They are making fun of us . . . Ohhh No!

I received this email today.  It troubled me for several reason
(and not for predictable reasons).

Hey Everyone:
 
I am not one to send out the ongoing string of emails that are related to politics and/or things of substance that are sent to me. But this really shocked me to see the Washington Post mocking the Holy Ghost! I am more than convinced that America is big-time drifting away from God even though I know Christians from all faiths are highly concerned with the direction our country is going it is evident we are in a war within this country.
 
If this were a cartoon mocking other religions it would be a huge controversy and would most likely dominate the news. Scroll down and see how the liberal media views the sacred things of God.
 
signed__________



The email left some instructions from a pastor to contact the Washington Post and basically give them an earful.  Here is the sample letter I was encouraged to write.

 

 

 

To Whom It May Concern:

I am registering my extreme  disregard for your tasteless “political” cartoon by Mr. Pat Oliphant  concerning Governor Sarah Palin.

The Washington Post has always  “prided” itself in its very liberal concepts of toleration, this cartoon is  the height of intolerance. Because Christianity has been greatly abused by  your columnists in their ideas and thoughts, you continue to profess yourself  to be wise while demonstrating incredible foolishness. In the past you have  associated anything remotely attached to Christianity with crusades,  holocausts, racism, burnings at the stake in your attempt to blacken our eyes.  The thoughts of your reckless “crusaders” are leading us exactly where Rome  went. I wonder if you were ever exposed to Gibbons long work about the fall of  the Romans? The thoughts you champion is exactly what led Rome into disaster.  While you are crowning moral relativism as the way to go we are literally  circling the drain nationally on a moral level.

Your worldview would  not dare allow you to print similar cartoons against Islam and the Muslims  because you are simply afraid to weather the fallout it might generate for  you. Nor would you post cartoons that would snidely cast homosexuals and  lesbians in an “unfavorable” light as that would be homophobic and would be  upsetting to many of your readers. Nor would you post something that would  possibly condemn abortionists in their acts of murder. Have you ever thought  that we may have aborted (killed) the cure for cancer, AIDS, and a host of  other societal ills?

Instead your “journalism” smacks of elitism,  smugness, and outright hostility to those who are doing their best to serve  God.

Crass, unprofessional, partisan, and a host of other words can be  used to describe this cartoon and your actions in publishing it. Your  political correctness is both stifling and hypocritical. Journalism??? Give me  a break!!!!!!

After reading the cartoon i was hurt.  I pray in tongues.  I enjoy this expression of my faith and experience.  But the cartoon (ouch).  I prayerfully reflected on the cartoon and then sent this reply to the pastor.

I always wondered what it would be like to be persecuted or demeaned for my faith.  Perhaps we are being tested to show love and grace.  Jesus has given us an opportunity to live out his teachings.

Jesus said,

“10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
      for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Several things struck me about this.  (1) the comment was made, "if they did this to other religions it would be a huge controversy."  To which i wanted to say, "That is where we are supposed to be different from the world.  This is what it means to be separate from the world.  We do not stir up controversy over what people say, instead we pray for them.  We love them.  We do good."

What a great opportunity to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Who cares about politics and media, when we are invited to engage a government from above!  I have prayed for Pat Oliphant, and will continue to do so. And i will ask God how can i show him love and kindness.

Comments

[broam]

While I can understand the firey response of so many to this cartoon and do have inclination to respond in the same way. I long for the ability to respond with such humility that Jesus would have. I agree this is an opportunity for separation to be demonstrated in those of us who are believers. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.