COEXIST

Written by cycleguy on September 26th, 2012

So…I have decided to step into a…shall we say mess…and share some thoughts on a very popular bumper sticker.  (By the way, why would anyone want to ruin their car with a bumper sticker anyway…Christian or not?).  But I digress 😛

Seen it?  I see a lot of these bumper stickers around (we are close to Indiana liberal University), so it should not be a surprise.   My sanity may be called into question because 1) I am broaching this subject to start with; and 2) because I think it is a bunch of hogwash.   By the way, here is the original:

There is a slight variation, but for the uninitiated let me translate.   First symbol=crescent and star for Islam.  Second = pentagram for Wiccan (on original) replaced by peace symbol.  Third = relativity formula for science. Fourth= star of David for Judaism. Fifth = Karma wheel dotting the i for Buddhism. Sixth= Tao for Taoism. Seventh= cross for Christianity.

AND WE WILL ALL COEXIST GET ALONG.

Really have only one thing to say about that…AIN’T GOING TO HAPPEN!  Shoot, church people who call themselves Christians can’t even get along, let alone all these religious groups getting along.   Funny thing (not haha funny) is that I am not even talking about political, or even cultural, fallout.  That alone ought to let people know their bumper sticker is nothing more than a pipe dream.

I’m talking spiritual truth.  Can someone honestly tell me that if I proclaim Jesus Christ is the only begotten, virgin born Son of the only true God (which I do believe), that a radical Muslim or any other religion is going to say, “I totally agree with you!”  The Bible is clear there will not be peace.  Jesus, Himself, said, “Do not think I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Mt.10:34) Translated: His ideas were so radical they would upset everything.  He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Only when men and women turn their hearts to Him in surrender will there be real change.  And there won’t be real peace until He returns and we are sitting down at the Wedding Feast.  Oops, there are some that don’t believe that. So much for coexistence.

The buzzword these days is tolerance.  To be honest, I am s-o-o-o-o-o-o tired of hearing that word.  I have found those who preach tolerance are the ones who are most intolerant if you disagree with them.  Yeah, go figure.

Well…I’ve said enough.  Maybe too much.  I know people will disagree-that is their right.  You may.  But as close-minded as it may sound…I will not compromise the Gospel to pretend coexistence or tolerance.  I do not hate, but simply do not see it happening.  Time for your thoughts.  Be kind.  This is my blog so I will approve/disapprove (especially any rude or degrading ones) all remarks. 🙂

A disclaimer: these are my thoughts, not necessarily those of OVCF, its leadership or members.

 

38 Comments so far ↓

  1. Jeff says:

    This is a rather confusing message. I think there is a huge difference between coexisting or getting along and agreeing. The beauty of living in a secular society is that we can disagree and still get along.
    While I may think Christianity is just a bunch of legends and fables it certainly is no reason to not get along. I am very tolerant of someone who believes otherwise.
    It is because of tolerance and civility that we can disagree and get along.
    I doubt that you mean you are actually going to do anything of a negative nature to people that choose to believe something different.
    As we all know there are countries where they don’t tolerate a difference in belief.
    I think all religious beliefs need to be domesticated and kept out of the public sphere. You should believe whatever you want just so long as you don’t require anyone else to believe it. I don’t preach tolerance, I just believe in it.

    • cycleguy says:

      Of course I don’t want anything of a negative nature to happen and unless put into a position, will not be a perpetrator of anything negative. Perhaps I am misunderstanding the message of the sticker, but I don’t see unity happening no matter how much tolerance we show.

      • jeff says:

        I think we just have two different ideas of what “unity” means. Religious differences are not worth fighting over. Liberty on the other hand is. I can get along with anyone that thinks or believes differently than me as long as it doesn’t encroach on my liberty to believe whatever I want. I also have a responsibility not to encroach on anyone else’s liberty.
        I think the bumper sticker is just saying tone down your religious beliefs in public and just get along.Peace in other words.No swords required.

