Monday, January 19, 2015

The Apostle Paul & Charlie Hebdo:

Something
To
Think
About,

The Apostle Paul & Charlie Hebdo:

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome from the incredibly pagan city of Corinth.  In the second chapter of the book Paul challenges his fellow Jews,"You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?"  (Romans 2:22)  The question appears in the section of Romans in which the Apostle is demonstrating that all are lost, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE." (3:19)  Paul knew well the self-righteousness of many Jews.  He once depended on a brand of "righteousness which is in the law." (Philippians 3:6)  One of the chief tenants of this Jewish, DIY brand of righteousness was freedom from any involvement with idolatry.  Paul's question must have stung.
The suggestion that Jews would be involved in robbing temples dedicated to the worship of gods which were no gods at all, was insulting but not unreasonable.  Deuteronomy 7:25 specifically forbids theft from idolatrous temples.  It makes sense.  Often those idols and other paraphernalia of worship were made of gold and other precious substances.  If I can shut down worship that is an insult to the one true God, and at the same time put some precious metal in my portfolio, why not?  For now, just leave it with this:  God says, "DON'T!"   A short time before penning the interrogation in Romans 2, it would appear that Paul and his companions had been accused of robbing temples.  
After the riot at Ephesus instigated by those who made their living from the worship of the goddess Diana (or Artimas), Paul's associates were brought before the clerk of Ephesus, the official responded to the crowd's accusations with these words: " . . . you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.” (Acts 19:37)   The worship of the image that had supposedly come down from heaven was not opposed by attacking the idolatrous infrastructure, but by the proclamation of the truth.  (Read Acts 19.)

Like many of you, I find a certain sympathy with the Charlie Hebdo satarists.  I'm told that their work is quite vulgar, but when they are attacking a false religion, should I be concerned?  From a political viewpoint I defend their freedom of speech.  Without equivocation I condemn the murder committed in the name of Islam.  However, when it comes to the proclamation of the truth I reject their methods of the satirists.  I want to live my life in such a way that if I am ever accused of attacking those whose religion is a lie, that an honest official would be able to say, "Get out of my office.  What you are saying is false."

Here are two article on this subject that I found well worth reading:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2015/01/terrorism-is-wrong-so-is-ridiculing-peoples-faiths/
http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/12/26699?spMailingID=10405660&spUserID=MTMyMjUxNDA3MwS2&spJobID=461351905&spReportId=NDYxMzUxOTA1S0
 
Here is a site where you can find out about Jesus Christ and His plan for you.  You'll find several opportunities to explore.  If we can help you, let us know.

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