http://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/3692/EU_proposes_to_close_mosques_that_do_not_adhere_to_EU_values
While it is to be somewhat expected and to a degree
understandable that the EU would propose banning literature and organisations
that promote anti-state violence it's a little troubling to read that they're
contemplating closing mosques that 'do not adhere to EU values'.
As Christians we're not too concerned about whether or not
mosques flourish or fail but there's a larger issue here and one that could
directly affect the Church.
Presently the language is carefully wedded to 'terrorism' but
such legislation could establish a bad precedent in which religious groups
viewed as sectarian or out of the mainstream could be subject to similar restrictions.
I'm sure most MP's would say that such fears are unfounded
but as Christians we ought to know better. The threat comes from both the Left
and the Right. The nationalist movements in places like Italy represent a
threat to Biblical Christianity in that the latter is viewed as
counter-cultural, anti-traditional and is not conducive to patriotic and civic
values. This is true, but nevertheless the sectarian nature of New Testament
Christianity necessitates it will always be a remnant minority group and as
such poses no viable threat to the political order.
Will Christians win converts away and generate schism in
family units and possibly in communities? Yes, but that's what we're called to.
It's part of the offense of the cross.
We know the world will always oppose us and that putting no
confidence in princes we don't look for help to come to us from Egypt. We rely
on the Lord and live as pilgrims but we must be vigilant.
These moves by the EU are not a cause for alarm, but a cause
for some concern and bear watching.
The language also includes a condemnation of those who incite
'hatred' and 'discrimination'. As Christians we don't incite these things and
yet in standing for truth the world will accuse of doing such and thus it's no
great leap to suggest this legislation could be applied at some point to
Christian churches.
Not sure where to put this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a5U7wgvbZc
ReplyDeleteSibil Edmonds reporting about attempted murder of Brunson, American pastor in Turkey. From a Turkish report, she pieces together that Brunson might have ties to the CIA viz. being a part of an "Evangelical intelligence service" which she doesn't give any details (she seems to be confused about it herself). It might be some kind of missionary census taking kind of organization or something. Also, she mentions Brunson, for his work, being recruited by CIA, involving himself with PKK and Kurds, trying to promise support for independence if Kurdistan declared itself a Christian nation.
All in all, it sounds a bit of a feverish conspiracy being cooked up by Turkish journalists. However, it doesn't mean it's all wrong. It's possible that Brunson, through some parachurch/missionary agency, might have been tapped as an intellgence asset, perhaps even forming contacts with Kurds viz. missionary/pastoral work. It's not improbable, but it certainly puts another spin on the publicity about getting him released.
Yeah I'd take that with a grain of salt. Edmonds has a fascinating story to tell with regard to the FBI, 9/11, Hastert etc., but she's always struck me as a bit.... uh, wild and maybe prone to exaggeration? She's had a big falling out with Corbett and others in those circles.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Brunson, it could be. If anything at all I would be more inclined to believe him to be an intelligence source (word on the street) kind of thing as opposed to an active agent. Most American evangelicals aren't going to have any qualms about cooperating with American intel.
But, a couple of years ago a very good friend of mine (an expatriate Europe-based American affiliated with a local Turkish church) based in another part of the country had a newspaper article appear in which he was named as a CIA asset training terrorists and the like. In his case I know 110% this was simply not the case. I've known this man for more than 20 years, know his mind and I know he had nothing to do with any of that. Some local Islamists were/are mad about the congregation being in their neck of the woods and decided to go after Americans who were attending.
She has a certain kind of zany flair that can be offputting if you don't find much of what she says as credible. She's not someone I would link to if you're fully enmeshed in the American establishment line.
DeleteHowever, even as she conveys this story as based on solid evidence, I can't read Turkish and she can. Your friend's example is helpful to showcase how these sorts of claims are more normal than not, but everything has fixed on this one man. Is he just convenient? The wrong guy at the wrong place wrapped up in a geo-political struggle beyond himself? Or is there something about Brunson that is hidden subtext to this whole fiasco? Is there something dirty about him, a card the AKP govt hasn't played yet? Why would a skilled tactician like Erdogan wager Brunson against Gulen, someone who is of far more significance? Again, it could be the wrong guy in the wrong situation, and an escalating crisis that is reflective of Trump's brinkmanship diplomatic policies.
Regardless of the truth in the swirl of shadows, you're right to say it dishonors Christ's people, giving reason for the Gentiles to blaspheme, especially as worthless forked-tongue "Christian" media heads belie the gospel for American politics. They make it worse, even though they think they're doing the right thing.