Respect for Political Opponents
One of the disturbing features of recent British and American politics is the increasing lack of respect for political opponents. Politicians and their supporters seem to think that it furthers their cause to speak evil of their opponents at every turn, to vilify them, and to represent all their speeches and actions in as bad a light as possible. Social media, with its simplistic brevity and prevalence of bad language, has greatly contributed. It was a welcome change when the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent “every good wish” to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he had Covid in April 2020. How different, we fear, were the wishes of some of Donald Trump’s political opponents when he took Covid in October 2020.
The Christian way is completely different; it is one of love and truth and honour. We are to love our neighbour; we are to speak “the truth in love” (Eph 4:15); and we have a duty of “honour to whom honour” is due (Rom 13:7). The Christian has respect for everyone, as a member of the human family and as bearing the image of God, albeit defaced by the Fall. Political opponents may be evil people pursuing evil aims, yet they are people still, and may on occasion say and do wise things. For these, they should be commended. If they are in positions of authority, their authority needs to be respected and upheld, even by those on the other side, lest these opponents find that they have started a rebellious and anarchistic movement that they cannot control. The “Black Lives Matter” movement showed tendencies in this direction under Mr Trump. The reviling of political opponents easily turns into something worse.
Paul shows us a better way: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (1 Tim 2:1-3). DWBS
Persecution of Christians
In prospect of the departure of American, British and other troops from Afghanistan on August 31, the Taliban swept through the country to take control. An inevitable consequence of this is an increase in atrocities against Christians (to use the word in a wide sense), who are forced to convert to Islam or face certain death. Women and young girls are taken from their homes and forced into marriage or subjected to horrible cruelties. The Taliban want everyone to be a good Muslim; Christians are considered apostates and will be targeted. There are no Christians in the country practising their religion openly; the last church building was destroyed 50 years ago.
Afghanistan is in the headlines at the moment, but the persecution of Christians takes place across the world. Countries in the thrall of Islam consistently persecute Christians, especially those who have converted from Islam. Somalia, Libya and Pakistan are other Islamic countries which are close behind Afghanistan in their cruelty to Christians.
Enmity to the cause of Christ is of course not limited to Islam. The organisation Open Doors monitors the persecution of Christians, and identifies North Korea as the worst offender. All religion is banned, and anyone practising Christianity, or even caught with a Bible, is liable to be executed. Children are taught that there is no God and must give thanks for their food to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. In countries where there is a similar cult-like following of the leader or the governing power, the worship of God is seen as a direct challenge to the leadership and is not tolerated. The ruling powers attempt to stamp it out with a wicked ruthlessness. The amazing wonder is that, by the power and grace of God, Christian groups still persist, and even flourish. It is said that there are more Christians in China than in the whole of Europe.
We cannot compare the difficulties faced by Christians in the United Kingdom to those experienced in the countries mentioned, but there is an insidious, creeping discrimination against those who profess Christ. The world hates to think that there is a holy God who requires absolute obedience from His creatures. Christians who do not concede that personal choice, and the indulgence of self, reign supreme are often vilified for making a stand by those whose attitudes are liberal and politically correct. We have seen many attempts to prevent the public preaching of the gospel. Persecution develops as a nation’s attitude to Christianity becomes less tolerant.
We watch with horror the persecution of those who worship Christ in other lands, but what does the future hold for those countries where we, as a denomination, are represented as a branch of Christ’s visible Church on earth? We are told to expect persecutions; as the Saviour said, “If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (Jn 15:20). FRD