Steve Gushee’s Religion page commentary in the Oct. 6 Herald was stunning as it swept away all serious religious beliefs, labeling them terrorism (“It’s time to rid the world of all fundamentalism”). He seems utterly blind to the fact that he has just committed the crime of intolerance, which he seems to so despise!
Granted, we are all a little crazy in the wake of the Sept. 11 attack, but we should at least try to be rational. Maybe this will help: Fundamentalism is nothing more than a commitment to the core beliefs of one’s religion, philosophy, etc. (Many patriotic Americans could be called fundamentalists.) Fanatics are unbalanced individuals and it probably doesn’t matter what group they attach themselves to. They will likely continue to be fanatics in any case. Serious Christians, Jews and Muslims come in all shapes and sizes but for the most part they are peace-loving and non-threatening. Finally, terrorists are evil, power-hungry corrupted creatures who will use religion, sex, money or politics to accomplish their goals of personal glory.
Yes, the Bible does predict a gradual decline and eventual confrontation between good and evil. It doesn’t take modern day prognosticators to highlight this decline. Scripture, however, talks far more about God’s love for mankind and His intense desire to reconcile all people to Himself through His son, Jesus Christ.
All of the above begs a calm and careful interpretation of current events as they relate to scripture. Those who completely discredit Bible prophecy or spiritualize it away are doing seekers a grave disservice, but those who fan the flames of fear, insecurity and confusion are equally to blame.
Let us hope that as America moves forward, our religious leaders will take their cue from the president, who is calmly and decisively dealing with this monumental attack on our beloved country.
Snohomish
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