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The sun was high in the sky, and its light glinted off of the tin Star
of David the figure wore. Beneath his stetson, the Jew saw the ranch on the
horizon. It was a welcome sight, since the desert was already warm. There
would be water at the ranch. Perhaps there would be a decent meal. With
luck the rancher would let him sleep in the hay in the barn for the night. It
would beat sleeping on his saddle blanket, fearing what might be crawling
over him, into his boots, or underneath his chaps. He spurred his horse, and
they eagerly rode ahead. Dust rose up in little clouds behind the hooves that
skirted the sagebrush as best as they could.
As he approached, he began to see foreboding signs. He hadn't
noticed the faint tail of smoke rising into the air at first. Perhaps that was
due to the shimmering haze that the heat gave to the land. The windows
were broken, and the door to the main building was hanging open. He was
horrified to see several bodies lying out in the ranch yard. His stomach
turned as he grew close enough to see that a woman and children lay face
down on the ground with arrows sticking out of them. It was apparent
that they had been scalped. It only confirmed his worst fears—Christians1
had been here.
Though he was certain that there would be no warm meal, he
continued to the ranch. It would be a little safer to be here than in the
countryside at the moment. The Christians were unlikely to return to the
scene of this raid soon. He rode to the corral and tied up his mount. He
could see that the barn was empty. No doubt the Christians had taken the
cattle and horses in their raid. With little hope that perhaps someone was
still alive, he began to check the bodies. The women and children were dead.
There was no doubt about it. Surely they didn't live so far from civilization
alone.
The Jew walked toward the main building, dreading what
1 Chr istians: pronounced ChristyEnns. A savage band of hypocrites that goes about
attacking everyone else when they've got more than enough of their own problems to
tend to; the people most likely not to like this story
grotesque thing he would find inside. The smell of smoke from a burned
down building, no doubt a storehouse, pervaded the air. He pushed the ajar
door to the side and entered. Sprawled face down on the floor was a figure
of a man. Blood oozed about him, but he still had his scalp. They must not
have taken it because he was bald. He rolled the man over, and discovered
that he had a pulse. He tore his shirt to make bandages for the various
wounds that he suffered. The injured man's eyes fluttered open.
"Who are you?" the injured inquired.
"I'm a Jew."
"Why are you helping me?"
"I had to prove the Chrisjuns wrong about their story of the Good
Samaritan2."
"But I'm not a Samaritan. I'm Muslim."
"I didn't say that you were a Samaritan. The Samaritan wasn't the
victim. Just humor me. In their story of the Good Samaritan, they said that
a Jew wouldn't stop to help anyone. They must think that we care only for
money."
"I am grateful that you did stop to help me. I didn't think anyone
would ever find me. The Christians don't know much, apparently. Everyone
has feelings and bleeds the same. A Jew can have as much compassion as
anyone."
"Thank you. Can you tell me what happened here?"
"We were raided. It was at the end of Ramadan3. My family and I
had been fasting all month, eating light foods like soup at night. We were
gathered together in our best, to feast and celebrate. It was Eid ulFitr,
after all—the day we break the fast. The Christians came. We couldn't see
them because the new moon didn't offer much light. We heard something at
the door, and at first we thought the Christian boys and girls were just
coming to trickortreat. But then we realized that the pagan Halloween
was not for two and a half more weeks. By then it was too late. I tried to
fight them off at the door, but they overpowered me."
Then, his eyes grew big, and he exclaimed, "My wife and children!
2 Good Samaritan: see Luke 10:3035
3 Ramadan: a holy month in which Muslims fast
Are they okay? Have you seen them? They escaped out the back as I was
fighting."
The look of sorrow that covered the Jew's expression told the
Muslim what he feared most.
"They're dead, then?"
"Yes. I found them outside as I was coming in."
The obviously distraught Muslim began to lament. But it cannot be
held against him that he was less of a man. After all, sorrow is a natural
part of loss. If there was no sorrow, then there was never any love. Then, he
asked a peculiar favor.
