Much has been written recently about the Danish cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed and the violence that has followed.  This week the news is focused on Nigeria where over 100 have died when Muslims lashed out at Christians over the cartoon story and Christians have retaliated. 
The printing of cartoons about Mohammed raise a number of issues related to freedom and responsibility of the press, and how we live with one another in a diverse global village.  I will only focus on how we ought to respond to this situation as Bible believing Christians.
Every religion has its radical extremists.  By definition, radicals believe their religious perspective is right, and radicals will go to great lengths to defend or promote their beliefs.  A biblical example of a radical, was the Apostle Paul.  He was a radical Jew who sought to eliminate the followers and ideas of Christ.  When he converted to the faith he had despised, Paul became a radical follower of Jesus.
One difference between the two religions of Paul was the practice of violence.  Paul, the Christian, embraced the ethic of Jesus which includes, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:44,45)  Paul never lost his sharp tongue in arguing with those he disagreed  with, but his passionate faith never again led to violence.
To be clear, the majority of religious people in the world do not resort to violence.  The point I would make here is that by

definition, the radical Christian is to love his enemies and not seek to kill them.  When Christians do resort to violence, it is because they are nominal in their faith. 
To apply the ethic of Jesus to our local situation, God is calling us to treat our enemies with love and respect.  Easier said than done.
Recently, I was in a situation unrelated to the church where someone was seeking to discredit my reputation.  I chose not to advocate for myself and in the end he looked foolish. 
Romans 12 builds on the ethic of Jesus when Paul writes, "Bless those who persecute you." (12:14), "Live in harmony with one another."  (12:16), "Do not repay anyone evil for evil." (12:17) and "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath." (12:19)  Easier said than done.
I believe that God is calling us to a radical faith that loves those who are enemies.  This is often the line between what is natural (hate your enemies) and what is of God.
In light of a world with growing religious violence, may we be people who love those we disagree with.  May we pray for the Muslim world rather than add fuel to the fire of their hate.  May we be people who live peaceably with our neighbors who do not share our faith and traditions.  May we be radical followers of Jesus who show it in the way we love.

-Pastor Rick

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