Comments on: In The Name of Allah http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/ Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:49:09 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: adrian http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3256 adrian Tue, 14 Sep 2004 21:16:33 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3256 Re: the discussion with Stan. Christ commanded his followers to "love their neighbor." Contemporary Christians, and not only those on the Left, often conflate that commandment with, or use it to justify, condemnations of intolerance, bigotry, and the like. This connection seems obvious, but is it justified? My point, I hasten to add, is not that we Christians are somehow allowed to hate anyone---although we may well "hate the sin while loving the sinner," to paraphrase Augustine. Nor am I saying that institutions like Apartheid are Christianly justificable. What I am saying though, is that we Christians shouldn't assume that certain concepts like tolerance, openness, and so forth are adequate translations of what Jesus (really) means by "loving neighbor." To put it another way: the only way for us to get beyond both PC and a knee-jerk reaction to PC (which is what Stan seems to object to) is an exercise in theological discernment. We need to sift through the current categories with "the mind of Christ," in order to free whatever kernel of truth they have (if they have it) from the husk of a merely semi-Christian, or secularized Christian, moral vocabulary that often surrounds them. Adrian Re: the discussion with Stan.

Christ commanded his followers to “love their neighbor.” Contemporary Christians, and not only those on the Left, often conflate that commandment with, or use it to justify, condemnations of intolerance, bigotry, and the like. This connection seems obvious, but is it justified?

My point, I hasten to add, is not that we Christians are somehow allowed to hate anyone—although we may well “hate the sin while loving the sinner,” to paraphrase Augustine. Nor am I saying that institutions like Apartheid are Christianly justificable.

What I am saying though, is that we Christians shouldn’t assume that certain concepts like tolerance, openness, and so forth are adequate translations of what Jesus (really) means by “loving neighbor.”

To put it another way: the only way for us to get beyond both PC and a knee-jerk reaction to PC (which is what Stan seems to object to) is an exercise in theological discernment. We need to sift through the current categories with “the mind of Christ,” in order to free whatever kernel of truth they have (if they have it) from the husk of a merely semi-Christian, or secularized Christian, moral vocabulary that often surrounds them.

Adrian

]]> By: noah http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3239 noah Tue, 14 Sep 2004 16:12:35 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3239 After rereading Stan's first post, I realized that is it a sarcasm of sort, a satire. So I'm sorry for calling you a racist. My fault for not catching your point through the satire. And like La Shawn, I still don't completely get your point. Like I said, I'm a Protestant Christian first, conservative second, and Republican third. And although George Bush is not the best example of Christ, and is no Billy Graham, he is the best that we have in the Oval Office at this time. Clearly better than his predessesor, and clearly, CLEARLY better than his current opponent. Perhaps if you can straight out put it in simple terms and clearly state your frustration without satires, metaphors, or beating around the bush, La Shawn and some of us will be able to address your frustration better. After rereading Stan’s first post, I realized that is it a sarcasm of sort, a satire. So I’m sorry for calling you a racist. My fault for not catching your point through the satire. And like La Shawn, I still don’t completely get your point. Like I said, I’m a Protestant Christian first, conservative second, and Republican third. And although George Bush is not the best example of Christ, and is no Billy Graham, he is the best that we have in the Oval Office at this time. Clearly better than his predessesor, and clearly, CLEARLY better than his current opponent. Perhaps if you can straight out put it in simple terms and clearly state your frustration without satires, metaphors, or beating around the bush, La Shawn and some of us will be able to address your frustration better.

]]> By: LB http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3215 LB Tue, 14 Sep 2004 14:06:00 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3215 Stan is still free to comment. I was just getting tired of bearing the brunt of his frustration. Stan is still free to comment. I was just getting tired of bearing the brunt of his frustration.

]]> By: Jeannie http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3214 Jeannie Tue, 14 Sep 2004 14:03:11 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3214 Gosh, I don't see Stan as being rascist. I see him as being a purist. Correct me if I'm wrong, Stan, but I see you as attempting (in your own warm and fuzzy way) to open our eyes to ALL bias. Sometimes you're slightly on the overly sensitive side, and you make a bit of a mountain out of a molehill, but I think your point (if I'm understanding it correctly) is that we remain cognizant of that which makes us Christians and conservatives. That we should be viewing every situation, no matter the political ramifications, without bias and with our eyes wide open to any who may potentially be harmed through others' rascism, and through no fault of their own. I like Stan. :) Please let him stay in our playgroup, LB. Unless I'm wrong in my understanding of him, then feel free to show him the door. Gosh, I don’t see Stan as being rascist. I see him as being a purist. Correct me if I’m wrong, Stan, but I see you as attempting (in your own warm and fuzzy way) to open our eyes to ALL bias. Sometimes you’re slightly on the overly sensitive side, and you make a bit of a mountain out of a molehill, but I think your point (if I’m understanding it correctly) is that we remain cognizant of that which makes us Christians and conservatives. That we should be viewing every situation, no matter the political ramifications, without bias and with our eyes wide open to any who may potentially be harmed through others’ rascism, and through no fault of their own.