        • cycleguy says:

          IMHO Jeff you stated exactly why we can’t coexist in your second sentence. All we have to do is look our world situation and see that religious differences are at the core of much of the conflict. Islam wants death to all infidels. But I don’t true christianity saying that. However, I do agree with you about liberty. Then again, is that not what is also at the core of much conflict…the encroaching and stopping of the liberty of others?

          • jeff says:

            I think my second sentence states why WHY we don’t coexist very well. The bumper sticker is basically a statement that we should put these differences aside and have peace. For the best explanation as to why religion and it’s believers have their panties in a wad most of the time I would suggest reading Christopher Hitchens’ book “God is not Great” How religion poisons everything. Or Eric Hoffer’s book “The True Believer”

            • cycleguy says:

              I do appreciate your comments Jeff but I have difficulty believing a man who “he wishes a person can be an atheist and wish that a belief in god were correct” but since it isn’t he called himself an antitheist since there is no evidence for the assertion that God existed” is someone I can find an answer in. Nor does Hoffer who says “substance in less important than being part of a movement.” In his words, being part of any movement, be it Christianity, fascism, Islam, etc is nothing more than an obsession and fanaticism. Unable to commit suicide he lived as a migrant worker between “the books and brothels.” I find his existence to be terribly empty as well. I do not deny that I have chosen to follow Jesus Christ and don’t consider myself a fanatic or obsessive. I will, however, choose to follow Jesus. I hope it does not sound like I am degrading Mr. Hitchens or Hoffer. Just stating my thoughts.

              • jeff says:

                It doesn’t sound like you are degrading them. It just sounds like you haven’t really checked them out.
                They both offer insight into why people tend not to coexist well when they are true believers.
                I don’t know about their existences being better or worse than yours or mine.
                They were just both considered very accomplished at their profession of being authors.
                Do you only read things that Christians write?

                • cycleguy says:

                  No i don’t just read things by Christian authors although since I am not a very fast reader (especially in “heavy” books), i have to be selective in what i do read. I tend to read more on things that will help me focus on my faith and preaching. But i am not opposed to reading non-Christian authors. I understand btw what you are saying about not being able to coexist. If what Hoffer says is true (that we become fanatics) it is highly unlikely the groups will be able to coexist. On that i will definitely agree.

                  • jeff says:

                    He doesn’t say we become fanatics or that all religious people become fanatics. He does describe those that are likely to be fanatics. He simply points out the common characteristics of all mass movements. It is rather deep and you might rather enjoy his book of aphorisms titled “The Passionate State of Mind” It is a make you think about ourselves and others a little differently.
                    His personal story is one of overcoming incredible odds of growing up blind, uneducated and orphaned. To become what some have described as the greatest American thinker in the 20th Century thru self education is a bit remarkable. And going to a brothel certainly isn’t the worst thing a person can do.

                    • cycleguy says:

                      Have to look into his book in our library in town. I did read that he overcame great odds and at the age of 15 actually regained his sight and was afraid he was going to lose it he read voraciously. Explains his incredible mind. and I agree on the latter and mention it only to show that he did “seem” to lack a moral base. I can be wrong on that of course. Thanks for being “kind” in your responses Jeff. Your intellect is no doubt greater than mine and you could have destroyed me or even put me down. You didn’t and I respect that.

  2. Steve Martin says:

    Just try and drive around (if you’re a woman you may not be allowed to) in a Muslim country wit that bumper sticker on your car.

    They DON’T want to co-exist.

  3. lindaM says:

    Hi Bill,
    I agree. These various religious groups you mentioned are all separated today for a reason. Compromise would have to be adopted by each of these that would substantially change their beliefs and who they are today. I don’t see that happening either.

    In a sense these all do co-exist today in North America, but we are not united in our religious beliefs.

    The Bible states that Jesus Christ, himself, is a rock of offense and a stumbling block to the condemned. I Peter 2:8

    You are right. Christianity cannot compromise on who Jesus Christ was, is and is to come. And other religions cannot accept Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Eternal Life.

    • cycleguy says:

      Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found out what it was like to not compromise. You do say something that is true (and perhaps what Jeff is getting at) is that they do co-exist but we aren’t united.

