I am a Christian and have a deep compassion for the wonderful people of Tibet.
They lived a quiet, simple life, deeply rooted in their own traditions until Communist China invaded their country. They didn't even have an army to defend themselves.
The Dalai Lama, a brilliant man who has both a love and a deep respect for the West, remains in exile in India having fled in order to save his life. I feel that America has failed the Tibetan people miserably. They are a simple people with very little means of even understanding what happened to them and their country. They simply survive the hand that was dealt them. Chairman Mao Tse Tung slaughtered a beautiful people and a beautiful culture saying "Religion is poison." Chairman Mao was poison, I say.
My religion is not poison and it teaches me to LOVE my neighbor as myself, especially those in need.
As Christians, we should never turn our backs on our fellow man. We have an obligation to pray for the people of Tibet, even though they believe differently than we do, that their country can be restored to them and the Dalai Lama can one day return to his home.
I have had other Christians frown upon my feelings toward this rich and beautiful country and the spirit that Tibetans try to hold on to with all their might. Most deeply commited Christians, however, understand the principals and teachings of Jesus Christ and know that our religion tells us that God created MAN in HIS OWN IMAGE. He didn't leave out specific sets of people. We are to pray for everyone...even our enemies! Therefore before you run to quick judgement me for loving my fellow human beings who believe differently than me, try praying for them and for their plight. That would be a better use of time than judging. What would Jesus do? He reached out to the oppressed and he loved them. The Chinese government has silenced Tibetans with fear of retribution should they try to communicate with Westerners or anyone else during the Olympics. They were given strict behavioral orders when the torch was taken into Tibet. There would have been swift and severe consequences had any Tibetan stepped out of line. This is horrible. When you complain about America, be thankful to God that we are a FREE country and do not live under constant threat and oppression.
Jesus Christ commanded us in a very simple quote to "Love one another."
Be informed. Pray for the freedom of the Tibetan people.