"Can you help me face the Kaaba in Mecca so that I might pray? I
need to express my gratitude."
"What do you have to be grateful for? Your family has been slain."
"Everything happens according to His will. I submit to that will. I
trust that greater blessings that I cannot comprehend will ultimately result
from any bad consequences such as this."
The Jew would not argue with his faith. He himself had his own
set prayers. As he positioned the Muslim, he wondered, as that secret part
of him always had when facing Jerusalem, whether or not one could
technically face it either east, west, north, or south, with some variation?
Wouldn't you technically be able to look toward it in any direction, though
that might require a larger distance across the globe? Nevertheless, he kept
his thoughts to himself and helped the weakened Muslim orient himself
toward Mecca. Thankfully, he knew the basic direction since Jerusalem was
in the general vicinity.
As the Muslim began to pray, the Jew realized that it was indeed
midday. He went off apart so that he wouldn't be disturbed. Then, he too
began to pray while standing. After his observance of prayer was finished,
he decided to return to the Muslim. As he was walking back to the house,
he discovered that there was a covered wagon on its way. He ran back to
the Muslim and informed him that they would have company.
Two nondescript men wearing nondescript dark suits with white
shirts and ties guided a nondescript Conestoga wagon that was pulled with
a few yoke of oxen. They halted at the ranch. The men jumped down,
apparently worried about the fate of those in the ranch yard. As they
hurried on foot toward the women and children, the Jew stopped them.
"They're no longer with us."
The two men spun around to find the source of the voice. They
spotted the Jew leaving the main building, and visibly relaxed, sensing that
he was no threat.
"What happened here?" one of the strangers asked.
"Chrisjuns."
That was all that needed to be said. Everyone knew what they
were capable of.
"How long ago did it happen?"
"It happened last night. I found the rancher inside. Muslim. He's
hurt badly, but he told me what happened."
"Can you take us to see him?"
"Yes, he's just in here."
When they went in, one of the strangers went to the Muslim's side.
He whispered something into his ear.
"Yes, I have faith in Allah, the protector."
The stranger then motioned to his companion. He pulled a small
vial of oil out of his pocket. He put a few drops of oil on top of the
Muslim's head, and said a prayer. Then, his companion took the lead in a
separate prayer. When they finished, the Muslim seemed visibly stronger.
"Maybe you were sent this way on purpose."
"Let's just say that it was for a reason. We felt prompted to come
this way early this morning. We got up and prepared our team, and we rode
for several hours in the night."
"We are just sorry that we didn't make it here in time to do more."
They stood together, brothers in this sorrow. Three strangers trying
to lift another's burdens. But they had little time to stand idly. They set
about to bury the deceased before sundown. They finished with a few hours
to spare.
"What do we do now?"
"We wait here for a few days."
"Why?
"Today is Friday, which was your holy day, I believe," said the Jew.
"You are correct," the Muslim replied.
"The Sabbath begins for me at sundown," said the Jew. "Then
Sunday is the day of rest for these Mormon, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," one replied.
"How did you know we were Mormon?" asked the other.
"You must be," the Jew said looking at their name tags. "You
brought a wagon. You came prepared."
"Oh. I can see your point."
They got prepared for their Sabbaths, and spent the next few days
at the ranch. It was a pensive time for all. Despite their religious
differences, they got to know each other a little more.
"Where are you going?" the Muslim asked the Jew.
"West. There's surely plenty of opportunities for a banker or
jeweler."
"May I come with you?" the Muslim asked. "There is nothing for me
here now."
"Yes," replied the Jew. "I could use the company. These are perilous
lands to travel, what with these Chrisjuns."
"We should all stick together for safety sake," said one of the
Mormons.
"Well, it would sure be good to have a guide in this territory. Your
people did pioneer this area, didn't they?" the Jew asked.
"Largely," replied one of the Mormons.
"They didn't have much of an option. The Christians had driven
them out of every rightful land they owned. They killed their leaders and
women and children. Sometimes they did worse," the other Mormon replied.