  4. Craig says:

    Love it. Love it!
    Tolerance. (sigh)
    Jesus made things very simple. He said I AM the way to God. Period.

    Folks don’t want to believe that. Think that being a Jesus follower is close minded and bigoted.

    I grow weary from seeing these bumper stickers. I grow weary from Christians who get offended by these bumper stickers.

    I don’t know how the world will end. Not going to get into a big discussion on the book of Revelation.

    All I know:
    1) it isn’t going to be pretty
    2) you have a choice – God or self
    3) there is a consequence to your choice

    One doesn’t have to follow Jesus. One can preach tolerance and coexistence. But it won’t end well for you.

    We can love those around us – whether they believe what we believe or not. That is what we are called to do. Be a light. Love others more than ourselves. Point to Jesus. Then folks get to make a choice. Plain and simple.

    I have a choice too. be quiet because I might “offend” someone or take a stand! Jesus said that if I am ashamed and don’t speak His name to others then when the time comes, He won’t speak my name to God. Whew! that puts things into perspective.

    You stirred the pot today my friend 🙂

    • cycleguy says:

      Wow Craig! Other than your own blog I have never seen you make such a long comment. You have put some thought into this obviously. I appreciate your thoughts. Oh, sorry I stirred the pot…NOT! 🙂

  5. I make no apologies for believing the truth but I must also LIVE the truth. Tolerance has lost it’s meaning and taken on a “religious spirit” even by those with no faith belief system. One of the medical definitions of tolerance is very interesting.

    “Decreased responsiveness to a stimulus, especially over a period of continued exposure.”

    When a people/group/organization/nation preaches tolerance over the truth it has a numbing effect and words lose their effectiveness. Contrast that with the Word of God and you have a much different outcome…true life, with powerful relational change. Our response as believers is simple.

    But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 ESV

    Thanks Bill…for stimulating conversation!

    • cycleguy says:

      What a great comment Jay! i totally agree on the numbing effect brought on my “tolerance.” Let’s pray the church wakes up. You’re welcome also. 😛

  6. floyd says:

    Interesting that all of those religions have been present at all the wars in this world. How do we coexist when a religion like islam calls for the death of those who won’t convert?

    One of the biggest religions on that sticker is the one that those who practice it don’t believe it is a religion; science. They believe that man is enlightened and can be “as gods.” Of course they have only theory and less proof than eyewitness accounts of the history of humanity, so they use much misplaced faith to believe the fairy tales and preach them as fact.

    I think you hit the nail on the head with the tolerance issue. I’m fed up with hearing the people who preach tolerance practice zero of it. They want to be tolerant and coexist as long as they’re getting their way. They are the least intelligent of all, in my opinion.

    Good for you for speaking up, Bill.

    • cycleguy says:

      Well said Floyd. The idea of the wars. Spot on. The idea of science. Again, spot on. As for speaking up, well…I was prompted. 🙂 Thanks Floyd.

  7. Desert Jim says:

    The idea of that bumper sticker, which I see often in Dallas, if you just look at the word at face value is that we should all be able to exist in harmony living next to each other while disagreeing on our religious (or whatever) beliefs. I believe that happens for the most part in the US. Elsewhere – maybe not as much.

    What I find offensive about that sticker is that there is an assumption that because I am a member of one of these groups that I currently refuse to Coexist but now that I see that someone stuck that word on the back of their car I will decide to live in harmony.

    So, in my opinion, which doesn’t necessarily share the views of Cycleguy or my home church, is that these folks seem to be jumping to a conclusion and making an unfair generalization about religious people. Doesn’t that make them narrow minded?

  8. Jim F. says:

    Bill – you hit the nail on the head! Thanks for sharing it!

