay last week's terrorism itself.Admittedly, it is hard to argue these kinds of things with nonbelievers. They do not see how incredibly vital it is that our country lean on the awesome shoulders of the Lord. But we shouldn't think for a minute that praying or an outspoken faith is something new to our country's leaders. George Washington, the first US President, gave this statement in his inaugural address: Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station; it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration, to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either: No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency. (5)Washington acknowledged God's hand directing our young nation. Article upon article and book upon book could be written - as they have been - about this kind of issue, but the basis of the argument comes down to the very existence of God. But the main purpose of the "God Is Not Politically Correct" series, as has been stated in previous segments, is to see the world through God's eyes rather than having our vision blurred by society's skewed worldviews. And it doesn't take a lot of deep thinking to figure out whether God approves of President Bush praying or quoting Scripture in his addresses. We mustn't make the mistake of nations and empires like Rome and 17th Century England and create a "state" religion, but for this country to remain strong, we can't forsake Him who gave us our strength. Perhaps an equally dangerous mistake that we make today, though, is going too far in accommodating and "accepting" other religious views. As quickly as our nation has embraced God since the war on terrorism started, we have been just as quick to try to be "tolerant" with other beliefs, specifically those of Islam - the religion of the terrorists. I deplore Islam. No, you read that correctly: I deplore Islam. Don't misunderstand, I don't deplore Muslims, in general; but I do deplore Islam. And not just "fundamental" or "radical" Islam. I deplore the whole ball of wax. Our society has been very careful not to implicate all Muslims for the Sept. 11 attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. Only a "fringe" version of the otherwise "peaceful" religion is responsible for those terrible deeds. Keeping our enemies straight, that's all well and good; I mean, I certainly would not suggest that we send our military forces to destroy every mosque in the entire world as retaliation for the terrorists' actions. And I would never suggest that, in America, we diminish or remove the civil liberties of someone because of his religious beliefs. Certainly, not all Arabs - or all Muslims - are responsible for ending the lives of those 6000 people in New York and the Pentagon. But I do despise Islam very much - for the same reason that I despise Hinduism, Buddhism, evolution, pantheism, and every other religion: because God despises them. I will not profess to know all of the flaws with those other religions, but I do know that the God I serve does not take kindly to competition. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God" (Exodus 20:4-5). Throughout the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, I have stood in awe as our nation seemed to come together more than it has in a very long time. I applaud the patriotic responses from many, many Americans. And I was especially pleased at how God's name began to be used more in relation to the Creator of the Universe than as an expletive. Prayer meetings in churches, schools, and homes were inspiring and encouraging. But at least two things disturbed me about this "revival." Number One. Like many, I am angered and frustrated to hear about attacks on Arab-Americans or on Islamic mosques. Regardless of how misguided they may be in their beliefs, there is no excuse for knowingly harming innocent civilians. The killing of innocent people is what started this mess, and we, as Americans, should be better than that. Furthermore, many Arab-Americans are not Muslim, and most have no connection whatsoever to Osama bin Laden or the Taliban. And vandalizing buildings, besides being against the law, really does nothing to get at the heart of the problem. Number Two. Amidst all of the so-called "religious" efforts used to get us through, we have been very careful to include Islam prayers and beliefs. Even at the prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington, a Muslim priest was given the opportunity to offer a prayer. If we - American citizens, our lawmakers who sang "God Bless America," our President who offered a National Day of Prayer and quoted Psalm 23 in a speech - truly are seeking God's comfort and guidance, then why are we so willing to offend Him so deeply as to allow another god's name to be spoken, to give another god prayers? Allah is not the God of Israel. The god of the Quran is not the God of the Bible. Many have tried to say that the Judeo-Christian God is the same as Islam's, but the two are completely incompatible. The Bible claims that Jesus Christ is the only door to get to Heaven, but clearly this is not the case of the Quran's god. God calls the Jews the "apple of His eye" (Zechariah 2:8). The Quran says to "take neither Jews nor Christians to be your friends: they are friends with one another" (6). Just because a religious group calls their deity "God" does not mean that it is the true Almighty. It is interesting to note that, in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, the Antichrist who is to come will "opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped." The "extremists" like Osama bin Laden's and his henchman may or may not be a "perverted" form of Islam. But, whether the radicals are true to their religion or not, there are a lot of them. The Taliban claim to be willing to sacrifice millions for their cause. A militant Islamic group in Indonesia claims to have 15,000 fighters ready to go (8). Unfortunately, Christians don't always allow ourselves much of a leg to stand on. We too are guilty of perverting our faith and making a mockery of God's Word. A fact that nonbelievers are quick to point out. It would be as grave a mistake to see Osama bin Laden as an authentic representative of Islam as to consider James Kopp, the alleged killer of an abortion provider in Buffalo, N.Y., a typical Christian or Baruch Goldstein, who shot 29 worshipers in the Hebron mosque in 1994 and died in the attack, a true martyr of Israel. The vast majority of Muslims, who are horrified by the atrocity of Sept. 11, must reclaim their faith from those who have so violently hijacked it. (8)So where do we draw the line between being "tolerant" and standing up for the true God? That's a difficult question. Certainly, one understands why President Bush is trying not to alienate the 7 million or so Muslims who live in the United States. But, on the other hand, we cannot simply pretend that Islam and Christianity are equal "religions." The world changed on Sept. 11, but God didn't. Is may be even more politically incorrect now to criticize someone's religion, but those religions are no more right today than they were on Sept. 10. Hearts and minds and attitudes are, in large part, radically different now than they were before the attacks, but God is still exactly the same. Much, much more could be written, but just let us be willing to call evil for what it is. And let us be able to see the God of the universe for who He really is. Christians, stick to the Word. These are crazy and amazing times, but God has and will remained true. Pray for the U.S., for our leaders, for our military - and for our enemies. And while all Muslims may not be the enemy - as we have been reminded many times - they still need salvation through Christ. Don't be fooled into thinking that the Islamic faith is just as valid as Christianity, but also don't make the mistake of persecuting them for their beliefs. Continue to reach out to fellow believers as well as to those who may now be searching for answers. Nonbelievers - Muslims included
- you've no doubt been bombarded with conflicting testimonies about which
God is the real one, about whether prayer is okay, about how to respond
to the events of September-October 2001. Just know that the God of
the Bible, the God of Israel, is a God of love. Any true Christian
should reflect that love, and his desire should be for you to be saved.
Keep asking the tough questions, but be prepared to receive the truth -
because He is not politically correct.
(1) "Falwell apologizes for insensitive remarks." The Associated Press. MSNBC.com http://www.msnbc.com/local/rtroa/m93658.asp (2) Kupelian, David. "Politically Correct Terrorism." WorldNetDaily. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=24704 (3) Puente, Maria. "Potentially Confusing." USA Today. October 8, 2001. Page 6D. (4) Riley, Larry. "National prayer day? Not for president to proclaim." The Star Press. September 17, 2001. (5) "Washington's First Inaugural Address - Final Version." The Papers of George Washington. http://www.virginia.edu/gwpapers/presidency/inaugural/final.html (6) Missler, Chuck. "Notes and References on Islam." http://www.ldolphin.org/missler.html (7) Liu, Melinda. "Holy War on the Web." http://www.msnbc.com/news/639190.asp (8) Armstrong, Karen. "The True, Peaceful Face of Islam." TIME. October 1, 2001. Vol. 158, No. 15. |
And all this assembly
shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle
is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands.
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