"My people knows about Chrisjun persecution, too," the Jew
replied, thinking of centuries of AntiSemiticism in Europe and other places
in “Christendom.”
"So does mine," the Muslim commented. "My people should have
persecuted them to extinction in Europe centuries ago, long before they
started the 'Crusades,' which were a poor excuse for butchery in the name of
God."
Monday after prayers were said, they set out for the West. The
Muslim had no horse to ride, and he was still slightly frail. Thus, he rode in
the wagon with the Mormons. The Jew decided to enjoy the present
company, and hitched his horse to the back of the wagon. He rode inside
with the others. They had a deep religious heritage to discuss. The Muslim
talked about how he believed his religion was the pure religion that God
had taught to Adam and Abraham and others. It had been restored after
the world had corrupted it. The Mormons commented that they also
believed that their religion was a restoration of the original teachings of
Adam, Abraham, and other prophets. It was not a point of contention but
of comprehension.
"So, where are your wives at?” the Jew asked the Mormons.
"Oh, we're not married," one responded, obviously a bit flustered.
"Surely you must have dozens," continued the Jew.
"No. We don't practice polygamy4 any more."
"Personally, I believe in having multiple kids, not multiple wives.
Can you imagine how trying that would be?" the other Mormon commented.
"Yes," said the Jew. "One woman is definitely bad enough as it is."
"Makes you wonder how Abraham and other prophets managed it,"
commented one of the Mormons.
"I wouldn't want to find out," replied the Jew.
"It's interesting though," commented the Muslim. "That the
Christians would disdain5 the practice as ungodly, when their leaders and
prophets like Moses once practiced polygyny6, as was recorded in their Bible.
It makes you almost wonder if they read it."
"Well, I'm just grateful that we don't have to worry about it
anymore. You can tell from what happened with Abraham and Jacob alone
that it was a hardship," one of the Mormons quipped.
"Well, some of my people still practice it,” the Muslim replied.
4 polygamy: a crude form of torture imposed upon man in which one man had to live
with two or more wives at the same time. The mercy of God has best been shown by
putting this heinous practice to an end, for the man's sake.
5 disdain: condemn
6 polygyny: one man being married to more than one woman, the opposite of
polyandry.
"Poor devils," one of the Mormons said under his breath.
That commenced an awkward silence that lasted a while. They rode
along for several days, taking only brief stops for prayer morning, noon,
afternoon, evening, and night. It gave the Jew ample time to incorporate
his Amidah7. The Mormons took the opportunities to pray as it was
occasioned, being neither indisposed8 to pray often nor strictly regimented
as to the particulars of prayer.
They camped at night and built a small campfire suitable enough to
cook from. Each read from their scriptures. From time to time, they would
share tidbits of what they were reading, of what impressed them.
"One of my favorite sections of the Quran is in found in the Surah
Ahzab verses 41 to 43.
“'O ye who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah, and do this
often;
“'And glorify Him morning and evening.
“'He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He
may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full
of Mercy to the Believers.'"9
"That is beautiful," one of the Mormons responded. "It reminds me
of something from the Book of Mormon. It's found in Alma 26:3536.
“'Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there
never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world
began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for
he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all
things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will
repent and believe on his name.
“'Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life
and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting
wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this
people...'"
7 Amidah: ritual prayers (largely of gratitude) said by the Jews three times a day
8 indisposed: contrary; against
9 O ye. . . Believers: see Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation of the Quran.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16955/16955.txt
The other Mormon added, "There is a passage from Isaiah that is
also quoted in the Book of Mormon that I like. It's in Isaiah 12:16, or 2
Nephi 22:16.
“'And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee:
though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou
comfortedst me.
“'Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for
the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my
salvation.
“'Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of
salvation.
“'And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his
name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is
exalted.
“'Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is
known in all the earth.
“'Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy
One of Israel in the midst of thee."
When the Jew heard this, he remarked, "That's a very similar
translation to what is found in the Nevi'im in the Tanakh10. It's always
made me think of Exodus 15:2.