  9. cycleguy says:

    From Sally; Again you speak of something that Ladies Bible Study did this week! Peace. Lysa TerKeurst, in her “Made to Crave” study says that “Nothing tastes as good as peace feels.” And that our goal on earth should be peace (of mind through Christ) not anything of this world (like the perfect weight/body, job, home, family, etc….).
    She quotes Romans 14:19-20 which says “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of ________(the verse says food, but you can fill it in with anything you think distracts you from the eternal work He gives us). We will never have perfect peace in this world (like you said with all these religions not getting along). It is comforting to know the prince of peace and to strive for that peace which passes all understanding.
    SAC

  10. lindaM says:

    Hi Bill,
    “Liberty” is also losing it’s true meaning in our society. Today it means, ‘don’t try to convince me of your beliefs’. ‘Talking to me about your faith and religion encroaches on my liberty to not have to hear about it or even know that your religion exists’

    In undertones what is really meant by these voices is ‘you can talk to me about any religion but don’t talk to me about Jesus Christ’.

    It’s clear that other religions of the world are getting support and tolerance by these ‘voices’, but belief in Jesus Christ is being opposed more and more in our world.

    In other words, “religion we will tolerate and accept, but we will not accept Jesus Christ” This is a rejection of Jesus just as he was rejected by the ‘religious’ during his time on the earth.

    We have a battle going on about who Jesus Christ was and is. This is being camoflaged around the issues of ‘tolerance’ and ‘liberty’.

    • cycleguy says:

      It is true that Christianity and especially the mention of Jesus Christ is taking a back seat and causing some major uproar. Good point Linda.

  11. Christianity (at least of the Orthodox variety) is exclusive. Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life–no one comes to the Father except through Him. This is hard for some to accept–but that does not negate its Truth.

  12. Jan says:

    Very good post. Glad you stirred the pot! I had no idea what those bumper stickers stood for, thanks for clearing that up for me. I am a quiet type person, so I don’t actually stand up and shout JESUS! all day long, nor do I try to convince my unbelieving family/friends that they need to believe. I do try to live my life so they might see something “different” and ask why I’m smiling all the time, but then again, I will initiate a conversation about God with my family/friends when I think God has given me an opening. I hope I’m not doing wrong by not voicing my beliefs everyday, I am not denying God exists, anyone who knows me, knows that I am a believer, and for those who don’t really know me(such as new co-workers) I am hoping that my not being part of the crowd makes someone wonder. Great post & comments today!

    • cycleguy says:

      Some people are very forward and strong in their approach. Others take a more quiet approach. It takes all kinds to get the message of Jesus to others. It is really important to live it daily. You are doing what is best for your personality Jan. Thanks.

  13. Kris says:

    Totally random, but it reminds me of my classroom. If I have a student who (for example) is a JW, then we have to accommodate their religious beliefs against birthday celebrations, Christmas parties, saying the pledge, etc. Everyone has to tip-toe around it and be tolerant of their beliefs, but what about ours?

  14. Tom says:

    Great post and thanks for clearing up all of the symbols. I knew the message of those wearing their beliefs in this sticker had limited God to man’s understanding. Sad to me that those of the intellectual community love to espouse coexisting as progressive when it seems so limiting to want to place intellect over spiritual aspects as though leaning on one’s own understanding is somehow superior. I have found that my God is so much larger and has proven His supernatural abilities and presence that for someone to see “religion” just does not get the Spirit of God. Coexisting and tolerance is really just a choice to rely on the mind which is flesh that will soon pass away. The God and Jesus of our understanding did not promote tolerance or leaning on the understanding of man. They promoted enlightenment by seeking Him not in enlightenment of self. If you are only focused on self and your understanding and hope no one oversteps your boundaries you are limited to you. Do you really think you are god? Not me, I know I am limited but have experienced a God who is not. My hope is those who wish to coexist continue to seek after a God beyond their understanding and to seek to know Him on their own. If they seek they will find, I am not afraid of their seeking and neither is God.

  15. Betty Draper says:

    Keep stirring the pot brother…

  16. I think the tacit assumption in the bumper sticker is that all the religions and viewpoints are the same, and that the most loving thing to do is to be “tolerant” AKA totally accepting of everyone’s individual preferences. But the loving thing to do is not to be accepting if someone wants to drink poison. The loving thing to do is not to be accepting if someone wants to jump off a building. The loving thing to do is not to be accepting if someone is living in a way that is harmful to themselves – in this world and/or eternity. Love does not necessarily lead to what people think of as tolerance.