I want to take a break from my marriage series to comment on the events in Egypt. On October 9th twenty-one Christians were killed by the Egyptian military who currently have power in Egypt. Reports say that they were killed by being run over by armoured vehicles or were shot with live ammunition (as opposed to the non-lethal riot gear that is available). These Christians were part of a protest march responding to a church being destroyed earlier that year. This weekend hundreds marched (without incident) in remembrance of those killed.
How should we respond to such incidents? Perhaps our first response is to place blame and point fingers toward growing Islamic extremism. This is often the first response I hear. However, the recent march in remembrance of the slain Christians included Muslims who are calling for unity. There are those within the Islamic community who realize that violence is not the right answer. Moreover, too many Christians are quick to point the finger and call for retaliation. Is this a Christian response. Is this truly following the man who said, "Blessed are the peacemakers."
News reports say that the military regime in charge in Egypt is trying to stir religious tension. Such tension will allow militant leaders to maintain control and will derail the progress of democracy in that country. They understand that religious tolerance (the kind granted in our First Amendment) will ruin their militant rule. There is a lot we could learn from what is happening in Egypt.
Sources:
Washington Post
Constitution
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