The Manger vs. the Mullah

USGN Article - December 2001

Terry & Barbi Franklin

Written by Terry Franklin

            We've never received as big a response as we got from our articles, "Churches That Hurt" (see at www.heartfortheworld.com) regarding authoritarian pastors and churches. So many of you have been hurt by pastors who preach a hyper-authority message. We were moved by your stories of churches and even whole families destroyed by leaders taking a biblical truth - and turning it upside down.

Coincidentally, this same spirit promoting a "master-slave" relationship permeates the religion of Islam. God is not viewed as a loving father who gives far more than he receives, but as a stern taskmaster.

Marvin Olasky, in World Magazine writes, "The Bible shows how God establishes a father-son relationship between Him and redeemed man, and a husband-wife relationship with His church. The Quran stresses a master-slave relationship in both theology and marriage. Christians who want to follow Christ become servant-leaders. Muslims imitating their god become dictators. Muslims have a hard time understanding the Christian marriage relationship, with husbands leading but also loving their wives enough to die for them."

During these Christmas holidays let us remember the great gift of Christ who "…came not to be served, but to serve…" It is God's KINDNESS that leads each of us to repentance. And He graciously keeps giving and giving…

May God raise up men and women who are not looking to be exalted - but to give themselves wholly in sacrificial service to others and ultimately to the One and only Head of the Church…Jesus Christ.

Previous Article | Next Article | All Articles