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Whatever one's views on the merits of the cartoons labelled
as offensive by Muslims throughout the world, there is no
denying the fact that perceived insults to the faith of Islam
will not be acceptable.
No reasonable person would approve of the rioting on the
streets of cities throughout the world, or the burning of
buildings. Such reaction is totally reprehensible and undemocratic.
But, as in the reaction by Muslims some years ago to 'Satanic
Verses', the clear message to the world opinion is that in
no way will things considered offensive to the prophet Mohammed
or to the Muslim faith be accepted.
In fact, it is enough to have huge crowds on the streets
of cities throughout the world, and alarming proof that violence
will be used to back up the protests.
Few Christians or people from the Christian tradition would
agree with such extreme action, such as that witnessed in
the aftermath of the cartoons incident.
But many Christians have been reflecting wryly on the fact
that had such insults been used towards their Lord and Saviour,
or their faith, it would have been accepted without much reaction.
Christians have been deeply offended by films, and other
media coverage in recent times which showed insensitivity,
indeed hostility, towards their religion.
Those writers and broadcasters behind the attacks on Christians
did so in the knowledge that no violence would result, and
they could easily deal with the low-key protests which usually
marked such insults.
What the Muslim protests have proved, apart from showing
just how fanatical many people of this faith are in their
commitment, is the wide gulf between the European and nominally
Christian society, and the deeply religious Muslim world.
Most of Europe is now nominally Christian, and apart from
a few exceptions, including Northern Ireland, there is not
the zeal and commitment to the Christian faith which once
existed.
Nothing compared to the wonderful faith of the people of
the Southern States of America's 'Bible Belt', where churches
are packed and the gospel is preached day and daily to huge
congregations.
Or to the marvellous outpouring of Christian belief in Africa,
or in South America, where evangelical Protestantism is on
the march like a roaring fire.
No, Europe, or most of it is cynical and apathetic, and in
such a climate it is difficult to comprehend the fanatical
belief of Muslims, who take offence at the lowering of moral
and spiritual values.
Europe, including Britain, is now paying the price for the
undermining and debasing of Christian standards and the abolition
of laws governing sexual morality founded on Christian values.
Christians in the United States, Africa and other parts of
the world would not tolerate the onslaughts on their cherished
faith without making a firm stand. Not a stand based on terror
or force, but an unwillingness to compromise with secularism,
and an ability to speak out firmly against evil attacks on
God, Jesus Christ, and everything which Christianity holds
dear.
Ulster Protestantism is now under attack from various quarters,
and Northern Ireland is being conditioned to accept things
which, if implemented, will bring about a great lowering of
moral and social standards.
Calls for the introduction of licensed brothels, easing of
drug regulations, and further drink and gambling facilities,
lap-dancing clubs, and increasing Sunday sport will open the
floodgates to all sorts of corruption and antisocial activities.
The Orange Order and Royal Black Institution will continue
to throw its weight behind those opposing easing the existing
laws. But it would help a lot if all concerned with upholding
Christian values, not least the Protestant churches, would
speak out loudly with one voice on this issue.
When Sunday opening of public houses, shopping centres, and
sporting venues was mooted, and then introduced by European
laws, it was left to the smaller evangelical Protestant churches,
and concerned individuals to stand up and be counted.
Protestant churches in Northern Ireland must not duck the
issue or stand aside in case they are branded as 'reactionary'
or 'out of date'.
If they become irrelevant, and don't make a strong stand,
they will be in danger of suffering the fate of the Protestant
churches in England and Wales, which have been reduced to
a mere shadow of their once mighty Christian witness.
The Church of England, in trying to be all things to all
men, has lost a great lot of its strength and its authority.
The Methodist Church went down the road of compromise, departed
from the teachings of John Wesley, and now has only one-third
of the membership it had 50 years ago.
The contrast with the Baptists and other Protestant churches
in the Bible Belt, or in African countries like Africa, or
with South Korea in Asia is startling and illuminating.
Ulster must remain true to its great Protestant Reformed
traditions and be the bulwark against not only Romanism, ecumenism,
but also secularism and materialism.
It will be on the receiving end of ridicule and subject to
all sorts of attacks by 'liberals' and 'intellectuals', but
it will prosper and flourish as people turn to the biblical
and gospel truths in a terribly mixed-up world.
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