An Oxymoron...

That's how I would characterize a phrase we have heard so much in recent weeks.

christian militia. [lower case used on purpose.]

In my humble, yet strong, opinion, these words as used are mutually exclusive. An organization that seeks to further a Christian agenda by violence, militarism and militia-style hatred is not Christian.

The FBI arrests a bunch of right-wing militarists who say they are christian. The media accepts them at their word and calls them christian. They call themselves a christian militia. The media accepts their language and does the same.

No one accepts or understands or is willing to catch the irony and obscenity in putting those words together. They don't go together. If they did the crucifixion would have been a slaughter by the armies of God against the Romans. If the words went together the resurrection wouldn't have been needed since the Messiah wouldn't have been dead.

For 2000 years people have tried to put the two words together. At first they understood it, but it didn't take long, sadly, for the words of hate and violence to begin to be used by followers of Jesus.

For 2000 years people have tried to keep the words apart. The Prince of Peace as a warrior calling for death and destruction? Killing in His name to spread His Word? It can't make sense. It doesn't make sense. But we humans are not known for making sense when it comes to these things.

Stand up, then, and say that those who would justify violence in the Name of Christ are abusing His name- taking it in vain in ways far more dangerous and damaging than a deleted expletive. Stand up and take back the Name of Christ as those who would attempt to follow him in even the most difficult and frustrating of ways.

Stand up for peace- for then you shall be a child of God.