Christianity and Extremism

The meaning of extremism is changing daily and is beginning to mean the opposite of its original intent. In a recent homily, the Bishop of Shrewsbury in the UK, Mark Davies, shared his concerns that, if British law continues in its current direction, belief in Jesus Christ and the Bible may one day be viewed as “extremist” ideology (Catholic Herald, August 1, 2017). In his comments, he cited a recent poll where “20 per cent [of respondents] said Gandhi could be considered an extremist while 25 per cent thought Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela could be considered as such. More than 40 per cent said people who believed marriage was only between a man and a woman were extremist.”

The Bishop’s observations are interesting in light of Christ’s own prophetic statements. Speaking of His Church at the end of the age—people who actually believe and follow His biblical teachings—Jesus Christ warned “you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). In addition, God warned that Israelite nations at the end of the age would eventually label evil things as good and good things as evil (Isaiah 5:20). We are watching these prophesied events happening today.

To learn more about events that will mark the end of the age, read or listen to Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.