Much of what is communicated in world or national news isn’t pretty, and focuses on conflicts, criminal activities, corruption, theft, provocation, mutual accusations by political parties, scandals and human failures.

Yet there are many good things done by individuals and organizations, both secular and religious, which rarely make the front page or receive notice.

Religion seems be getting a big share of the blame these days. Frustrated by the negative, some become disillusioned and fall prey to extreme or radical solutions. Shocking are the comments made by some who freely express their judgment.

A growing number of comments in regard to religion are negative, and the sentiment behind them is if we get rid of all religions, we’ll solve our problems.

We must admit there are religious people and groups responsible for evil things. Look at the Europe’s Dark Ages or, presently, groups like ISIS or Boko Haram.

The worst happens when religion and politics merge. But is religion to be blamed for all? Isn’t there admirable good accomplished by various churches and their members?

At the end of the 18th century, there developed great disgust in France against the decadent ruling royalty, ruling nobility and corrupt state church. The French Revolution attempted to establish a society without God and God’s restricting rules. In Notre Dame, the “Goddess of Reason” was placed on the altar. Religious literature was burnt, religious leaders and ruling classes guillotined in large numbers.

Referring to Christ, people said, “Get away with the wretch!”

Historians call that time the “Reign of Terror.” It threw Europe into a bloody conflict.

After three and a half years of bloodshed, Christianity came back.

Karl Marx called religion the opium of the people. We know the legacy this utopia has left behind. Some of it is still with us today. Soviets attempted to eradicate religion and promoted atheism. Cult followers of Mao Zedong in China attempted a similar thing, as well as the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and Fidel Castro in Cuba.

I grew up under this promised “paradise on Earth.” Little wonder why I left for Canada.

Some take a black-and-white vision of life or allow prejudice shape their reasoning. Have you met upright and loving atheists, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and humanists? Have you met mean and unfair Christians bent on straightening out everyone around them?

There are “good” and “bad” in every group. Jesus called them “wheat and weeds” and “sheep and goats.” They will live together until the end, at Christ’s second coming.

I am glad I am not the judge. I cannot read hearts. One thing I know Christians should do: “Introduce others to Jesus, the Prince of Peace,” reflect His love and grace to others and leave judgment to Him.

Karel Samek
Pastor, Merritt Seventh-Day Adventist Church