Christianity vs Islam

I've had this nagging question in the back of my mind for several years as the craziness in the Middle East seems to continually spin out of control.  You can't turn on the news, read a magazine, or have a conversation without some discussion of the horror that is ISIS and what "we" are going to do about it.  These people are truly abominable and have done some unimaginable things.  But in truth there is not that many of them, they are poorly organized and led, and could be defeated.  It just would take something most Western societies don't have...the will to do it.

But an even more concerning issue is Christianity vs Islam.  I'm am beyond tired of hearing how the terrorism in the Middle East (and elsewhere) is not reflective of the average Muslim.  That the religion is a beautiful, peaceful religion and the people who practice it are peace loving people.  Oh yeah?  Then why do we not seeing broad, across the board condemnation of the terrorists who conduct their atrocities in the name of Islam?  Why are they silent?  The standard answer is that they are intimidated, they are afraid.  Oh yeah?  Even those living in the U.S.?  Even those in other parts of the world that don't have any physical threat?  I'm not buying it.

And what about the Christians.  They seem to be invisible.  Where is the outrage regarding what is being done to people in the name of religion?  Why are there no (or very few) Christian voices urging that this evil must be eradicated?  I get that Christianity is all about love.  Turn the other cheek.  And I agree with it.  But sooner or later enough is enough.  Christians are standing mute while people, both Christians and Muslims, are being slaughtered.  How is that okay?  We have a good example of a people who don't take any shit.  You know who I mean.  Israel stands tall in the middle of a hot, bubbling cauldron.  They stand up for themselves as a country, but also as Jews.

I don't have any answers.  But I know this.  The evil that is tearing apart the Middle East is getting worse.  It's like a cancer.  So the politicians dither, Muslims seem to be intimidated into silence or are in agreement with the evil, and Christians are mute.  And since nothing will happen on the political front until at least 2016, what is the average Christian in the West to do?  Many would say we are to pray for peace and I'm okay with that.  But when do Christians decide to do something tangible, something that would defend both the religion and it's followers?

I fear and am not saying we need some Christian army to march into battle.  No.  But the longer we (Christians) stand on the sideline and do not overtly address the presence and impact of evil, the more it will prevail.  It would take leadership for a rallying of Christians to stand up to these monsters.  I don't know who could do it, but we need someone.

This whole issue is frustrating, dangerous and confusing and I don't remotely have answers.  But we can't continue to accept the assault on our way of life and our religion.  Or can we?  What do you think?