I am deeply concerned that we in the West are largely "yawning" at the civil war in Syria. I am especially grieved that Christians seem to be indifferent.
From 1980-1988 Iranians and Iraqis slaughtered each other by the thousands in the "Persian Gulf War." Western political powers were concerned about the war in so far as it affected the flow of oil to our countries from the Persian Gulf. The fact that tens of thousands of people lost their lives (some via chemical warfare) did not seem to penetrate our hearts all that much.
I believe indifference is the enemy of courage, and our indifference or shrugging of our shoulders over Syria is another example.
I have wondered (some time aloud, which can get me in trouble!) WHY many of us are indifferent about these conflicts. Here is three possible explanations:
1. These are Muslims killing Muslims (primarily Sunnis against Shi'ites). Non-Muslims have a difficult time grasping the tribal animosity between Muslim sects/factions. Our difference is birthed in our ignorance;
2. Some are anti-Muslim because we feel that Muslims are anti-Christian, anti-Jew, anti-West. So if they kill each other that's all the better for Christians, Jews, and the West. Sorry to be so blunt but I think there is some truth in this;
3. We are pro-Israel and generally speaking the nation of Israel is quite OK when Muslims slaughter other Muslims. So in our support of Israel we learn indifference to these other contexts.
For those of us who are Christians we need to pray for the Syrian people - Shiites (Alowites), Sunnis, Christians. Men, women, and children. We need to pray that God (Yahweh that is) would intervene, would change the hearts of people (as he did with the Ninevites!). And may we not be like Jonah who resented God's mercy being poured out on a pagan people.
May we have faith, and courage...which leaves no room for indifference.
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