WHAT DO I THINK OF GOD?

Recently I heard a man from England discussing a potential terrorist plot that had been uncovered.

In attempting to point out how dangerous radical Islamists are he made the following observation about their religion. He said they were loyal to their faith first and the country they live in second.

His point was to explain why they kill and terrorize those who disagree with their faith.

My immediate response was, "Is that not true of Christians?" I have been taught from childhood up to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29) This incident with Peter and John occurred when they were instructed not to teach the message of Christ. This was a statement by Peter indicating he and John and others were obligated by their faith to teach it to others so they could enjoy the ultimate benefit of salvation. (Acts 4:19,20) It was not a statement that indicated any plans to overthrow the government or in any way attack those who opposed them. It was a statement that said you will have to punish us if you see fit but we must practice our faith.

Now this is the opposite of the radical Islamists who say if you disagree with us we will kill you anyway we can to eliminate any opposition.

Christians know they are to worship one God only. (1 Cor. 8:4-6) They understand the scope of their loyalty to that God is to be complete; total. "With all your heart, soul and mind." (Matt. 22:37) They further understand He comes first, ahead of all those they love such as family or friends. (Matt. 10:34ff) They understand such a faith will bring about persecution. (2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Cor. 4:11-13)

So what we have are two polar opposite reactions to loyalty to one's faith above all else such as family, government, etc. On the one hand Christians are faithful to God to the point of suffering persecution for that faith while on the other hand radical Islamists are loyal to their faith to the point of bring destruction on anyone who rejects it.

The problem I am trying to expose is everyone is walking on eggshells trying not to offend those who are considered to be moderate Islamists. As a result experts decry being loyal to one's faith above all else rather than pointing out that such loyalty should not cause harm to others. We need to acknowledge one can be loyal to his faith above all else and not be a danger or threat to others around him who are not.

What we need here is to recognize that any faith that calls on its followers to destroy its opponents by physical assault is an invalid faith. Anyone who serves such a God needs to recognize their God is evil or they are serving themselves and attributing it to God.