Empowering Leaders to Bridge International Waters
Gaining spiritual reward through hostility against pagans, Jews, or Muslims became a practically acceptable theological position. The linking of salvation through hostility was a common practice of the church for hundreds of years—and I argue is still painted as orthodox today.
The church in the Middle East has seen thousands of new people from other backgrounds join, some of them renouncing their violent ways and leaving various violent groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. They share that the love demonstrated by Christians, their perceived enemies, caring for their families’ practical needs began to change their minds.