Fear...

FEAR

In recent months I've had occasions to be caught in conversations (mostly one-sided) that centre around phobia's regarding certain races. In trying to interject the person in question invariably gets heated, the volume is turned up, speech comes rapid fire and I'm forced to wait until they run out of breath, or steam. Or whichever comes first.

What do these discussions revolve around?

Muslims...

Some of the statements:

'This is a CHRISTIAN country, they don't belong here and will NEVER assimilate.'

'They are the cause of all the attacks on women, terrorist attacks, and rise in crime in this country.'

And so on it goes...

As I did with one gentleman in question I brought up history, and pesky things like facts, as well as the tendency for the CHURCH to begin preaching and teaching fear surrounding different religions, different races.

So...history...

When I was a young teen, it was the Asian race that was feared. 'They were taking over the country...' BLAH BLAH BLAH.

Next it was the East Indians...then the Syrian refugees.

This particular man (quick note to say his own family immigrated to Canada from the States) went on to state at the top of his lungs...'check the facts, check the facts! Why the hell did we allow them into our country? None of them work (less than 10% according to him), they don't assimilate, they're bankrupting our country.'

Well I hate to break it to you but over 54% are working, while the rest are most likely training, educating themselves and the rest? Women and children. According to facts gleaned from research they are actually increasing our annual input of taxes, and giving back more than they ever received.

The assumption that they are leading in crimes etc? Also wrong.

A whopping 12% commit crimes. And that 12% encompasses ALL Asian (and other) minorities.

Let's remember something else my friends...we are not the US, the melting pot. We are the MOSAIC and all races, religions and creeds are welcome. Yes they must adhere to rules, laws and regulations, but they are FREE to worship as they like. As we are.

Islamaphobia is an actual thing.

Tell me church...where does FEAR fit into God's path? Nowhere.

 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind". Timothy 1:7

I pray you hear my heart today. I've been in the church and heard the teachings, the scratching of fear and loathing that begins to inhabit the BODY OF CHRIST. It's frightening in and of itself.

God LOVES EVERYONE.... Jesus didn't stutter when He said 'love your neighbour as yourself.' He didn't proclaim hatred and disgust for HIS neighbours during His time on earth.

I've NOT seen one shred of evidence in my reading of the bible, stating that everyone is

welcome EXCEPT the muslims and those promoting Islam. Not once.

Here's a short blurb from a study done regarding the fear and phobia of Muslims, well worth the read: