Both religions profess to follow the god of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, but, the Catholic Church, like all other Christian churches, is not beheading Christians. Do they say they follow the same God? Yes. They sure don’t act like it. If you think it is more important that we fight each other than to defend Christendom together have at it, but know we are arguing ourselves to death.
Layering false premises does not make a valid premise. When you insist we are fighting each other, well, I for one am fighting demonic deceptions. As a catholic, perhaps you are uncomfortable of such a campaign ... and the potential to expose heresies and blasphemies in catholiciism?
Lee, I empathize with your concern, but this is a battle with multiple fronts. Yes, there is a geopolitical dimension, and we need to act together to repel the advances of Islam.
But there is also a spiritual front. We do not wrestle here against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers of darkness. Not trying to be “spooky.” It’s just true. The key weapon in that fight is a clear messaging of the Gospel according to God’s word. If we cede that front, we would be in disobedience to Christ.
So yes, we should minimize our fighting to the extent possible. We should season all our conversations here with grace and generosity. But we are also under a command to contend for the faith. We cannot withdraw from presenting the Gospel at every reasonable opportunity. It’s not an option.
Yes, I know both sides here feel they are the one contending for the true faith. That’s just one of those awkward inconsistencies we will have to put up with until the end of this age. Jesus will sort it all out.
Meanwhile, as we wait for that day, there is no harm in bending over backwards to make these discussions as pleasant and useful as possible for everyone involved. Wise as serpents, harmless as doves.
Peace,
SR