“'The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation; this
is my God, and I will glorify Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him.'"11
Before they could share anymore this particular night, they were
interrupted. There was rustling in the brush, and in the distance could be
heard the whinnies of horses. Suddenly, from the night stepped a figure. The
flickering light of the campfire played across his face, revealing distinct
features and a cross hung around his neck. It was no doubt a Chrisjun.
Everyone was taken aback. One of the Mormons, acting as a guide, stepped
forwards.
"How, Christian," he said, raising his right hand to the square.
"How, heathen gentile. We have come to barter."
10 Nevi'im. . . Tanakh: the writings of the prophets post Moses to Malachi
11 The LORD. . . Him: http://www.mechonmamre.org/e/et/et0215.htm
"What have you come to barter for? Do you want beads? I'm sure
we have plenty," the Mormon replied.
"We have come to barter for your lives. We do not want your petty
beads. We want firewater12, or you will die."
That started a small commotion. The Mormon who had been
addressing the Christian turned around obviously flustered.
"Do you have any firewater?" the Muslim asked the other Mormon.
"You know I don't drink ," he replied.
"Neither do I," replied the Muslim a little dispirited.
"Got you covered," the Hebrew replied.
The Jew went back to his horse, which was still hitched to the
wagon. He fumbled around in the saddle bags for a moment. Clinking and
clanking could be heard. Then he returned rather triumphantly with a few
miniature bottles in tow.
"This is not enough for my braves," the Christian replied.
"I'm sorry. I only practice it in moderation," the Jew said
sheepishly.
"Do none of you drink? Then you must give something to atone for
this failing. You must give us pork. It is good for the body. It is good for the
feast."
"No it isn't good for the body," replied the Muslim. "It is forbidden."
"I don't have any either," the Jew replied. "It's not Kosher13."
Their eyes and hopes turned to the Mormons. Surely they too were
not commanded to abstain from pork. Surely they could save them.
"I have a little, though you should only eat it in moderation,"
replied one of the Mormons. He went to the back of the wagon and began
to rustle around. He came back with some saltcured pork.
"This is not enough," the Christian said gruffly. "You will have to
die."
Those were not the words any of them longed to hear. They were
less welcome than Satan in heaven. A bit of strained desperation became
apparent in their countenances.
12 firewater: alcohol
13 Kosher: approved and blessed by Orthodox rabbis
"Mormons, what else do you have in that wagon? Surely there's
something that will appease this Christian," said the Jew.
"I doubt it. It's mostly crates and barrels full of copies of the Book
of Mormon."
"You weren't inspired to bring something else?" the Muslim asked.
The Mormons shook their heads. One replied, "Inspiration is a
funny thing, you see. You never can tell why you are inspired to do things.
Nor can you rely on inspiration alone to provide what you need for every
contingency14. Sometimes you have to think ahead for yourself."
"So we see," replied the Muslim dryly. "What about you, Jew.
Anything else useful in your saddle bags?"
"No, just beads. I was told they would be useful in bartering with
Christians. Apparently I was wrong."
"We go now," the Christian said. "We will eat, drink , and be merry,
for tomorrow, you die15."
With that, he crept out of the light of the fire. They watched him
as he disappeared into the night carrying his pork and firewater. The mood
he left behind was sour and apprehensive. The shouts of victory for his
conquest and the clamor from his party did little to ease their minds. How
many Christians were there?
"Bloody Chrisjuns," the Jew said.
"Savages," spat the Muslim.
"They say they worship the JudeoChristian God. But their God is
nothing like Mine. We know who ours is, but we dare not speak His name,"
remarked the Jew.
"Have you noticed that each tribe of Christians says God is
something different? Their doctrines differ, too. For example, some say that
God is love, yet they say He hates His children. Some say all are His
children. Some say only the faithful are His children. Others say that only
Jesus was His Son, so we have no relationship with Him," commented the
Muslim
14 contingency: situation; circumstance
15 eat. . . die: a twist on the complacent practice mentioned throughout the scriptures,
such as in Ecclesiastes 8:15, Luke 12:19, and 2 Nephi 28:78
"Yes, I've noticed. Some say that He fills the universe. Others say
that He fits inside the heart," replied the Jew.
