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I came across the video below while doing some internet searches. It presents itself as a group of Christians at an Arab cultural fair in the US trying to genuinely ask questions, but being “assaulted” and mistreated as a result. The clip culminates in a thinly veiled warning about the future of America if Islam keeps growing:
Now, let me start by saying that clearly some individuals in the crowd and the security handled this situation poorly. However, watching this video it hardly seems like these Christians were innocent victims but arrogant instigators. Their language, tone, posture and even clothing (in one case) clearly reflected the antagonistic agenda with which they approached the situation. The nationalistic overtones are offensive to me (and keep in mind that I am an American-born citizen of the USA & Canada). Even if the Muslims in the video were entirely in the wrong, I hardly think the response these Christians presented reflected the Christ they so aggressively represent.
My point, however, is not to focus on the negative aspects of this video. Rather I would like us to spend some time in the comment section reflecting on how this situation could have been handled differently. Here are just a FEW of my thoughts:
-Posture of respect & humility: Coming with cameras clearly demonstrated a combative intent. If has taken hundred and hundreds of Christians through Mosques to ask questions like this group claimed to be doing. We were humble, respectful and open to dialogue. We all learned a great deal, even though we could openly disagree.
-Hold ourselves to a higher standard than others: While we shouldn’t let people walk all over us, we are called to turn the other cheek. If we expect to be treated with respect, we must expect twice that of ourselves. We must be above reproach.
-Avoid nationalism: This should be a no brainer, but clearly it is not. I guess in a culture where the Patriot’s Bible gets a second printing, I shouldn’t be surprised (and yes, I have intentionally avoided a link to that product). Healthy patriotism is not at issue here, but the blurred line between ones identity as a Christians and their nationality (& politics) is dangerous ground.
What are your thoughts?
I’ve just been reading Shane Claibourne’s ‘Irresistible Revolution’ and it talks a lot about how unbiblical nationalism is. Couldn’t agree more.
Hey Aideen. Yeah, Shane has some good perspectives. Have you read his “Jesus For President”? Talks more about it in that book. Worth a look. Besides, it is a visually excellent book as well.
Peace,
Jamie
Given the opportunity, these people would start another crusade.
Our church has just finished a series called Jesus Neighborhood. We talked a bit about the multicultural composition of today’s churches.
Check orangevillebaptist.ca for the series.
Octo, I doubt they would take it that far, but they were clearly picking a fight. And that isn’t to say that people on the other side are not going in with wrong motives too. Thanks for the link.
Peace,
Jamie
Simply…. Wow.
It makes me want to hang my head in shame for them.
Hey Peter. That is why I named this blog “A Living Alternative”, as I hope that our response to these things can be lives lived openly and differently. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Anytime media is used to “prove a point” it will fail. Media should be used for creation not destruction. Go there to make a friend. Leave the cameras at home. Seek to understand rather than to be understood. God works in relationship. WWSFOAD? …not quite as catchy but…
Exactly Chris. Oh, and put THAT on a bracelet and I would buy it. Just to confuse people. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Security guards everywhere are there to keep situations from arising, and they’re often poorly trained and little better than bar bouncers. The dynamic between the groups didn’t need Islam or nationalism to fuel a fire. Replace the Christians and Muslims in this video with any other two groups you please, and given the opportunity, it could go much as this did. It really proves nothing except that Group A were hoping for trouble, and Group B were ready to thump their alpha-male chests rather than have their authority questioned.
What is truly stupid and sickening is that this incident was opportunistically exploited to feed fear and grow the seeds of fear and mistrust. What is troublingly sad is that there is a ready and hungry audience for it. There’s a nice Greek word that applies: xenophobia.
Precisely, Christopher. Even if the worst case scenario about the security guards and Muslim exhibitors was true, there is no justification for the kind of actions and attitudes these Christians were displaying.
Peace,
Jamie
I’ll be honest, I don’t even want to watch the video because I can probably tell you what is on it … I’ve seen those played out in real life. It makes me sick. Literally.
What bugs me most is how many times Jesus (and God) promised us in both testaments that if we trust him we don’t need to fear. The most beautiful time was when he said perfect love drives out fear. He took care of all of it … every last bit. So why o why do we go around digging up reasons to be afraid? Which god is it, exactly, that these so-called Christians are following?
I don’t blame you, Sonja. I do believe, though, that in order to correct this kind of bad example we need to be all the more active living the alternatives. For every video I see like this, I want to know or be a part of 2 or 3 other stories that thrill me with humility, grace and passion for Christ. I wish I would be bold enough to do more. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Ochone! I went directly to YouTube out of some sickness in the head. Self-righteous (un)Christian arrogance wasn’t the worst of it. One commentor referred to “extremist Muslims” — which by his definition apparently included our bouncers — as animals and wished violence upon them. On the whole the tone is anything but faith, hope, or love.
An image to remember — Jesus restoring to wholeness the ear Peter lopped off of the Roman soldier come to take Jesus into custody.
We need to restore more ears.
Peace,
Jamie
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I watched this. Its wholly embarrassing to Christians. I wonder what kind of seeds might have been sown if they had left the cameras behind and actually ASKED whatever questions they had.
Hey Nadine,
Agreed. What was really sad was that, with a little research at their site, it was clear they were not asking questions with a genuine desire for answers, but rather to argue a different point entirely.
Peace,
Jamie