—A.W. Tozer
14-Jan-05
Essay: Answering the Queen (Part Two)
Last week, we began to analyze the Queen's 2004 Christmas address to her subjects in Britain and the Commonwealth. Her message dealt with multiculturalism, a cultural philosophy she seems to advocate. However much we may respect her, her views on this subject run contrary to God's instruction. Here are some more quotations from her speech:
We have only to look around to recognize the benefits of this positive approach in business or local government, in sport, music, and the arts.
Although symptomatic, the influence of non-Christian immigrants on sports and the arts is relatively unimportant. However, their influence in government and business is not a real benefit, but may eventually contribute to the downfall of our nations. Historian Thomas Carlyle asked: "Do military men of these times understand the wooden horse?"
There is certainly much more to be done and many challenges to be overcome.
We should harbor no doubt that much more will be done to further these policies as time goes by, and that all challenges and disagreements—including the logical and common-sense ones—will be beaten down.
Discrimination still exists. Some people feel that their own beliefs are being threatened.
They are being threatened! As discrimination against racial minorities is diminished by education, logic, and common sense, a form of reverse discrimination is on the rise. The professing Christian backbone of our nations is being whittled away! Just look at recent rulings on school prayer and the public display of the Ten Commandments!
Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures.
Why should we be happy when the name of Christ can be dragged through the mud with impunity, but a person can be thrown into jail for voicing his disagreement with some point in a foreign religion?
They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others. . . .
Most do not have a problem with reaching out and helping others. Just look at the current relief efforts following the recent Asian tsunami. Our Israelitish nations have always led the world in providing aid—and sometimes with little in the way of gratitude in return! But to encourage so many to immigrate into our nations does not provide the answer to the problems in their home countries, and it is already proving to be a liability to us, not a gain!
. . . diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat.
The Queen should ask for public opinion on this point, especially from those who have been robbed, injured, or bereaved at the hands of terrorists or Asian gangs, whom our governments have welcomed to live on our own home turf. Jesus says in Matthew 12:25, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."
We need also to realize that peaceful and steady progress in our society of differing cultures and heritage can be threatened at any moment by the actions of extremists at home or by events abroad.
Who are the real extremists? Those who peacefully oppose our governments' self-destructive immigration policies? Increasing numbers of immigrants from racial minorities are claiming citizenship in our countries and are gaining seats of power in our governments. This is, of course, quite legal. It is encouraged and applauded. These people are not looked upon as extremists. Their path is a slow and seemingly peaceful one. Nevertheless, one morning we may wake up and realize that the politicians have given away the sovereignty and freedom of our own nations!
We can certainly never be complacent.
This is true. However, complacency is encouraged in these areas. Our governments tell us, "Don't you worry. Sit back and have a good time. We know what is best for the country!" To disagree with them is to risk appearing to be an extremist, a racist, or a fascist.
I certainly recognize that much has been achieved in my lifetime.
Much change has occurred, certainly, but not all of it for the good. If more people have come to the understanding that the color of one's skin is not the main factor that determines one's character, morals, or righteousness, that is a very good thing. Nevertheless, if more people have been browbeaten into conforming to the mistaken ideals of multiculturalism and liberal immigration policies, this is definitely not a good thing.
I believe tolerance and fair play remain strong British values, and we have so much to build on for the future.
Do God's people believe in tolerance and fair play? We should. Should we tolerate people who choose to worship a different god than the true God, or not to worship any god at all? I suppose we can live with that. We have no other choice, do we? It is their problem in the end; they are the ones who run the ultimate risk. Just as long as they do not try to harm our families and do not try to push their beliefs on us, we will be tolerant and play fair with their differences. But will they—especially when they get into positions of power—be tolerant and play fair with our differences from them? That is when we will find out whether tolerance and fair play is a two-way street!
There is every reason to be hopeful about the future.
This also is a true statement, although, somehow, the Queen does not sound truly convinced of its veracity! The real hope for the future is more long-term than she may realize. The day that all righteous hope comes to fruition will not dawn until after Queen Elizabeth and her subjects have been forced to their knees, and until they have confessed their mistakes and repented of their sins (Philippians 2:9-11; I Corinthians 15:25).
- Staff
From the Archives: Featured Sermon
Values and Conversion
by John W. Ritenbaugh
John Ritenbaugh insists that our natural carnal human nature (our heart, Jeremiah 17:9) is committed to values that are destroying us spiritually. These are values derived from family, religious, and cultural traditions?old wine that cannot go into new wineskins. Conversion involves incorporating new and godly values and tastes, which clash violently with what we already are (Roman 8:7). God's Word sets the value system for those who believe in Him, setting them apart (John 17:17) from other destructive value systems, freeing them from death (John 6:63). Repentance involves incorporating God's values, alien to our human nature?ones that will unify us with God and with others who accept His value system.
From the Archives: Featured Article
Clash of Cultures
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Immigration is not just a problem in America. The nations of Europe have seen millions of migrants, mostly Muslims, stream into their nations over the past decade—to the point that it has become a primary topic politically. What will Europe do? Richard Ritenbaugh suggests this migration dilemma may presage the fateful "push" from the King of the South.
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