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Utterly outrageous: Church attacks in Malaysia
By Ern Sheong | January 8, 2010
There is only one thing sure about this world. It is messed up. Messed up.
Today 3 churches in the Klang Valley in Malaysia was attacked, or bombed. According to The Star, “The three churches were the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati, the Assumption Church in Jalan Templer, Petaling Jaya, and the Life Chapel Church in Section 17, also in Petaling Jaya.”
Outrageous, utterly outrageous. Just as Malaysia moves ahead to progress with the 1Malaysia concept, some irresponsible parties are acting immaturely over what I see to be such a trivial issue. According to Wikipedia, “Allah” is the word used by Arabic-speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christian and Jews, in reference to “God”.
But in the first place I feel that the Catholic weekly or whoever who is behind it should not have had to bring the issue to court. If it does not help in bringing the Gospel forward, we should just concede and let the other party have its way, as this is only the Christ-like thing to do. If the Muslims want to have sovereign right to use the word “Allah”, let them do so. Those who brought it to court should know better how sensitive this multiracial country is about such matters. “I AM” does not need to be referred to by the word “Allah”. “Tuhan” would have been fine, I bet God does not take offense at being called the Malay translation of “God”.
My dad remarked that he does not want to go to church tomorrow because of this. I had something to say to him, of course. My mum remarked, perhaps without much thinking, “Son, don’t come back to Malaysia. Don’t return to this place.” I also had something to say to her. We Christians have nothing to be afraid about, if we truly believe in the God of the Bible. Romans 12:17-21 says:
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far
as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.20On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The revenge is the Lord’s. He will repay. There is nothing to be afraid of. If anything, we should all turn up in church in force, to pray for solidarity and for peace in this country. God is larger and infinitely more powerful than some cowards with little bombs.
He will avenge.
What a dangerous world we live in! Money and wealth just cannot buy security, regardless of where you are. If you are thinking of leaving Malaysia, just remember that 9/11 happened in America, and the stabbing of the Indian student happened in Australia; no matter where you are, this world is not safe anywhere, so don’t be deceived. As an aside, I am glad that our Prime Minister has condemned the attacks today.
There is still Hope in this world. Hope came down in the form of a Man. Jesus Christ came to die for our sins, and so seek and save the lost. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. There is just no other way. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-32:
28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Live or die, my future is secure in Christ. Amen.
Topics: General | 1 Comment »
January 18th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
actually, the whole thing about not bringing the issue to court was running in my mind, till I heard that because of this sensitivity to the ‘A’ word, Christian books and publications were being banned or confiscated. Perhaps that’s the reason.