The Bible, Politics and Asia

It was stated that "the Bible can be used by white colonists from Europe to propagate imperialism in the -Third World' "Just an Asian" mentioned a film he/she had seep. "One Million years of Suffering", that showed that the Indonesian government "employs the Bible to force the people to believe, to subvert and resist the progressive ideas". I have not seen the film, but it should be obvious that one cannot believe everything that is seen on films, and even if what is shown is true, an isolated incident cannot always be generalised for the whole.

The principle message of the Bible is not imperialism or lining one's political views up with that of the Government. Rather, the main message is "God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, that everyone who has faith in him may not die but have eternal life. It was not to judge the world that God sent His Son into the world, but that through Him the world might be saved. The man who puts his faith in Him does not come under judgemtn; but the unbeliever has already been Judged in that he has not given his allegiance to God's only Son". The results of placing one's faith in him does not come under Judgement; but the unbeliever has already been judged in that he has not given his allegiance to God's only Son". The results of placing one's faith — one's trust — In Jesus will have repercussions in one's life — "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law". And this is rather interesting to contrast with the hatred, violence, and outbursts of Marxism. The Bible nowhere states that Christians should never strive for changes within society, but it does say that in doing so one should, unless it conflicts with Christian principles, be subject to the law of the country in which one is living.

It is unfortunate that there have been times in the past where people who have called themselves "Christians" have taught things contrary to the Bible's teaching. But like everyone else. Christians are not perfect they are prone to do wrong things also. The teaching of Christianity comes from the Bible — anything else that is taught in the name of Christianity is not truly Christian teaching and should not be recognised as such.

"Just an Asian"suggests that certain Asian governments are encouraging Christianity in order to suppress the people. The governments of of Indonesia and Malaysia are staunchly Moslem not Christian. Since when have Moslems been happy to sooperate with Christians And perhaps "Just an Asian" could explain why it is illegal in Malaysia for Christians to try and convert anyone who is a Malay.

I suggest that "Just an Asian" and Majid" check out Just what exactly the Bible does teach. Buy a Bible and read it. Then you will have a better idea of what Christianity is about, and appreciate how It differs substantially from the views expressed in your letters.