I like Stan. :) Please let him stay in our playgroup, LB. Unless I’m wrong in my understanding of him, then feel free to show him the door.

]]> By: La Shawn http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3012 La Shawn Fri, 10 Sep 2004 21:39:08 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3012 It's getting tedious, Stan. It’s getting tedious, Stan.

]]> By: noah http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3011 noah Fri, 10 Sep 2004 21:29:20 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3011 If Stan is not being satirical to make some sort of a point, let me, a Christian first, conservative second, Republican third, firmly denounce Stan and his raving mad comments, and conspiracy theories. Much like the loony extremeists from the left like al gore and michael moore that the liberal left should of in their right mind denounced long time ago(which they never did but inbraced), we should denounce extremists like Stan on the spot, if no so to contrast ourselvess with the liberal leftists. And I will not be PC here: Stan, you are being a racist. I live in Los Angeles. So? I don't see none of what you are talking about. And Michelle Malkin is an American and a patriot. In this case, a lot more than you (whatever your ethnicity is). If Stan is not being satirical to make some sort of a point, let me, a Christian first, conservative second, Republican third, firmly denounce Stan and his raving mad comments, and conspiracy theories. Much like the loony extremeists from the left like al gore and michael moore that the liberal left should of in their right mind denounced long time ago(which they never did but inbraced), we should denounce extremists like Stan on the spot, if no so to contrast ourselvess with the liberal leftists. And I will not be PC here: Stan, you are being a racist. I live in Los Angeles. So? I don’t see none of what you are talking about. And Michelle Malkin is an American and a patriot. In this case, a lot more than you (whatever your ethnicity is).

]]> By: Randal http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3007 Randal Fri, 10 Sep 2004 21:13:05 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3007 Stan, Despite it's provocative title, Ms. Malkin's book does not endorse internment. If you read Ms. Malkin's blog, she explains the book points out factual errors in common perceptions of what occurred, demonstrates a real risk of Japanese spies, and discusses the folly of our government refusing to recognize that the vast majority of the people who want to kill us today are Arabs and to direct anti-terror actions accordingly. I have seen hear clearly state several times she does not endorse internment. Randal Stan,

Despite it’s provocative title, Ms. Malkin’s book does not endorse internment. If you read Ms. Malkin’s blog, she explains the book points out factual errors in common perceptions of what occurred, demonstrates a real risk of Japanese spies, and discusses the folly of our government refusing to recognize that the vast majority of the people who want to kill us today are Arabs and to direct anti-terror actions accordingly. I have seen hear clearly state several times she does not endorse internment.

Randal

]]> By: HiRez http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3005 HiRez Fri, 10 Sep 2004 20:59:28 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3005 Hell, in the name of Christianity blacks were enslaved, raped, sold, stolen, segregated, humiliated, discriminated...etc. In the name of Jehovah, far more Palestinian kids have died than Israeli kids... I am a evangelical christian, and I still recognize the inherent bias in criticizing a religion with A BILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE GLOBE based upon a minority that is less than 1% of that... Judge not lest ye be judged... I think that this fringe of radical Islam must be addressed as what it is, radical Islam... Hell, in the name of Christianity blacks were enslaved, raped, sold, stolen, segregated, humiliated, discriminated…etc.

In the name of Jehovah, far more Palestinian kids have died than Israeli kids…

I am a evangelical christian, and I still recognize the inherent bias in criticizing a religion with A BILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE GLOBE based upon a minority that is less than 1% of that…

Judge not lest ye be judged…

I think that this fringe of radical Islam must be addressed as what it is, radical Islam…

]]> By: stan http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-3000 stan Fri, 10 Sep 2004 20:41:55 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-3000 LB, So, we're all locked into our own views and not going to change? I'm NOT a liberal. I believe in the literal virgin birth, the sinless life of Christ, His death in my place for my sins and His glorious return. I chair a group that does humanitarian work in Cambodia, whose goal is to bring the Gospel to those who have yet to hear. Is your blog reverse "politically correct"? Just all cheerleading for the same old stuff, making fun of anyone who disagrees, even respectfully? I posted to this blog re: MM because you recommended an article she wrote about a criticism of her book. As an American citizen of Filipino descent, it could have happened to her, too. How would she like it if her ethnic group was targeted that way? Stan LB,

So, we’re all locked into our own views and not going to change? I’m NOT a liberal. I believe in the literal virgin birth, the sinless life of Christ, His death in my place for my sins and His glorious return. I chair a group that does humanitarian work in Cambodia, whose goal is to bring the Gospel to those who have yet to hear.
Is your blog reverse “politically correct”? Just all cheerleading for the same old stuff, making fun of anyone who disagrees, even respectfully? I posted to this blog re: MM because you recommended an article she wrote about a criticism of her book. As an American citizen of Filipino descent, it could have happened to her, too. How would she like it if her ethnic group was targeted that way?

