These questions have been on my mind after a conversation I had with Helen Berhane, the author of the book, Song of the Nightingale. Helen is from Eritrea and describes in her book how the lines are drawn in her home country. She has experienced persecution and torture first-hand and has been imprisoned because of her faith.
"In Eritrea, you know where the battle is. In Danmark it's more difficult to see through. In Danmark we are happy with our freedom, but we are not always aware of the struggle," Helen said to me during the conversation.
And she's probably right. I have to admit that I don't really feel the struggle in my daily life. Not really, anyway. On the contrary, I practice finding common ground with those around me who do not share the same faith as me and disarm the situations where talking about my faith can create division or at least disagreement. "Basically, we have many of the same values" or "it's not because..." - I say.
The peace that Jesus brings is not always received peacefully - Anna
In reality, I believe that when we meet others, love and dialog will get us the furthest - and not so far with the hatchet. But what about that battle? "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" says Jesus in Matthew 10:34. The verse is not a call to crusade - to resort to violence - but rather Jesus reminds us that his message can meet resistance and just sometimes contrasts with the mainstream. The peace that Jesus brings is not always received peacefully.
I don't particularly want to spoil the good mood, but on the other hand, I believe that there is truth in the fact that we must be aware of our struggle and in love dare to stand by the truth we have been given - for ourselves, for others and our society - even if others disagree.
The question of what the specific fight is about - I'll let you think about that yourself.
