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Piper on Islamic Cartoon Riots

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Evangelical pastor and theologian John Piper contributes today a thoughtful article on the current Muslim uprisings over the Danish cartoon representations of Mohammed. Writes Piper:

What we saw this past week in the Islamic demonstrations over the Danish cartoons of Muhammad was another vivid depiction of the difference between Muhammad and Christ, and what it means to follow each. Not all Muslims approve the violence. But a deep lesson remains: The work of Muhammad is based on being honored and the work of Christ is based on being insulted. This produces two very different reactions to mockery.

The commentary is helpful not so much for what it says about Islam as what it demonstrates about the nature of Christianity: namely, that our call is to bear reproach and scoffing in the present day, even as Jesus himself did. This is a helpful reminder in an era when many of us are tempted, not to riot in the streets, but nonetheless to protest loudly every insult against us.

I plan to take up the topic today with Paul Marshall of Freedom House as I guest-host the “Albert Mohler Program” on the Salem Radio Network.

Only when we see how lost we are, we can find our way again. Only when we bury what’s dead can we experience life again. Only when we lose our religion can we be amazed by grace again.

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About Russell Moore

Russell Moore is Editor in Chief of Christianity Today and is the author of the forthcoming book Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America (Penguin Random House).

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