Hollywood and Islam

Mark Wahlberg recently suggested that “Hollywood bubble actors” stop talking about politics because “they’re pretty out of touch with the common person.” One actress who appears to be taking positive action on the latter is Sally Field. In an interview on Chelsea Handler’s Netflix show, the “real Momma Gump” announced she joined Twitter “in order to better understand how the American people could elect a man like Donald Trump.”

Ms. Field, I’d be happy to enlighten you on some things. First, this nation was founded as a Constitutional Republic…not a democracy as you and many Americans wrongly assume. I wish more celebrities who desire to use their fame for good have Judeo-Christian values like that of our Founding Fathers.

Moral reasons were given in a previous blog article as to why I vote Republican. Here I want to point out a key reason why Hillary Clinton would have been a bad president. The former Secretary of State talked of admitting 65,000 Syrian refugees (most if not all of them Muslim) into our country without examining their backgrounds. This would be a fivefold increase of the nearly 13,000 Syrian refugees already resettled across the nation this year. Although many Muslims are content to coexist with people who don’t share their religion, some take the Koran literally and wish to impose Sharia Law upon everybody else.

Ms. Field apparently forgot how living under the cloak of Islam can be a living hell. In her 1991 biopic “Not Without My Daughter”, Sally portrayed Betty Mahmoody, a Michigan woman who married an Iranian-born doctor that tricked her into moving to Iran. Dr. Mahmoody’s renewed commitment to Islam resulted in him controlling Betty’s life and regularly beating her before she and her daughter Mahtob were able to escape and return to the United States.

Ms. Field, would you invite rapists and murderers to stay in your home? If not, then why would you want our country to become like those in Europe that allowed larger numbers of Muslim immigrants? This has resulted in an increase in rapes and “honor killings.” The latter is already happening here in America. The Department of Justice reported there were 27 of them last year. 

Let me clarify I’m not labeling all Muslims rapists and murderers. I welcome those who want to legally immigrate to this country provided they adapt to our way of life and not try to force their customs upon the populace. Still, I advise all Americans to watch “Not Without My Daughter.” It shows how real Islam is not peaceful but a very intolerant religion.

I also read on Wikipedia that Sally Field is a strong supporter of LGBT rights because her youngest son is openly gay. As a Christian, I oppose homosexuality but don’t condone killing those who choose to live deviant lifestyles. Sadly that’s what happens in many Islamic nations.

Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees once told People magazine, “It’d be impossible to live here. Hollywood reminds me of a giant false religion.” I pray more celebrities and Muslims find truth not in religion but in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” - John 8:32

What Would Jesus Do in Orlando?

Pulse nightclub in Orlando

Last Sunday morning in Orlando, Florida, a Muslim man walked into a gay bar and went on a shooting spree. 49 people plus the gunman were killed. Another 53 were wounded. Not counting massacres done to Native Americans during the Westward Expansion, this was the worst mass shooting on U. S. soil.

From an eternal perspective, the greatest tragedy regarding any large loss of lives are those who died without knowing the Lord. While it’s possible there were Christians among those killed in Orlando, it’s likely most of them weren’t. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” Fortunately verse 11 offers hope to those who repent, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." I posted these verses on my Facebook page along with a prayer for laborers to reach out to the survivors with the gospel so they recognize their need for salvation. 

Unfortunately, my comments were misinterpreted by a few of my Facebook friends. Four of them unfriended me. Others wrote some not-so-positive remarks. One accused me of “discriminating” against gays. In response, I pointed out that when I’m doing street evangelism and encounter homosexuals, I usually don’t witness to them differently than I would to heterosexuals. We all need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Quoting what Scripture says regarding immoral behavior isn’t discrimination but warning of the consequences if one doesn’t repent.

Another friend mentioned Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 (KJV), “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” I’ve noticed many people are quick to judge murderers as hell-bound but God still used Moses and Paul to write parts of the Bible (including Scriptures opposing homosexuality). A proper interpretation of God’s word shows that a Christian is supposed to judge but without being judgmental or hypocritical. Jesus said in John 7:24, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

One of my other Facebook friends posted this simple question: “What would Jesus do?” Jesus would likely respond the same way He did to the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8...extend mercy but then say, “Go and sin no more.” (verse 11) 

Jesus wouldn’t want us throwing stones but demonstrating His love towards those affected by the tragedy in Orlando. Chick-fil-A employees there showed up for work last Sunday (a day they are normally closed) to prepare and give away food to first responders and people donating blood to victims of the shooting. This certainly demonstrates Christlikeness considering Chick-fil-A experienced protests after their CEO spoke out against gay marriage in 2012.

In no way do I condone what happened in Orlando. If I were to know any of the victims' family members, I would be compassionate towards them regarding the loss of their loved ones. However, if I was asked to speak at their funeral, it would be dishonest for me to say they are “in a better place” if I wasn’t certain they knew the Lord and lived their lives for Him.

Homosexuality can be a very sensitive subject especially around those who have close friends that are part of the LGBT community. Nevertheless, Christians should never be afraid to speak the truth of God’s word. We can reach out to homosexuals with Christ’s love without condoning their lifestyles.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” - Proverbs 28:13

Coexisting with the "Tolerant"

One objection to Christianity I sometimes hear from non-believers is that religious differences have supposedly caused more wars than anything else. As a result, we are now seeing similarly designed bumper stickers urging people to “coexist” and have “tolerance” of one other.

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines coexist as “exist in mutual tolerance despite different ideologies or interests.” Ironically, many people who advocate tolerance are in reality intolerant of Christianity because of Scripture that won’t condone their lifestyle choices. Ronald Reagan once said, “The frustrating thing is that those who are attacking religion claim they are doing it in the name of tolerance. Question: Isn’t the real truth that they are intolerant of religion?”

Jesus did pray for unity in John chapter 17 but only amongst believers. The Lord doesn’t like strife and division within His body. Psalm 101:5 (NLT) says, “I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” We are also commanded in Ephesians 4:27 to give no place to the devil.

There is such a thing as being too narrow-minded when it comes to God wanting to do new things through His people. Rodney Howard-Browne says, “Some people are so narrow-minded that they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.” In Acts 5:38-39, Gamaliel offered sound advice about reacting to new moves of God. Unless disciples are obviously promoting dangerous practices, it is wiser to be tolerant than repressive. Otherswise, we might find ourselves “fighting against God.”

But one thing Christians cannot tolerate is doctrine opposing the Word of God. One YouTuber wrote to me claiming, “All religions teach the same truth.” Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to Father except through Me.” Notice Jesus said He was THE truth…not a truth.

Nevertheless, Christians should be compassionate towards those that don’t know the truth of God’s word. Some of you might have co-workers or even a spouse who are non-believers. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

But some men don’t want to live in peace. Take a look at Islam for example. The God of the Koran is certainly not tolerant of non-Muslims...

“I will throw fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger. That is because they opposed Allah and His messenger. Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, (for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment.” - Surah 8:12-13

Some people reading this might ask, “What about the Crusades?” Throughout history, atrocities have been carried out in the name of God. But that doesn’t mean God Himself was behind those things.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Of course, we must resist evil in cases of war and confronting criminals.

As “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), we are to be in this world but not of it. Therefore, I exhort you to be intolerant of sin but tolerant of people who hold views contrary to Christianity. By speaking the truth in love, God can use you to lead some of them to Him.

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”

- Hebrews 12:14