Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Jesus was a young man of Middle Eastern appearance
Heard the above quote on the radio this morning.
Good isn't it.
Also heard that Jesus went to Cronulla on the sunday of the 'race riots' and got beaten up.
A young man of middle eastern descent whose name happens to be Arabic for Jesus.
Funny how we have stereotypes of people and then something happens to blow them away. Or hopefully something happens.
It is true of the "anti-Muslim" sentiment visible both within and without the church in Australia these days. In Australia it seems that anyone from the Middle East is deemed to be a Muslim, if not a muslim extremist.
Let us pause and consider this in reverse.
For alot of people in the Middle East, they view every American, Briton or Australian as being Christian.
They view Western society as being a 'Christian' society out to convert the world to Christianity.
As a Christian that view worries me. What worries me most is the view that Western liberal democracy and capatilism are viewed as being one and the same as Christianity.
Now when a bunch of year 12 students turn out in Lorne, or on the Gold Coast in Novemeber each year, why does the media not report it as "Christian teenagers on drunken binge"? Oh wait a minute, because they are not all Christians.
So why do we have the stereotype that all people of Middle Eastern descent are Muslims, if not extremists?
That is not to say that a large proportion of Middle Eastern people are not Muslim.
But it can be like Greek or Italian people who are Orthodox or Catholic Christians. It doesn't mean they attend church every week, or that they even represent the views of their religion.
Let us work to break down stereotypes.
Good isn't it.
Also heard that Jesus went to Cronulla on the sunday of the 'race riots' and got beaten up.
A young man of middle eastern descent whose name happens to be Arabic for Jesus.
Funny how we have stereotypes of people and then something happens to blow them away. Or hopefully something happens.
It is true of the "anti-Muslim" sentiment visible both within and without the church in Australia these days. In Australia it seems that anyone from the Middle East is deemed to be a Muslim, if not a muslim extremist.
Let us pause and consider this in reverse.
For alot of people in the Middle East, they view every American, Briton or Australian as being Christian.
They view Western society as being a 'Christian' society out to convert the world to Christianity.
As a Christian that view worries me. What worries me most is the view that Western liberal democracy and capatilism are viewed as being one and the same as Christianity.
Now when a bunch of year 12 students turn out in Lorne, or on the Gold Coast in Novemeber each year, why does the media not report it as "Christian teenagers on drunken binge"? Oh wait a minute, because they are not all Christians.
So why do we have the stereotype that all people of Middle Eastern descent are Muslims, if not extremists?
That is not to say that a large proportion of Middle Eastern people are not Muslim.
But it can be like Greek or Italian people who are Orthodox or Catholic Christians. It doesn't mean they attend church every week, or that they even represent the views of their religion.
Let us work to break down stereotypes.
Comments:
<< Home
hey. I applaud your persuasive language techniques. No body could have said that better than you. I am in agreeance (if that's not a word, it should be) with you on that matter. I, myself can even be caught out assuming the same as you have said. Although, are Western countries seen as Christian or Cathlolic? When you first said that, I thought Catholic, but now I'm not sure. Anyway! This is a comment, and I'm glad I read your blog. I like that entry. My English teacher would like you. See you soon!
Post a Comment
<< Home