"Some say that He wasn't created but always existed. Some say
that Mary is His mother, and she reigns supreme, and they worship her, for
good measure. Some say that He is just a spirit. Some say that He had a
body, rose again to take flesh, and then died again to get rid of His body,"
added the Muslim.
"Some think He was a winebibber, others a saint," said the Jew.
"Some say that the Father took upon Himself flesh and called
Himself the Son, though He was still the Father. Some say that there was a
Father who had a Son, and the Son came and took upon Himself flesh and
the sins of the world. Some say that God is three persons stuck together like
someone who has multiple personalities; others say there are three distinct
persons with the title of God. Some say that He is one being, and yet He
sits at His right hand, or maybe it was on His right hand. I wonder if it
would eventually go numb? In any case it is foolish to believe that someone
can sit at their right hand or that they should sit on their right hand,"
averred the Muslim.
"It is a confusing creed. Yet, they were warned of Christ that none
of them can expect to truly know who they are and for what they are
destined, or rather have their eternal life, until they can figure out who God
really is16," the Jew stated.
"I do not find necessary to imagine who He is in order to worship
Him," commented the Muslim. "But at least I know His order of things, I
know the order of His church."
"That is something that is well to establish. But the Christians have
yet to really determine the structure of their church. After all, some believe
in an apostolic church, and yet have no apostles. Some believe that there are
prophets, and others believe that there aren't any prophets. But these same
ones take their shamans' words to be the word of God. Most just don't
really take the time to believe in much of anything besides what their
shamans tell them. They just go because they were raised in the tradition
and don't have the desire to study more."
16 Yet. . . is: see John 17:3
"Some believe in a resurrection, yet by the same token don't believe
that they will have bodies when they are resurrected. Others don't believe in
a resurrection at all,” the Muslim remarked.
"Some believe in baptism by immersion, others believe in sprinkling.
Some believe that baptism isn't necessary to get into heaven, mocking what
Christ taught17. Others believe that it is so necessary that infants must be
baptized or eternally lost."
"Some say that they will be caught up to live in heaven. Others say
that heaven will be here on earth."
"Some say miracles have ceased. Others will say they have not and
charge you a price to see if they are right or not."
"Some say they are responsible for the sins of Adam and Eve; others
say that they are only accountable for their own. Some say you must only
believe to be saved. Others say that you must believe, as well as do what has
been commanded."
"Some forbid to marry, drink , or eat meat, others practice each
excessively."
"Some believe in communalism, others in materialism."
"Some believe you go to heaven or hell after death, others to
purgatory."
"Some believe in taking the sacrament of the Lord's Supper weekly,
others do it yearly if then."
"Some believe in washing feet, others in anointing heads."
"Some believe in taking hold of snakes; others in taking hold of
their senses."
"Some say you forget your family in heaven; others hope you won't.
Some are married until death them parts but don't realize what this means."
"Some think God is white; others say God is black. Some say He is
male, and a few believe that He is female. They worry about that more than
purifying themselves of their sins and trying to follow His commandments."
"Some abhor traditions, and others place more faith in traditions
than in the scriptures."
"Some keep the Sabbath on Saturday, most on Sunday, and many
17 mocking. . . taught: see John 3:35
don't keep it either way as soon as they leave the church doors. Some treat
religion as a way of life. Others only warm a pew on Sunday so that they
can feel good about what they do the rest of the week. Others don't bother
coming, thinking that it is not essential, though they might occasionally
attempt to pray or read to justify this practice."
"Some pray to a being that their religion has yet to truly define in
any understandable manner, and others think it might be a good idea to do
it, and they'll get around to it one day"
"Some believe in fasting, others in gluttony."
"Some love God, some fear God, some hate God, many are just
ambivalent18."