Stan

]]> By: LB http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-2998 LB Fri, 10 Sep 2004 20:34:41 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-2998 Calling what I do "trash" is your prerogative, Stan, but projecting your frustration - whatever you call it - on me is getting close to the line. I won't address the rest. If you don't like what I say or do, the door is wide open. Calling what I do “trash” is your prerogative, Stan, but projecting your frustration – whatever you call it – on me is getting close to the line.

I won’t address the rest. If you don’t like what I say or do, the door is wide open.

]]> By: stan http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-2997 stan Fri, 10 Sep 2004 20:32:57 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-2997 Come on out to California sometime, LB, and I'll take you to Manzanar where the old gym has recently been turned into a museum. Read all the stories, look at the faces, buy some of the books before you subscribe to Michelle's stuff. It's all about people. I am a conservative evangelical Christian, too, but you guys just throw so much trash around that its difficult to have any kind of discussions. Doers do, writers write, bloggers blog...but in the end are we reaching out to the poor in the way Christ commanded? Was He a Social Darwinian? The reason people act the way they do is primarily that they're lost and need to be found. You have such a great opportunity to influence so many but you're just being lost in the conservative trash talk that is spewed endlessly about. You guys honor Rush, four times married buying THOUSANDS of pills and you let him get away with blaming the pills? Bush says before the election that he wouldn't do anything about Roe v Wade because its the law and we honor him as pro-life? He won't close the borders or order containers searched and we honor him as the great fighter of terrorists? LB, there is a DESPERATE need for a third party of integrity . No matter who wins this election, we all lose. Why don't you use your power and move that direction instead of throwing in with some of these phonies? Stan Come on out to California sometime, LB, and I’ll take you to Manzanar where the old gym has recently been turned into a museum. Read all the stories, look at the faces, buy some of the books before you subscribe to Michelle’s stuff. It’s all about people. I am a conservative evangelical Christian, too, but you guys just throw so much trash around that its difficult to have any kind of discussions. Doers do, writers write, bloggers blog…but in the end are we reaching out to the poor in the way Christ commanded? Was He a Social Darwinian? The reason people act the way they do is primarily that they’re lost and need to be found. You have such a great opportunity to influence so many but you’re just being lost in the conservative trash talk that is spewed endlessly about. You guys honor Rush, four times married buying THOUSANDS of pills and you let him get away with blaming the pills? Bush says before the election that he wouldn’t do anything about Roe v Wade because its the law and we honor him as pro-life? He won’t close the borders or order containers searched and we honor him as the great fighter of terrorists? LB, there is a DESPERATE need for a third party of integrity . No matter who wins this election, we all lose. Why don’t you use your power and move that direction instead of throwing in with some of these phonies?

Stan

]]> By: LB http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-2995 LB Fri, 10 Sep 2004 20:26:44 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-2995 Stan, why don't you take this up with Michelle Malkin? Send her an e-mail. I don't know why you continue commenting on my blog when it clearly frustrates you. I doubt you'll change my mind about my beliefs, and I can't speak for anyone else. Since I discovered blogs, I've spent <em>maybe</em> an hour on liberal blogs because it was pointless. Everyone holds firmly to their opinion until they see <em>compelling</em> evidence to the contrary. That's how we humans are. Do you comment on blogs that share some of your views? You might find it useful. Stan, why don’t you take this up with Michelle Malkin? Send her an e-mail. I don’t know why you continue commenting on my blog when it clearly frustrates you. I doubt you’ll change my mind about my beliefs, and I can’t speak for anyone else. Since I discovered blogs, I’ve spent maybe an hour on liberal blogs because it was pointless. Everyone holds firmly to their opinion until they see compelling evidence to the contrary. That’s how we humans are.

Do you comment on blogs that share some of your views? You might find it useful.

]]> By: SCSIwuzzy http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-2994 SCSIwuzzy Fri, 10 Sep 2004 20:25:42 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-2994 So were the Germans and Italians interred with them. Your point is? Have you read Ms. Malkins book, Stan? So were the Germans and Italians interred with them. Your point is?
Have you read Ms. Malkins book, Stan?

]]> By: stan http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-2992 stan Fri, 10 Sep 2004 20:20:41 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-2992 The Americans of Japanese descent interned during WWII were Americans, too. Stan The Americans of Japanese descent interned during WWII were Americans, too.

Stan

]]> By: LB http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/comment-page-1/#comment-2987 LB Fri, 10 Sep 2004 19:53:11 +0000 http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2004/09/09/allah/#comment-2987 Cute post, Stan. The purpose of it, I don't know. <em>Michelle Malkin, herself a Filipina...</em> Actually, she's not a "Filipina." She's an American. Cute post, Stan. The purpose of it, I don’t know.

Michelle Malkin, herself a Filipina…

Actually, she’s not a “Filipina.” She’s an American.

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