Everyday we hear about the pending 450 page Homeland Security Bill that is in Congress. Is this a bill that will protect the rights of the United States Citizens, or is it a bill that is designed to dismantle the framework of the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution? The U.S. Government is using fear to scare you into giving up your rights as citizens and creating a police state with secret police and all of the evils of the KGB and NAZI Germany.

With the formation of an agency that infringes on the Bill of Rights, I am fearful that there is a time coming when in the name of security, freedom of speech will vanish. I'm fearful that the day is upon us that freedom of religion is disappearing. Already there are cries for the arrest of all Islamic Americans and shipping them back to where they came from. EthicsDaily.com Staff gives a report on the comments made by both Jerry Falwell and Jimmy Swaggart on all Muslims living in the United States. These preachers need to be much more careful on the rhetoric they espouse on the international media. Calling for the expulsion of all Muslims and claiming that Muhammad was a terrorist on 60 Minutes in not a sign of the Christianity espoused by Jesus Christ and the Apostles in the Bible. Doesn't the Bible state to live peaceably with all men?

Romans 12:18

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Rhetoric that espouses contempt for the prophet Mohammed causes contention while at the same time promotes an anti Christian message to the world that the Christians are hatemongers. Now there are many Christians that are afraid and are falling prey to the message of fear that is being espoused by our government. This message of fear to promote a war on terriorism that destroys the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States is one of the tools that is being used to destroy the freedom enjoyed by the citizens of the U.S.

There are a few that are sounding the alarm that the proposed bill in Congress should be radically be amended to protect the Religious, Cultural, and Freedom of Speech that we all enjoy. When you abridge these freedoms you are destroying the very spirit that has made America great. Conversely, there are many who support the idea that security is more vital than freedom. These misguided people need to realize that they will be the ones who will be prosecuted and condemned by the Homeland Security Act. Are you ready to go to jail for a comment? Are you ready to be tortured for your thoughts? Already innocent civilians are finding themselves incarcerated by the government of the U.S. Please read the historical record of the past year in the Electronic Frontier Foundation Report on the ``Chilling Effects of Anti-Terrorism.'' Also on Thursday November 14, 2002 William Safire wrote in the NY Times: ``You Are a Suspect'' editorial on the proposed Homeland Security Act.

With all of this information what is the Christian to do? Is he supposed to give up the rights to freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of speech and all of the other freedoms that we share just to say we have security? Though I don't like the Muslim religion any more than Jimmy Swaggart and Jerry Falwell, I realize that the same Constitution that protects me to practice worshiping God the way I want also protects them to worship God the way they want. To win a Muslim to Christianity is not to condemn them, but through love as portrayed in the Bible.

Romans 12:17-21

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Each of the apostles and Jesus Christ himself exhorted us to live peaceably with all men. Throughout history the organized church forced, and brutally fought against those who did not believe. This caused many non believers to play Christianity and at the same time corrupt the true believers with the tools of Satan. The tools of Jesus are the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-26

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

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Copyright © 2002 LeRoy D. Cressy
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