Plans Under Way for Christianizing the Enemy

NewHouse News Service ^ | 3/26/03 | Mark O'Keefe

[mrMJ]

NAh, not hostile, -- just a little skeptical of thier motives and perceptive of thier overbearing persistance. I just a strong gut feeling that that same persistance and willingness to meet hostility with condescending comments will get them in trouble over there. And I sure as hell don't want Iraqi's to think all Americans are like 'professed Christians'. Hopefully, they'll figure that out on thier own, though.

[RnMomof7]

Women. Always comparing themselves to others.

Weak excuse for your obvious LDS favoritism ...

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Welcome to the fray, Bereanway.

[mrMJ]

Yeah, American religious fanatics. Are you saying you aren't completely indulged into your way of beliving. Many of you demonstarte an obsessive manner about your beliefs, hence Fanatic. Fanatic wasn't a term meant to imply intolerance, but rather a perception.

About Bush-- let me know when you all get you Visa to goto Iraq.

No I am not a professed Christian, but I do know that your faith is not the end all be all way to get to the promised land. I am not saying my way is better than yours, but the way you go about recruiting new members is questionable.

[HumanaeVitae]

I think what you're talking about is fundamentalist Protestants. Actually, as a conservative Catholic, I agree with these types on pretty much everything, except the small matter of disagreement over whether or not I'm going to Hell...

Anyway, it is my belief that Islam is completely incompatible with democracy. So is the kind of soft paganism prevalent in Japan and Europe. The Judeo-Christian ethic of compassion, self-policing of moral behavior, decency, non-violence (note: not pacifism), and so forth is the only regime of ethics compatible with a free society.

Having said that, I think it would be prudent to hold off a bit, lest the War on Terrorism gets misconstrued.

[RnMomof7]

Bingo

[bereanway]

Thanks,
Contending for the truth is a noble pursuit.

[RnMomof7]

LOL LOL...

[k2blader]

Are you saying you aren't completely indulged into your way of beliving. Many of you demonstarte an obsessive manner about your beliefs, hence Fanatic.

Hm, well, what exactly would indicate I'm "completely indulged into my way of believing" or "obsessed" with my beliefs?

About Bush-- let me know when you all get you Visa to goto Iraq.

Per the article, "workers are near the Iraq border in Jordan and are ready to go in as soon as it is safe. The relief and missionary work is certain to be closely watched...." I'm assuming they have authorization already. But I guess we'll know for sure later.

No I am not a professed Christian.

How are you defining "professed Christian"? I define it as any person who has affirmed openly (thus, "professed") that Jesus Christ is his/her personal Savior.

I am not saying my way is better than yours, but the way you go about recruiting new members is questionable.

Ummm, not sure about this "recruiting" stuff. I believe in folks accepting or rejecting Christ of their own free will.

[k2blader]

I think what you're talking about is fundamentalist Protestants. Actually, as a conservative Catholic, I agree with these types on pretty much everything, except the small matter of disagreement over whether or not I'm going to Hell...

Why would I think you're going to Hell? :-)

[El Cid]

Re: Post 48

But this is the expressed intention (converting people to Christianity),

No, they are going in to preach Christ crucified ('go ye into all the world and preach the gospel...'). To most, this will be a stumbling block or foolishness. Only God can open someone's eyes and change their heart. No one has ever been argued into the Kingdom. God does the converting.

...and this is definitely how it will be seen...especially by the Islamic groups already hostile to the US presense.

You are probably correct. Christianity is an offensive religion. It doesn't threaten bodily harm in this world, but it's message is clear:

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And we are privileged, and honored, to bring these words of life to the world.

[GirlShortstop]

Well...then we disagree.

Cap'n, the disagreement that existed was on two separate points, I think.   "The No Iraqi government will ever allow..." statement you made didn't make sense to me since the missionary's plans are at hand.  The article as I read it, meant now, i.e., before an Iraqi government was officially established.

Moving along to what you've outlined in your most recent post, there isn't much on which I *don't* agree with you, except the expectation, or maybe pessimism, that the post-Saddam Iraq will be Islamic:  I simply do not think that it is possible that an Iraqi government will be an exception, nor do I think the U.S. would insist on it.  I am hopeful, and even prayerful about Iraq not becoming an Islamic state.  Truth be told, I will be extraordinarily peeved if that happens given the pledge America has made as Secretary Rumsfeld pointed out on Meet the Press:

The basic principles that President Bush has properly put forward are that

• the Saddam Hussein regime has to go,
• that the new Iraqi government, whatever it is, be selected by the Iraqi people,
• that it not have weapons of mass destruction,
• that it not threaten its neighbors,
• that it be a single country and that
• the people of that country be free to put themselves on some kind of a path towards a representative system that protects the rights of the minorities and the ethnic groups in that country.

Sharia [Islamic] law has not, will not, and can not adhere to the final requirement.   The Status of Non-Muslim Minorities Under Islamic Rule
FReegards.

[HumanaeVitae]

Some Protestants believe all Catholics are headed for Hades. As for me, I have no certain idea which way I'm going because: a)I'm not dead yet, and b) I'm not God.

I'm certainly hoping the right way.

[tracer]

The SBCs no doubt will be overjoyed when they learn that they have your permission to preach the Gospel.......

[tracer]

"You took a wrong turn and ended up in Illbay's neighborhood, maybe?"

You are referring to California...

[NH Liberty]

Sending in the Evangelical shock troops will be seen as an affront. The oldest Christian sects in the world are in Iraq already let them do any converting if it's possible.

What categorization of Christian is older than "evangels"? The original evangels (bearers of the "Good News") were Jesus and other Jews who spread the Messianic message of Jesus as Savior. An evangel[ical] is exactly the same today as he was 2000 years ago. But today, of course, more efficent modes of transporation enable evangel[ical]s to travel to some of the most remote parts of the world to spread the gospel. And while so doing, they will continue to praise the God of Israel, spread the gospel message of eternal Salvation through Jesus as Messiah, and serve the needy.

The "shock troops" you speak of are doing the Lord's work, which has been commanded by God. And the world is a sweeter place as a result of it.

I pray that God blesses you with His Truth.

[k2blader]

Some Protestants believe all Catholics are headed for Hades.

Please count me among those Protestants who would vehemently disagree with that.

As for me, I have no certain idea which way I'm going because: a)I'm not dead yet, and b) I'm not God.

I'm also neither dead nor God, but in Jesus' own words:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." - John 5:24 (KJV)

Be assured.

[tracer]

"Dont worry the LDS missionaries will flood in there ...They are soul brothers ..Polgamy is a religious principle."

Polygamy is not permitted of LDS in this dispensation. But, then, you knew that and decided to take a shot, untruthful or not, anyway.....

[F16Fighter]

"Christian 'sects' hands are not completely innocent with regards to promoting religion. The Catholic church has in the past committed some nasty acts in the name of church and religion."

And is it the Catholics who are the subject of this thread OR American Baptists??

In defense of my Catholic brethren, the Inquisition has been over for quite some time, or haven't you gotten the memo yet?

" Let the Red Cross and Red Crescent bring and distribute the aid needed. And for the record...I'm a Christian.

LOL -- the Red Cross??

I don't know what kind of "Christian" feels they must acquiesce to the corrupt Red Cross, or perhaps even the will of the UN to further administer aid and preside over this "sensitive" situation....

BTW, please feel free to letting fly any "smart a$$" remark you feel appropriate.