WARNING - WHAT IS 'MODERATE' AND WHAT IS 'RADICAL'?

by Glenice Mills

“We need to find a way of making it ‘us’, all moderates, against them, all radicals of all religions.” Australian Prime Minister, Mr. Malcolm Turnbull.

This would have to be the most serious statement a person has ever made that is a challenge to the Church right now and in particular the Church in Australia. This is our political leader speaking. For many of us who have known that there is a move to undermine the freedom of the church it is now been spoken and acknowledged. There are many dangers on a number of levels.

We can take this statement as addressing the Muslims and those who hold to their extremist views however there is much more behind it. We, the body of Christ need to ask ourselves some serious questions right now.

How is ‘radical religions’ defined? Is a Pentecostal, Charismatic church classed as a radical because it believes in Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is an apostolic/prophetic church defined as a ‘radical’ because they speak out and address unrighteousness, injustices and ungodliness? Is a church that meets on a Sunday who is not threatening to what is deemed ‘politically correct’ defined as radical or is it what is called a ‘moderate’?

The Dictionary meaning of moderate is: avoiding extremes, one who holds moderate views, make less violent, intense, to becomes less vehement.

The Dictionary meaning of radical is: fundamental, far-reaching, holding extreme views, revolutionary, advocating radical reforms.

How do you define ‘a way of making it ‘us’? Is this saying we all need to agree by compromising, accepting the opinions of the loud minority, or ‘let’s all be friends no matter our religious, political, financial, social beliefs?’ If this is so, then we are heading down a road of increasing unrest, intolerances, prejudices, divisions and factions. It is the very opposite of ‘us’. It is the beginning of fascism, the mouths of the people shut up and the rising up of ungodly dictatorships.

Is there a political agenda here? Is there a push to silence the mouths of those who would make a stand for what is right and true? Undoubtedly!

The church is on the cusp of serious choices whether they choose to bow to what is politically correct by joining with and aligning ourselves with other religions to ‘keep the peace’ or are we going to stand out, stand apart, and not compromise, appease and agree with what we know is against God and His ways. Will we be the remnants who do not bow the knee to all that is idolatrous or will we be prepared to count the cost by being different with its associated persecutions, ostracism and isolation?

Does this mean that when we Christians speak out against social issues such as abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage and euthanasia that we are deemed radicals and therefore we need to change so we become more ‘us’? What say some of say, “no, we won’t be quiet on these issues?” What happens to us? We will be viewed as the same as a murderous jihadi?

We are already seeing examples where church leaders have been challenged because of their stance of some of these issues. This is happening in America and we are not and will not be immune either if we are truly going to make a stand for what is right and true.

Church wake up!!! This is not the hour to stay comfortable, safe and secure in our little bubble of ‘false peace’. The greatest test is coming on the Church and it is happening now on our watch. What legacy do we want to leave our children and grandchildren? Let’s not fall for what appears to be right and open the door for deception. It’s time to be on the alert like never before!