False religious systems
by Anna V. Liechty, Berne, Ind.
Dennis Byler, missionary to Spain under Mennonite Mission Network, does not believe in “The Myth of Justified Violence” (Feb. 20). However, he apparently does believe in some of the myths the ungodly historian wrote about the origin of agriculture, animal husbandry, warfare and religion.
According to Genesis, Adam, the first man ever to live on earth, was an agriculturalist, for he tended the Garden of Eden, which God had planted, until he was expelled from it because of the sin of disobeying God’s direct command. And even after that, Adam still tilled the ground to grow food. Adam’s first son, Cain, also worked the ground.
Adam’s second son, Abel, was a shepherd. Both sons were religious, for they brought sacrifices to God. Since Adam and Eve had communed with God before they sinned, they knew God and, forgiven by God, taught their sons about God and sacrificing to him.
Cain offered some of the fruit of his working the ground. When God accepted Abel’s animal sacrifice but rejected Cain’s sacrifice, Cain was angry and jealous of Abel, so he killed him. And that is the real story of war. Romans 1:18-25 is a commentary on the growth of false religious systems.
Associated Issue: The temptation of violence - Feb. 20
Associated Article: The myth of justified violence
Current Stories
Articles
News stories, digests and Meno Acontecer
- MennoMeet.com launches for singles
- Miriam Martin, conference minister, dies at 64
- Conference pursues greener gatherings
- Philhaven CEO announces resignation
- CMU top in sustainable commuting
- Boulder Church gives back part of JoinHands gift
- Greensburg Mennonite celebration postponed
- EMM’s Global Fair draws record crowd
- Vietnamese conference meets in Virginia
- Eight CPT trainees arrested during mock trial
- Miller named editor of OurFaith