A local Christian magazine has been publishing Zionist articles, taking Israel’s point of view  in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. I responded twice with the view I held as a person who follows Christ trying to live in the way He has taught me to live. My comments were not published. Instead, the author of the article called me, personally challenging me to find fault with what she had said.

In today’s issue of the magazine, another article was published by a different author, speaking out for the Israeli point of view. I am concerned that this kind of material is being fed to what I believe to be an evangelical Christian audience. What happened to the love of Christ?

I wrote another comment today, not totally confident that it will be published. The editor does not appear to have an open mind on the matter. And so, I will write my comment here to make sure I’ll be heard:

I’m an advocate for the Muslim Rohingya refugees and give them spiritual support. But I do so as a person who follows Jesus Christ–the best example for the world to follow—not only in how he lived, but also in what He said.

Not long ago, there was a conflict between Muslim Rohingya refugees and a minority group of Christian Rohingya in the camp in Bangladesh.

I asked them to explore what their scriptures have to say:

“LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”
The exact phrase “love your neighbor as yourself” is biblical, but Islam teaches the exact same rule in its Hadith. The Prophet Muhammad said: “None of you will have faith until he loves for his brother or his neighbor what he loves for himself”.

“WHO IS OUR NEIGHBOR?”
Jesus (in Christianity) and in the traditions of Islam, a neighbor is defined broadly to include not just those who live close by or share the same faith, but anyone in need, encompassing the local community, strangers, and the vulnerable.

The Quranic Mandate: Surah An-Nisa (4:36) commands kindness toward parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, “the neighbor who is near, the neighbor who is a stranger, and the companion by your side.”

Unfortunately, not everyone believes the above. They spread false information to create religious hatred or division among people. If we believe in Jesus, we must promote peace, mutual respect, and understanding.

Religious differences cause wars. But God tells us to accept and love each other, no matter how we worship. Only then can we create world peace.

A note from Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Christian pastor, author, and theologian based in the West Bank:

“When scripture is read as a whole, its message points toward justice, love, and human dignity. We cannot take ancient texts out of context and use them to justify oppression today”

How could true followers of Christ argue with that?

marja