You may have read about the world-wide response to the publication of editorial cartoons that were offensive to the Muslim world by the Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten Some of the cartoons published last September depict Muhammad as a terrorist, and this has brought the ire of the Muslim world on this newspaper and others as a blasphemous act toward their god.
The Danish paper defends its actions as freedom of speech. The Muslim world calls for self-restraint and sensitivity to other cultures and religions. I'm not sure how the riots, deaths and burnings in response to the editorial line up with that call, but that's the way it works in the world. Iran has called for its own cartoons of the Holocaust, and the US has accused Iran and Syria of escalating the furor.
What are you and I to make of all this? First of all, we live in a volatile world where cultures clash more and more. We no longer live continents apart. We are only a click away from each other. There is no such thing as living in isolation anymore for the technologically connected. These crashes in the intersections of life will only grow more volatile and frequent.
Media outlets continue to hide behind "free speech" for such inappropriate actions like these cartoons. We cherish this value, but we also are irresponsible with its use. Paul commented on the ancient Greek motto when he wrote, "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. (1 Cor. 10:23) International media outlets would be wise to heed his words.
My hunch is that no American called foul at the offensive editorial because the value of "free speech" has become so defamed we tolerate everything from skin heads to pornography under its label. Or, are we so prejudiced to our own way of life that offenses taken by others just are not our responsibility?
Free speech and tolerance are little "g" gods in our culture today. While some Muslims need to learn about these values, those values often keep some of us from speaking truth and addressing core issues. My prayer is that we learn again to speak truth (in love, which does not mean weakness) and live patiently alongside those we are called to love in Jesus' name.
Keep an eye on this story. It is one of those like The Tonkin Gulf Incident in 1964. It looks isolated now, but it could be the spark that lights a short fuse on world relationships.
Don't forget to fill out the tear-out portion of the worship guide as we seek to covenant together to become five-purpose followers of Christ.
Four of us are headed to Wales this week to investigate ways in which we can partner with people there to bring the Good News to people groups over there. I will use this posting as a blog for my trip as I am able to get internet connections. Check every day or so for updates. I'll be back February 19 to start "The Recovery Channel" with you.
Posted by Gene Wilkes at February 8, 2006 05:21 PMI am not sure we can just pass of the riots as how things work in the world. If the cartoons had been about Jesus, would there be a single act of violence? I don't think there would be anything more than boycotts and letter writings. Are we going to burn down the theaters that are going to show The DaVinci Code?
Posted by: Jay at February 9, 2006 12:15 PMI think exhibit A is the abortion clinic bombings...we've got our history of violence as well.
Good words and reminders Gene...great questions...
Posted by: Grant at February 9, 2006 12:52 PMPaul's comments 2,000+ years ago to the Corithians become very prophetic in a world that is only a "click" away.
I look forward to reading about Wales and will be standing in the gap for you guys back here.
Posted by: Suzanne at February 9, 2006 01:11 PMJay,
I'll take your point. Maybe we would be less reactive to similar cartoons about Jesus. I hope that would be a result of what Jesus taught us about our enemies.
I'm afraid some preachers and media pastors are already getting their sermons ready for the films release. Yes, we have done dummer things in the past over movies like "The Last Temptation of Christ..."
Posted by: gene at February 9, 2006 03:40 PMHi Gene, I just wanted to comment on this whole situation in Europe. As I understand it, one of the cartoons was showing Mohommad as a terrorist. What I think is funny is that the way the people are reacting to the cartoon is in the same way that a terrorist might, therefore, they totally validate the cartoon. I just think it is interesting. Let me also say that in no way do I think the entire "muslem" group are terrorist, I happen to know and love some of them, all I am saying is that if you want to get away from the label, then by acting violently is not the answer. Blessings, and hope all goes well in Wales : )
Posted by: Angela at February 10, 2006 11:02 PM