I'm just watching the BBC news and there's a special report on Palestinian Christians. Apparently now in Gaza they are terrified because Hamas, the radical Islamist group, is in power, and many Christians have received death threats.
What, if anything, do you think the worldwide Christian community should do to help?
2007-12-23 06:48:32 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
ANTHONY 9 - lol lol lol well put!
2007-12-23 07:07:06 · update #1
Since the "Palestinians" took over control of the West Bank, Bethlehem alone has lost over 85% of its Christian population because of Muslim threats and harrassment.
Under Israeli administration, Christmas would draw over 500,000 tourists to the city. Last Christmas, it was less than 4,000.
'Nuff said . . .
2007-12-23 11:09:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Okay...here we go. How is it that you get the BBC news and I can't find it? Okay doesn't matter here. I would opine here that Palestinian Christians are no better in the eyes of fanatics of Hamas than any other Christian/Jew/Pagan. We are all infidels and not worthy of any consideration from them other than what they can get publicity wise from their persecution of them. I'm sure that that fair and balanced news outlet called something like Al Jazeera will undoubtedly air the footage of the selfless and courageous 'Freedom Fighters' beheading some poor 'Infidel' to prove they are worthy to go to heaven and receive the tribute of the 70 some whatever they are promised. What should the Christian community do to help?...well I have no idea. What I do know is that nothing will be done. There will of course be calls for negotiation but as some of us know negotiations only work with someone who really wants to negotiate. What I really know is that some of those unfortunate people are going to die hideous deaths and in those few churches that choose to take any notice of this at all will wring their hands, lament the deed and beg for the forgiveness of the transgressors. All very notable but not very useful. The UN of course will take no notice of it at all and the other governments of the world will make believe it never happened or at the very least make some lip service comments about it. Not at all very useful if you ask me. If you ask me Israel may just have it right. How many bombs went off in the city of Baghdad last week as compared to the bombs that went off in Israel? Okay not really looking for a definable answer here. Force of any sort should be met by an equal or greater force. Dang I really sound warlike here don't I? But truly, how does one negotiate with someone who aims a gun at you and calls for the obliteration of anyone who doesn't agree with them? You tell me, I was a soldier and have no answer to that one except the obvious. Good hunting and God speed.
2007-12-23 15:33:03 · answer #2 · answered by Mike S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You asked about Christian community to help, not western governments, which I appreciate.
First Christian aid agencies are already doing a lot, both for Palestinian Christians and also all over the Middle East. The same trouble is in China, India and Pakistan of-course.
First the human rights groups Open Doors, Christian Solidarity Worldwide have been highlighting for decades how poorly treated Christians are in various Islamic nations. (One reason why we try to show the other cheek in how we treat Muslims in western societies with inter-faith groups).
Next, humanitarian aid is getting through. Christian Aid and others have been sending much time helping poor people of all faiths to get a better life.
Very good question. Much more of-course can be done and needs to be done. They are of the family of God and are being savagely treated. All people everywhere should be free to believe what they want to without fear of interference and intimidation.
2007-12-23 15:13:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I congratulate the BBC on mentioning that there are Christians living in Gaza, who have lived there for centuries. More reports on the Christians living in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza etc please, every month would be good.
2007-12-23 16:06:56 · answer #4 · answered by Steven Ring 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only when something is against moslems do they make noise but when christians are oppressed there is a silence ... it only goes to show you where the evil spirit works and feels comfortable... he prefers to smother the christians and all those who are his friends prefer to look the other way or shout about irrelevant things to cover up
2007-12-23 14:59:17 · answer #5 · answered by peaceisfromgod 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians are persecuted through out the Muslim world. Now I suppose I will get comments from Muslims who have been no further than Bradford or a training camp in Afghanistan
2007-12-23 15:00:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
You think that's bad, consider what the Muslims did to the Christians in Iraq. Islam is inherently an anti-Christian religion. That's not a theory, that's a measurable fact.
2007-12-23 15:49:14 · answer #7 · answered by Steve Amato 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well, the Bible predicts that Russia and Iran will attack Israel, and the U.S. won't do anything about it. This actually is part of God's plan towards the Apocalypse.
If you want to read a very interesting book on the events that are and will surround Jerusalem and the Middle East, you need to read, "Jerusalem Countdown", by John Hagee. He has studied the history of Jerusalem in-depth and has consulted with many Middle East politicians and scholars.
As a Christian, I don't worry about the history unfolding in the Middle East. It's part of God's plan.
Similar to past history where Christians have died and were persecuted for their cause, so it is happening in the Middle East.
2007-12-23 14:57:25 · answer #8 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Stop giving their allegiance to the Muslim Palestinians terrorists.
The "Palestinians" that we in the West recognize are the Muslims (as they are the majority); we don't care about the others.
The west should not aid terrorists; we should not recognize terrorists; we should not force Israel to aid or recognize terrorists.
We should end terrorism and ensure that minorities will be protected (as they are in Israel).
2007-12-23 15:14:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is persecution world wide -- as the Bible predicts that there would be in the end times. There are things we can do: we can keep in touch with the various bodies which monitor these dreadful trends and we can pray.
http://www.persecutedchurch.org/
http://www.persecution.org/suffering/news.php
http://www.persecution.org/suffering/index.php
http://www.persecution.com/
http://www.persecutionblog.com/
2007-12-23 18:22:00 · answer #10 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