Religion can be corrupted, distorted, and co-opted for negative purposes. But this principle is not exclusive to Islam.
For example, consider the following quote featured today on CNN. This is a Christian minister discussing the horrific shooting that occurred ten days ago at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
"Hey, are you sad that 50 pedophiles were killed today?" Sacramento, California, pastor Roger Jimenez said from the pulpit the Sunday of the shooting. "No, I think that's great. I think that helps society. I think Orlando, Florida is a little safer tonight ... The tragedy is more of 'em didn't die." (Link to the Article)
Really, Pastor Jimenez? Did you actually study the teachings of Jesus Christ when you were at seminary? Or did you stumble into a hate rally by mistake?
Any religion can be corrupted when those professing to follow - or even lead - that religion let their hearts turn cold and their minds grow opaque and obstinate.
‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ - Matthew 25:40
Are you a good steward for your faith? Do you live its values truly and fairly, even when those values conflict with your personal feelings? Do you treat your neighbors - the believers, the non-believers, and those of different faiths - with love and respect? Or do you let yourself fall into the abysmal trenches of judgment, ridicule, and exclusivity?
Our faith depends on us just as we depend on our faith. When we let our own hearts turn cold toward the plight of our neighbors or abandon "the least among us," our faith suffers in kind. We pull it down into the well instead of letting its spiritual buoyancy raise us up to a higher level of understanding and acceptance.
Copyright © 2016 Daniel R. South
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