Austins in Thailand

For decades we conveniently blamed everything on the Communists. Before that it was fashionable to blame Jews and Blacks for problems. Of course, in some areas of the world these people are all still blamed for this, that and the other. In Asia there is deep distrust between the Thais and Cambodians, the Lao and Thai, the Chinese and Indians and on, and on it goes. Of course whole books have been written about racial cleansing in the 20th Century.

The recent fad in America seems to be to distrust and blame everything on the Muslims. Forget the fact that there are hundreds of sects of Islam with the overwhelming majority begin peaceful and peace-loving. Even the Christians participate in this prejudice.

Jesus said, “Don’t judge, or you will find yourself judged.” Do we listen to Jesus anymore?

Some Christians seem to think that anything that violates their point of view should be attacked with full vengeance regardless of the emotional and physical carnage. Have we forgotten that “nothing can separate us from the love of God. . .” so we need not fear anything? Have we forgotten that love is the hallmark of Christianity?

We can have firm beliefs, disagreeing with others, and still maintain friendships. We can have dialogues with tension and still walk away friends. People are more willing to listen to the message of Christ if we Christians are living like Christ: loving people unconditionally in an atmosphere of safety and respect.

Let us love.