Sometimes a friend has to tell us we are embarrasing ourselves

At times in life we focus on one point so much we lose sight of everything else. During these times our behavior may become a little askew, grasping onto that one point like a pit-bull and are unwilling to let it go. In these times of obsession we need a friend to step in and tell us we are embarrassing ourselves and to help us return to the light of normal behavior.

While I try not to be critical of the religion or faith of others (except when discussing one on one the merits of each of our perspectives) I keep observing the actions of those who live in Muslim countries and wonder when somebody from within is going to step up to the plate and ask if this is truly the image they want to portray. While there have been legitimate times of anger, the image of these people boiling over in outrage at the slightest word of offence is truly getting old.

The two outstanding events are the cartoon outrage and now the Pope comment outrage. It seems at the slightest provocation, they take to the streets and work themselves up into a rage. Sometimes it is simply protest and shouting; other times it is serious threats; sometimes it boils into violence. Michelle Malkin said it best by wondering if Islam is the Religion of Perpetual Outrage. Is this the image that is desired? I do not claim that they should be silent when events are offensive to them. I speak out all of the time on this blog when events offend me. To address the issues in a more civilized manner is surely more effective than flying off the handle every other day. There may be a time where a protest of outrage is appropriate, but if this is the only tool in your arsenal it quickly becomes ineffective. It soon makes you an object of ridicule.

In the US, Christians are habitually subjected to offensive speech and actions; often times being the butt of many jokes. While some is deserved, most of this is based in a completely inaccurate view of what a Christian is. Sometimes it is based on an accurate view of what a Christian is, but based in hatred of such. Sometimes it spills over into direct sacrilege and blasphemy against God. While I might speak out against such things, or write to sponsors expressing my disagreement; my view is that my God is able to avenge Himself of offenses against Him. He does not need me to stick up for Him. I can only think of one instance where somebody in the Bible felt the need to "defend" God: Peter took his sword and cut off the ear of a priest to keep them from taking Jesus. Instead of commending Peter, Jesus told him to put away his sword and then healed the priest's ear.

I have stated before that there is a need within Islam to condemn such terrible acts as September 11th, suicide bombers, beheading innocent hostages, forcing conversions at gunpoint, and targeting civilians with rockets. I think also there needs to be those to stand up and lead the people to a better image than what we see in these pictures.