Iraqi Religious Justification: Did Jesus Walk on Oil? · by Jon Paul

Well, if it wasn’t enough that the U.S. Military decided to creep so abruptly into Iraq, destroy their cities, their social and economic infrastructure, kill thousands of innocent civilians, and have no idea how to clean their mess up, and to top it off why not send in missionaries to help persuade Iraqis to convert to Christianity just to have some commonality between their new found God and President Bush.

While guns continue to fire and bombs persist to explode, American missionaries are allowed into Iraq spreading the word of God. Christian fundamentalists have gained access into Iraq with the support of the American military. The things that are forbidden in other Arabian countries have been allowed in Iraq by the American generals. The large religious group known as “The Southern Baptist Convention” supports George Bush’s war, which in return, “All of you are feeling invited to spread the word of God and proclaim the Kingdom of God” says Bush.

Bibles for Children and The Life of Jesus are just a few titles being distributed among Iraqis by a million dollar organization called The Voice of the Martyrs. The martyrs are Christians who have died in a holy war for their religion. American missionaries say this war is a material struggle. That the Iraqis are to be converted to Christianity with the help of propaganda and humanitarian good will. Is this “good will” meant to make the missionaries feel better about them selves or further endanger the lives of those that speak with an eager God-promoter?

One missionary states “Some Muslims become very angry.” In an Islamic country such as Iraq, a person who converts to Christianity is subject to be killed. “Our activities can lead to people dying, we are aware of that.” says an enthusiastic Baptist, “But to spend the eternity in heaven and not in hell – seems like a good deal, even if it results in a physical punishment here on Earth.”

Some Americans believe it’s a religious war. That “Iraqis don’t hate us, they hate our God. They are believing in a lie.” General William Boyken said something that was documented only on audio tape. He stated, “My God is greater than theirs.” As well as “Their God is a false God – an Idol.” One might find it peculiar how a General in charge might deal with situations among those who don’t believe in his choice of faith. More importantly, why make initial comments such as these. The beliefs of those trying to find order and peace in a country foreign to such notions should be able to turn to whomever they wish in search of any comfort whatsoever.

There are over 16 million Americans that belong to “The Southern Baptist Convention” Some more extreme than others, but for the most part they believe that everyone on this planet should believe in the God they cherish so dearly. One missionary mentioned “There have been a lot of false God’s like their Allah, but that stays a lie and that’s what prophets have said.” The dogmatic thought processes of these Baptists never help a situation of conflict, especially a severe situation such as the one in Iraq.

Cities such as Broken Arrow in the Midwest are part of “The Southern Baptist Convention.” There over 4000 churches that truly value and follow this religious movement in America. That seeks to change everyone who does not believe in their faith.

One particular problem with religion is just that - dogmatism. If one chooses to believe in something, by all means, do so. But to think that everyone else is wrong because they choose not to believe in your faith, does not give that person the right to condemn another for disagreeing. “It’s a spiritual war,” according to these Baptists. “We are fighting the forces of darkness.” Who’s fighting who? Are these Baptists using the stronghold of the military to influence Iraqis to convert? Should they be allowed to step into an Arabian country because as of right now the door is open for them to do so?

Politics and Religion, once again are intertwining. Islam intertwines church and state, so is this all the more reason missionaries believe they can influence the frightened and fatigued among the authority of Western political manipulation?

The people of Iraq have an incredible amount on their plate already. To be seen even talking with a martyr can lead to death for either person. If the Baptists continue to believe that they are trying to save people of Iraq by converting them, why don’t they stop to think, turn around, and confront those that are allowing them to enter with such ease? If they truly want to save the people of Iraq, they should start by holding peace meetings and mass in the back yard of the White House. Because really, is the true problem the beliefs of a society or an uninvited clout at your doorstep?
- JP
(all quotes gathered by John Goetz I Volker Steinhoff)