Lately, I have been seeing the occurrence of the "co-exist" logo, most often on bumper stickers. Some professed 'Christians' even support this logo and sport it on their cars. Their reason for doing so, is to "prove" that Christianity is not against any other religion. In short, many Christians believe that it is possible to dwell with unbelievers peaceably.
This article is directed solely to those Christians who are struggling to answer the question, "Does God's Word call for us to co-exist with unbelievers?"
First, I would like to define the symbols that make up this logo. The first is Islam.
I have personally read the Koran and found that there are at least 110 verses that call Muslims to make war with nonbelievers for the sake of their religion. It even commands the cutting off of heads and fingers if they refuse to convert. Here are some quotes:
Quran (8:12) - "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them."
Quran (8:39) - "And fight with them until there is no more fitna (disorder, unbelief) and religion is all for Allah."
The last quote I used, urges followers of Islam to make war until all religions and beliefs accept only Allah as their god. This doesn't sound as if Islam wants to dwell co-exist peaceably with other religions.
The second symbol is Buddhism. (can also be a Peace Symbol)
Buddhism does not believe in a Supreme Creator or the existence of sin. Human beings are reincarnated into lesser or greater living beings until their reach the ultimate stage of Nirvana. Buddhism is not a theistic religion, meaning that it does not believe in the existence of God. To attain Nirvana, you must reach the state of perfect wisdom "enlightenment". Though Buddhism does not specifically call for the destruction of other religions, it specifically contradicts God's word.
The Peace Sign was designed in 1958 by a British artist Gerald Holtom for a Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). It is speculated that the peace symbol is a Satanic symbol.
The third symbol is Science. (Sometimes replaced by the "e" symbol which stands for Inter-sex as in the picture)
I learned this in college: Science cannot prove things, only disprove. There is always an exception or possibility of exception in every area of science (unless it is in accordance with God's Word). Scientific "truths" from years ago have already been dis-proven: The earth is round not flat, the earth revolves around the sun and not the other way around, house flies do not have a life span of 24 hours but can live up to a month (weird, but true), blondes and redheads are not becoming extinct because genes do not go extinct (good news for the blondes and redheads).
God, is rejected as Creator and God in many areas of science. Science once again, does not specifically call for the demise of religion, but it most certainly does not encourage them.
Inter-sex is defined as being sexually active with either gender.
The fourth symbol is Judaism.
Judaism is the belief in Yahweh/Jehovah. Christianity has roots in Judaism.
Jehovah of the Old Testament is Jesus of the New. The main difference is, that Judaism did reject Jesus the Christ as Messiah and had Him crucified. They believe His story ends there, but Christianity believes that He rose from the dead and in the form of the Holy Spirit, dwells in us.
The fifth symbol is Paganism.
Paganism is adherent to neopaganism which worships multiple gods. Many forms of paganism call for the sacrifice of human individuals: children and adults. Paganism is too extensive to go into very many details but religious leaders call for the death or conversion of those who oppose their religion or offend their gods.
The sixth symbol is Wiccan.
Wiccan's worship Satan. It is witchcraft and worship evil and all that associates with evil: sin, death, etc. Wiccanism does not coincide with Christianity, but rather violently attacks it.
The seventh and last symbol is Christianity.
Christianity asks us to love others, but not to conform to other religions as our own.
The coexist symbol was created in 2000, by a Polish graphic designer by the name of Piotr Młodożeniec. The purpose was admirable "to attain understanding and coexistence in Jerusalem." Admirable, but at this point in time, unattainable.
What does the Bible say about coexisting?
Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
1 Corinthians 8:5-6 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
In conclusion, I love others. I believe that people that come from different religions can be saved and go to Heaven. But do I believe we can Co-exist... peacefully? I believe as Christians, we are called to do more than exist. We are called to be a 'light' on top of the hill. We are called to be witnesses of Christ's truth and love.
We are not of this World, but of a Heavenly Kingdom. There can never be complete peace on this earth in its fallen condition. But we will have peace when we are in Heaven. We won't simply "exist"... we'll live!
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