By Barack Obama Mandela.
This past Easter, at least 65 Christians in Lahore, Pakistan were killed by a militant suicide bomber. A faction of the Taliban that has declared allegiance to the Islamic State claimed responsibility.
Since this deadly suicide attack occurred specifically on Easter–the occasion celebrated as the day of Jesus’ resurrection–this attack appears to be sending a threatening message to Christians around the world. If Easter is not safe, then no Christian holiday is safe. This can be interpreted not only an attack on Pakistani Christians, rather, it is an attack on all believers in Jesus of Nazareth.
Coincidentally presidential candidate Donald J. Trump has recently called for a halt to Muslim immigration to the United States. Moreover, Trump has spoken forcefully about apparent attacks on Christians by radical Muslims and Islamic militants.
There are Youtube videos in which thousands of people cheer Trump at his political rallies when he speaks about an alleged extremist Muslim conspiracy against world Christianity. Recently, Trump reiterated his proposal to ban Muslim immigration to the United States.
Horrific attacks like the suicide bombing in Lahore may only strengthen Trump’s political capital and enliven his supporters.
One matter is clear from these deadly attacks—the Christian world is in need of an American champion. There must be one strong Christian leader who can concretize, articulate, and mobilize the Christian world’s front viz a viz radical Islam.
In Europe, there are some outspoken leaders such as France’s Jean-Marie LePen and his daughter, National Front leader Marine LePen, Nigel Farage in the United Kingdom, and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands.
However, the United States is the world’s sole superpower and there must be an American leader of Christianity’s response to the threat of radical Islam.
Donald Trump has taken a firm stand against the threat of radical Islam. However, only time will tell whether Trump will emerge as the champion of world Christianity.
The recent terrorist attack in Pakistan transformed the day of resurrection into a day of death and suffering. When will the Christian world fight back and who will lead the effort?
To quote the famous hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers”:
“Onward Christian soldiers
Marching as to war
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before”
