During a speech delivered to the American Federalist Society, Barry Weis, a prominent American journalist, writer, and former NY Times writer, made a poignant observation that resonates deeply with my experiences in London I had on October 7th and October 8th.
by Dr. Tim Orr
During a speech delivered to the American Federalist Society, Barry Weis, a prominent American journalist, writer, and former NY Times writer, made a poignant observation that resonates deeply with my experiences in London I had on October 7th and October 8th. Weis explored the profound disparity between the societal responses to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (9/11) and the massacre that occurred on October 7, 2023 (10/7). Despite both events resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives and representing symbolic assaults on Western civilization, the reactions they evoked were markedly distinct.
Following 9/11, there was a collective sense of shock, grief, and a renewed commitment to defending Western values and combating terrorism. However, after the 10/7 massacre, there emerged a disturbing phenomenon of celebration and support for the perpetrators in various Western cities.
She states that in Sydney, crowds gathered at the Opera House, cheering and celebrating the slaughter of Jews. Similar scenes unfolded in Berlin, London, Toronto, New York, and Paris, where people openly rejoiced in the streets (something I saw with my own eyes). This grotesque display of jubilation over violence and death reflected a moral and spiritual crisis pervading Western societies.
London, the Most Antisemitic City in the World
An article published by Fox News, titled "London: The World’s Most Antisemitic City," sheds light on a concerning assessment provided by Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister for Diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism. Chikli, a member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party, underscores London's unsettling status as what he perceives to be the epicenter of global antisemitism.
Quoting Chikli's insights, the article elucidates the pervasive antisemitism in London. He highlights the alarming presence of Hamas supporters and their activities as a significant contributing factor to his assessment. Specifically, Chikli draws attention to the mass rallies that unfolded in the heart of London following antisemitic actions on October 7th. These rallies, according to observers, were purported to involve not only Islamist extremists but also individuals espousing antisemitic sentiments.
The timing of these events, coinciding with antisemitic actions on October 7th, further accentuates the gravity of the situation. Tragically, these antisemitic actions resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives, including more than 30 Americans, underscoring the profound impact of antisemitism on human lives and global stability.
My Experience
The article mentioned above affirms my experience in London. When I began my flight to London early on Oct 7th, I had no idea what would lie ahead. When I finally arrived late that evening, sitting in my hotel room, I discovered that Hamas launched its terrorist attacks on Israel. Their attacks aren't surprising. I studied under Iranian Shiite Muslim scholars. I am very familiar with what they believe. Since 2017, I have developed many relationships with Shii scholars and leaders throughout the UK, spoken at their mosques and colleges, and had endless conversations in coffee houses throughout London.
However, I wasn't prepared for what I saw beginning the next day, namely Islam and its ugliness. I witnessed firsthand what it is like when Islam begins to influence a country. On October 8th, which was before Israel responded, I saw firsthand Islamic groups and secular groups protesting against Israel. I was shocked. I also witnessed an emboldening of Muslims carrying out their faith. For example, I took over 20 Uber rides while I was there, and 18 were Muslim drivers. Many of those rides consisted of vitriolic Muslims who wanted to shove their religion down my throat. THERE WAS A CONTINUOUS INTERRUPTION when I responded to their claims, and I was told I knew nothing about what I was talking about. Ironic statements from people who drive an Uber for a living talking to someone who has done scholarly work on the subject at Islamic research institutes and mosques. But I digress.
When the Gospel No Longer Influences Society
It’s no secret that Europe, particularly London, has dramatically declined spiritually over the years. The result is that the Gospel no longer influences society. What happens when something like this happens to a country that was once a spiritual beacon where the gospel could flourish? I believe that when the influence of the gospel is removed from society, there can be several consequences:
People are No Longer Converting to Christianity. Like many modern urban centers, London has experienced significant cultural shifts that have led to a decline in traditional religious beliefs and practices. Secularization, multiculturalism, and the rise of alternative spiritualities have contributed to many people's perception that Christianity is outdated or irrelevant.
London's diverse population includes people from various ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, making it a complex and dynamic mission field. While diversity presents opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue and engagement, it also means that Christians must navigate cultural sensitivities and religious pluralism when sharing the gospel.
Armed with the Gospel, Christians can engage with London's diverse communities, building relationships, sharing their faith in culturally relevant ways, and demonstrating the gospel's transformative power through acts of love, service, and compassion.
Christians are no longer Salt and Light - The metaphor of Christians being "salt" suggests that they have a preserving influence on society. Without this influence, moral values may decline, leading to increased corruption, dishonesty, and immorality. Conversely, the metaphor of Christians being "light" implies that they bring spiritual illumination and guidance to the world. When Christians fail to shine their light, spiritual darkness may prevail, leading to confusion, despair, and a sense of lost direction.
Loss of Moral Foundation: The gospel's teachings provide a moral framework that emphasizes principles such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice. Without these guiding principles, society may experience a decline in moral values, leading to increased selfishness, apathy, and unethical behavior.
Erosion of Social Cohesion: The gospel promotes community, unity, and mutual respect among individuals. When these values are disregarded, societal cohesion can deteriorate, leading to increased division, conflict, and polarization.
Decline in Compassion and Empathy: The gospel encourages empathy and compassion for others, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable. Without this influence, society may become more callous and indifferent to others' suffering, leading to a lack of empathy and a failure to address social injustices.
Rise of Dangerous Ideologies: Without the gospel's teachings, society may be more susceptible to the influence of extremist ideologies that promote violence, hatred, and intolerance. This can lead to dangerous movements threatening peace, stability, and human dignity.