Religious intolerance

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

You dare not criticize the Muslim religion, or you will be called intolerant. If you say anything negative about Judaism, you will be labeled a bigot. But when Christianity is attacked, no one seems to protest.

Some people claim that Christianity is a hoax, a religion designed to get cash from the gullible. Others say that although it contains some worthwhile teachings, Christianity is built on myth—if there really was a man named Jesus, he certainly did not perform any miracles or rise from the dead. There are people who claim that Christians are bigoted, out of touch with the modern world, or are dangerous fanatics.

Insulting Christianity is nothing new. Back in the time of the Roman Empire, Christians were seen as disloyal to the government because they refused to pray to statues of the emperor. When Christians spoke of eating Christ’s body and blood during communion, non-believers called them cannibals. When the government needed a scapegoat for failed public policy and military reversals, Christians were blamed and thrown into the arena to be mauled by wild animals for the pleasure of cheering crowds.

Unquestionably, Christians have done some terrible things—the Crusades, the Inquisition, and many witch-hunts were done in the name of Jesus, yet we can be sure that Christ never sanctioned the evils brought about by these events. Likewise, the histories of both Muslims and Jews are filled with considerable blood. This simply proves that all humanity loves sin and needs a Savior; we need the blood of Christ, shed on the cross, to purge away our thirst for blood.

It is fascinating to me that Jews and Muslims immediately get defensive when attacked, whether it be over political matters, accommodating religious beliefs in the workplace, or even in regard to telling jokes. Yet when the Christian faith is attacked, there is no demand for a public apology, no one voices concern that the Christian is being treated insensitively. Why must we respect Muslims and Jews, but accept bashing of Christians without complaint? Perhaps it is as simple as this command from Jesus: Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also (Matthew 5:39).