"Some believe that spreading the gospel is a vacation, some believe
that it is a duty, and some some don't consider it."
"Some believe in paying tithes, others alms, others any amount they
deign, and others in just paying their shamans. They figure that most of it
would wind up in his pockets anyway."
"Some say love thy neighbor19. Some say love thy neighbor, but
destroy anyone who does
not share the same religious tenets as you do."
"Yes, the tribes of Christianity are quite confusing."
"Why are you so silent, Mormons?"
"Didn't you know? They're part of a tribe of Christianity," the Jew
stated.
"Really, Mormons?" There was both curiosity and new suspicion in
his eyes.
"Well, it depends on whom you ask. They wouldn't accept us,
though our beliefs overlap in many areas. They think that just because we
actually have firm concepts on whom and what we believe, and because we
have prophets, apostles, and priesthood authority that we're an enemy."
"The lack of confusion probably scares them," quipped the Jew.
"I wouldn't have thought that you thought you were Christian. You
don't have crosses," the Muslim replied.
18 ambivalent: they could care less one way or another
19 love thy neighbor: see Luke 10:37
"Well, I'm pretty sure that if Abraham had been forced to slaughter
Isaac or Ishmael20 on the mountain top, he wouldn't have a carried the
dagger around his neck to remind him day and night. I doubt God likes to
look on the implement of His Son's sacrifice in any other light. Besides,
many tend to worship the cross more than the Crucified. It is often just an
empty symbol for them."
There was another gap in conversation, as they lay reflecting on the
night's happenings.
"Maybe angels come for our souls tomorrow. But maybe we prevail,
Insha'Allah21," the Muslim said out of the blue.
"Well, at least we know that any pangs of death will be swallowed
up in the glories of the resurrection," commented one of the Mormons.
The Jew wasn't sure if he believed in the resurrection or not.
Perhaps tomorrow he would find out.
"I think we should fast tonight," one of the Mormons said to the
other.
"But it's not the first Sunday22," the Jew quipped.
"Still, it's a time of great need," the other Mormon replied. "Fasts
don't have to be done strictly only on a set day, because that puts the
emphasis on the day and not the reason. Sometimes the reason is just to
increase spirituality. Other times, it is a matter of sickness, or a matter of
life or death."
"I will fast with you tomorrow, Mormons," the Muslim added. "I
do not care that it is a day of battle. I do not know if I will make it to the
end of the fast or not. But I would like to. After all, I still have five other
days left to fast this month. But, be that as it may, I will submit to the will
of Allah."
"Isn't that what Islam means?"
"Yes, and Muslim means one who submits to God's will."
"I believe we will all have to be Muslims in that sense tomorrow."
20 Abraham. . . Ishmael: there is some dispute, depending on the religion, as to which
of Abraham's sons was to be offered as a sacrifice
21 Insha'Allah: God willing
22 But. . . Sunday: Mormons are notorious for fasting on the first Sunday
The next morning, as the Muslim was saying his Salah23, they were
attacked. This was a definite disadvantage, since it was one less man to aim
a weapon. They were already at a disadvantage since they couldn't very
well circle the wagon. Arrows whizzed around him and one lodged into the
dirt. The report of the rifles was deafening.
"I'm kind of in the middle of something," the Muslim remarked,
interrupting his prayer.
"Sorry, we'll try not to disturb you too much with our deaths," the
Jew commented.
The shootout was over before it began. They only had limited
ammunition as it was. Though several of the Christians fell, it was not
enough. They were forced to surrender.
"Thank you for finally giving me some peace to finish my prayers,"
the Muslim said rising. "Now, give me a gun and we'll send these Christians
to their God."
It was about that moment that he realized that his side had lost
and the battle was over. A Christian came over to him. It seemed to be the
same one from the previous night, though now he wore a full headdress and
war paint. The Christian pistolwhipped him. The Muslim collapsed to the
ground. The Christian stood looking over his body for a few moments.
"I think he's waiting to see if he's going to turn the other cheek24,"
the Jew commented softly.
