One of my friends says religion started all the wars and oppression in history. I reminded him of the old Soviet Union and asked which religion caused them to oppress people. Atheism does not tend to treat people kindly, in my observation. For example, when the Baptists and others drive into the areas devastated by natural disasters, they do not typically compete with the atheist relief teams, because they don’t exist.
Is there any kernel of truth in my friend’s statement, though? The people who beat Paul were doing it in the name of religion. When he mentioned his ministry to the Gentiles, they screamed and shouted. Notice their words, “Rid the earth of him. He is not fit to live.” Doesn’t this seem extreme? The Roman soldiers rescued Paul from people who were intent on killing him in the name of their religion. But their religion never taught that.
In our day, we hear extreme rhetoric on so many sides. I hear it about the national election in the United States. People on both sides of the aisle have told me this will be the last election if their side doesn’t win. Let me take this to a logical conclusion. One side or the other will surely win. Then either way, this is our last election. I doubt it. Words matter, though. People on both sides of the aisle are created in the image of God. All of us need Christ. I have friends who love Jesus in both parties.
When we demonize and castigate people for whom Jesus died, we devalue the currency of language. It is a small step from calling names to causing violence. We are not acting like Christ when we call other people names. Full stop. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that if we call others Raca (empty head) or fool, we will answer to the court of heaven and be in danger of the fire of hell (Matthew 5:22). Paul says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).
The only ultimate election is our election in Christ. It is sure and it lasts forever. Let us not make anything else ultimate. History tells us that every civilization so far has been temporary. The Kingdom of God is eternal. Of course, the issues of our day are important, in some cases, matters of life and death. But people live somewhere forever. What can we do here and now to make sure that more people come to know Christ? Does the language we use about others tend to draw us and others closer to Christ, or farther away? The Audience of One is listening.
