Posted on 02/01/2014 1:59:38 PM PST by ReformationFan
Christianity began in the East, not the West, yet today Christians in the East are enduring an all-out-assault by Islamic terrorists, while Christians in the West live their lives largely oblivious to it all. This has to change.
This is no imaginary persecution; in Syria alone there have been reports of kidnappings, Christian communities intentionally displaced by militants and, worst of all, shootings and beheadings of Christians who refused to convert to Islam.
In Egypt radicals have recently destroyed dozens of churches, and the once vibrant Christian population in Iraq has been decimated.
Christians in the West should stand up for those in the East out of regard for all they have given us over these thousands of years, if for no other reason.
See, what most American Christians don’t realize is that the “Islamic World” was once the Christian world. Some of the most well-known and influential leaders in the early church hailed from North Africa and the Middle East – like the warring theologians Athanasius and Arius, and the apologist Tertullian. It was for the library in Alexandria that the preeminent Greek version of the Torah (the “Septuagint”) was commissioned.
Today, St. Augustine would be called a Tunisian, Origen would be Egyptian and the Apostle Paul – who was on the road to Damascus when he encountered Christ – would have told the story of his conversion while heading to “Syria.”
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
It is interesting that it is the Russian Orthodox Church along other “Eastern” churches which have given the persecuted church aid and assistance, while the US churches stay hung up on social issues and turn a blind eye to suffering Christians in the Mideast and North Africa - and elsewhere. Shame on us!!!
Yes I’m all for it. But will be very hard to do with Obammy Arming, training, defending , and funding the islamoNazi gangs and regimes
Absolutely right.
Just yesterday a bunch of those persecuted Christian leaders got together and made a collective announcement begging the USA to stop funding and supporting militants in Syria.
Don’t think anyone is listening.
Obama, McCain and Graham sure don’t care about them.
Perhaps it’s a job best left for the Russians.
They don’t have to endure the PC crap, like we do in this country.
Which is why it SEEMS we’re oblivious to the problem, but the truth is ... we have our own attacks here to deal with and the commie administration will do nothing to stop Christian persecution anywhere.
What social issues are American churches ‘hung up’ on? Other than catering to the amnesty nonsense, I don’t see anything of substance.
But you are correct. This has largely been swept under the rug; little to no indignation at all it seems. Not sure to what extent Pope Francis has chimed in. I haven’t heard/read too much on that.
read
We’re too busy arguing on the religion forum on FR to get involved.
If all the churches here contacted all of the senators and congressman would that make a difference?
If the Alawite Assad falls, there won't be any protecion for minorities like Christians. The Sunnis will wipe them out eventually.
Ghadafi in Libya; Mubarack in Egypt; Saadam Hussein in Iraq:all protected Christians,and other minorities
. Assad in Syria is still in power, but if he goes, and the Sunnis take over, the Christians are done.- Tom
Yes, this is so unbelievable! I request prayer for persecuted Christians at church, but one has to ALWAYS add that to the list, it is not routine. It’s almost as if they are saying, “we’ve done that already!” I feel really ashamed that America, once the beacon of light and sending thousands of missionaries to the ends of the world is now too stingy to pray for persecuted Christians living in other countries. Amazing what apathy and even a small amount of affluence can do to one. Yes, affluence. When one is poor, one sees the poor and has pity on them. When one has come up a little in the world and can now buy about anything needed and afford some pleasure, then our sense of feeling compassion is tempered by our apathy and not wanting to be disturbed. Been there, myself, and I see it every day. Can we really say we are true believers if we do not love our brethren?
Whether you like Bob Beckel or not he has been very vocal about whats happening to Christians in the middle east and Africa. One Time I heard him go on a rant about the Christians being slaughtered in Africa and how none of the major news organizations were covering it.
Part of the problem these Christian communities face is the inability to defend themselves. This is due to centuries of Dhimmitude relying on despots for protection.
So what are we to do, we Western Christians? For starts stop supporting the murderers of Christians; second send them physical support, which is difficult given our government supports the tormentors and is opposed to the despot who protects the Christians.
Do we form a Christian type foreign legion of former military and Veterans to infiltrate Syria and form defensive perimeters for the Syrian Christians?
Just some thoughts, but for starts let’s stop supporting the Jihadis who are killing our brothers and sisters.
Tom you are correct. The despots for years protected Christian communities because they ultimately were afraid of US presidents and kept their Jihadis in line as a result. Now the demons are loose with no restraint and no fear of Russia or the West.
Centuries of Dhimmitude in these Muslim countries have left Christians without the means to defend themselves. If we are to take in refugees, Arab Christians should be the focus.
That is a tuff one isn’t it. Unless a majority of this country is followers of Christ I think there is nothing Christians can do other than pray for brothers and sisters in those areas.
Amen Shery.
If you lived nearby and a bunch of Jihadis were pounding on the door wanting to kill you and the cops refused to help, you can be reassured I would come over and help.
“..even a small amount of affluence can do to one..”
True to a point, although it is the well off who are the biggest givers to charities, including the church. I believe the heavy leftist influence in the church today plays a major role. As a general rule the left are takers whereas the right are givers, IMO.
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