Two Christians came and picked up the Muslim. They laid him
across a horse. Then, they let the Mormon and Jew walk behind through the
desert as prisoners.
"He was right. Sometimes the blows we receive in this life can bring
us greater blessings in the long run," the Jew said, grumbling about the
dusty trek.
They were taken back to the Christian village. Everyone gawked at
these strange prisoners. As they walked through the settling, scalps were
seen hanging from the doorways. They were finally taken to be seen by the
shaman. When they reached his lodgings, he was nowhere to be found.
23 Salah: a set prayer
24 tur n. . . cheek: see Matthew 5:39
After waiting about an hour, the shaman pulled up in a brand new Rolls
Royce. He exited the car, revealing a man in an expensive Armony suit. He
came into the chapel and asked why he had been summoned from his
mansion. When he found out who the captives were, he merely said,
"You will die, heathens." He never bothered to ask anything more.
"But we are not without God," protested the Muslim.
"But you are without money. My braves have already checked. Your
words will not convince me," replied the shaman.
"Then, we die as martyrs," commented one of the Mormons.
"A martyr's death is well rewarded," the Muslim said.
The Jew, however, was not so certain that death of any sort was
well rewarded. He was still halfunsure if there was a resurrection. So it
passed that they were taken forcefully to the tribal gathering place. The
shaman began with a prayer. As the tribe chanted, he passed around plates
for a collection to pay for the expenses of the day. The shaman then told the
tribe that today would be a glorious day, for they would have the honor of
ridding the world of a few more heathens. The tribe was ecstatic. Some
braves notched their bows and a few others readied their tomahawks for the
scalping.
"Do you have any last words? Have you been born again?" the
Shaman asked them.
"Yes, I believe in Christ. I know that He is my Savior," one of the
Mormons said.
There was a loud "Praise God!" from the halfastonished crowd.
"We are not heathens," the Mormons continued, increasingly
earning "Amens" and "Hallelujahs." "We all believe in God, in our own way.
We are not so much different, you and us, for we are His children. We
should treat each other with kindness, as Christ would treat us. The way to
change a man's beliefs is not through violence. It is not with force. It comes
from seeing good examples. It is not with wellprepared arguments. Why
should we believe in the words of a man, when man is fallible? We must
instead trust in what God tells us. The Spirit can witness to our souls if
what we are told is true or not. Only then should we believe.
“We should act better than this, brothers and sisters. We should
have a better fraternity. After all, we all profess to be People of the Book.
Let us look to the Book , to the words of the Master. He commanded us not
to judge each other25, for judgment is his.
“Remember the instance when the woman who had been taken in
the act of adultery was brought before the Savior while He was in the
temple? He was questioned if she should be stoned to death according to the
Law of Moses. What was His response? Was He rash and hasty in
judgment? Did He condemn the sinner to die? How wise was His response,
'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.' Was there anyone there
that could cast a stone? None of the men that had brought her could stone
her. The Redeemer was the only one without sin, and He did not condemn
her26. So, it is in much the same way that I say unto you, my brothers and
sisters, 'Let he who is without sin [shoot the first arrow.]'"
The tribe was in shock. In the process of shouting "Amens and
"Praise Jesus," they had been tricked. This Mormon had made them
remember that they weren't perfect either. They had no right to judge or
condemn. Quite saddened, they began to unnock the arrows and sheathe
their tomahawks. One of the braves began to untie the four prisoners. As he
did, the shaman sent the collection plates around to cover the expenses of
preaching, and offer a minimal love offering to their new found brothers.
"Allāhu Akbar!" the Muslim shouted.
"You said it. God is the greatest," the Jew agreed.
They were given back their possessions. Then, they continued on
their way, unharmed by this Christian threat.
From The Dementia of Iyan Igma
Copyleft 2007/2008 by Iyan Igma
Creative Commons AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works 3.0
United States License
25 commanded. . . other: see Matthew 7:1
26 Remember. . . her: see John 8:211