'Cowboys and Arabs' and the Cross (by Omar Al-Rikabi)
The week before the invasion of Iraq, I was locked in an e-mail debate over the war with a friend of mine from my home church in Texas. I explained to him why I was opposed to the war. He responded by saying that while he understood my opposition to the war as an Iraqi, as a Christian I should support it because it put America "on Israel's side – which is God's side – and that is the winning side."
A week after the fall of Baghdad he emailed me the following joke:
A Cowboy, an Indian, and an Arab were sitting around a table. The Cowboy was kicked back in his chair with his hat pulled down over his eyes. The Indian looked at the Arab and said, "My people used to be very great in number, but now they are very few in number. This is so very sad." Then the Arab said, "My people used to be small in number, but now we are very great in number. Why do you think this is?" Then the Cowboy sat up, tilted his hat back, looked at them both and said, "That's because we ain't played Cowboys and Arabs yet."
The man who sent it to me knew my Arab background, but even more appalling was that he had been educated in Christian schools and colleges, been active in full-time ministry, and was a lay leader in our church.
This past Palm Sunday, he and others like him probably waved palm branches in remembrance of the day Jesus entered Jerusalem before his crucifixion. What is interesting to note is that in Jesus' day, the palm branch was a sign of nationalism and military victory. By waving those palm branches, the people showed that they were expecting Jesus to rise as their military hero, overthrow their enemies and re-establish them as the top power in the world. But they failed to realize that Jesus came to overthrow a greater enemy than Rome, to redeem all of humanity and to establish a kingdom where the last would be first, the hungry would be fed, the homeless would be sheltered, the sick would be healed, the widow and orphan would be cared for, and where enemies would be forgiven ... and even invited to the table.
I think it is significant that Holy Week falls on the same week of the fifth anniversary of an unholy war. Why? For two reasons: First, because too many pastors and churches - from the run up to the war until now - have waved the flag before the Cross. In doing so, they missed the "Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven." And second, because it presents an opportunity for reflection on what the Cross accomplished for all of humanity, and for repentance for the sins that have been committed against the people of Iraq at the expense of our own ignorance and idolatry … and really bad jokes.
Rev. Omar Hamid Al-Rikabi is a campus minister at the University of Arkansas Wesley Foundation. He is the son of a Muslim father from Iraq and a Christian mother from Texas. He shares his stories on his blog at www.firstbornstories.com
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Comments
wow, omar...
when i first read the joke, not knowing the type of man who sent it, i thought the guy was deconstructing his initial support of the war. apologizing, as it were. without your insight i would have not known better.
this is exactly why i believe everyone should be allowed to tell their own story. modernity taught us the bad habit of filtering other peoples' stories through our own, rather than understanding people in/on their own terms.
thanks again for another insightful and moving post.
Posted by: melvin bray | March 19, 2008 11:57 AM
OK - sorry the joke offended. I - being Swedish have a whole file of Swedish jokes and a separate one for Ollie and Lena. (you can always tell a Swede- but you can't tell them much - LOL) So - let’s just make Sojo a joke free site.
I believe that the continued comparison of Christ as Savior of the World and the conflict in Iraq is an 'apples and oranges'. Anyone with a Messiah complex today is more than likely heavily medicated and most likely in a state institution.
'...waved the flag before the Cross.'
Some - some have not all. Most conservative denominations - the cross in paramount and nothing will pre-empt it - nothing.
'...on what the Cross accomplished...'
The cross is a symbol - an instrument of death. The cross in and of itself accomplished nothing. It was Christ's death but more important is resurrection, sacrifice for sin and conquering death and the grave that provides eternal life for all who believe and accept Christ as Savior.
Happy Easter to all. He has Risen indeed.
Hears to a 'humorless' world.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | March 19, 2008 12:00 PM
The palm branch as a symbol of nationalism and military triumph? Where does that come from? The scholars I read are pretty clear that the event now celebrated on Palm Sunday (very close to Passover) actually happened about 6 months earlier, around the Jewish holiday of Succot, during which parades with the waving of palm branches and the chanting of "Hoshia-nah" are a part of the liturgy. They celebrate an agricultural feast. It's also true that, in the Jewish tradition, Succot has messianic overtones, so that its Christian connection to the rest of the Holy Week liturgy makes sense. But nationalism? I think not.
Posted by: Marian Neudel | March 19, 2008 12:11 PM
Posted by: Marian Neudel | March 19, 2008 12:11 PM
Thanks for your insight!
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | March 19, 2008 12:45 PM
Moderatelad,
You can't even compare the inoffensive Ole and Lena jokes (and I say that as a Norwegian) with the implications of the joke that man told. I have not heard even one Ole and Lena joke that even comes close to threatening Norwegians with war.
Posted by: squeaky | March 19, 2008 12:46 PM
Marian,
What scholars do you read? I agree Omar should have cited his sources, but it would be helpful if you cite yours.
Posted by: squeaky | March 19, 2008 12:47 PM
Omar,
What do you expect from conservative evangelicals? I am not saying what he said was right, quite the opposite. Let me put it another way. Your friend is a fool. I used to have friends like that and they would say racist jokes around me and a whole host of other things. Now I find myself putting up with that less and less. My hope is that you do the same. In your quest to be a community with your friend remind him that Arabs are people too and God is no respecter of nations.
p
Posted by: Payshun | March 19, 2008 12:58 PM
"Marian,
What scholars do you read?"
Fair question. Unfortunately, I'm at the office and my library is at home. I'll get back to you tonight.
Posted by: Marian Neudel | March 19, 2008 1:29 PM
[Succot has messianic overtones, so that its Christian connection to the rest of the Holy Week liturgy makes sense. But nationalism? I think not.]
Marian Neudel, John (11&12) associate the Entry directly with the nearing Passover. Luke (19&21) connects the Entry and Passover with teaching in the Temple and conflicts with the religious authorities. Mark (11&14) does as Luke. Matthew (21&26) also.
Conventional messianic perception is/was indeed seen as "us over them." (nationalism) Psalm 118 connects:
7The Lord is on my side to help me; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
in the name of the Lord I cut them off! three times
and
26Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27The Lord is God, and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.
Jesus turned out not to be the kind of messiah that we had thought he should be. Thus as John (ch-1) states We didn't recognize him.
Igor
Posted by: Deryll | March 19, 2008 1:48 PM
'...inoffensive Ole and Lena jokes (and I say that as a Norwegian)...'
You should read some of the jokes in my files - any joke can be offensive and over the top. (admitting your Norwegian is the first step to recovery - LOL) Yes there are some jokes that I do not tell and there are some people that I do not tell jokes to because of any number of reasons.
Humor is one of several ways that we as individuals handle issues that we do not understand or feel comfortable with as well as other reasons. Most jokes I believe are not ment as indictments but as a way of in many cases laughing at our selves or polking fun at our selves. I use self deprocating humor all the time. (look out - fat guy coming through - LOL) Would I tell a joke about Muslims to a Muslim? I have one friend that I can - but in this day and age...most likely not.
Yes there are jokes that are said as an indictment (you know Cindy there are only two things I don't like about you - your face) But most are just a joke and should not be taken as an indictment. But - we are becoming a humorless soceity which is sad. But Whoopie can use the 'N' word and get loads of laughter and that is OK.
Here is to less humor in life.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | March 19, 2008 2:12 PM
Mod
My wife Cindy takes offense ;-)
You say you don't tell certain jokes. I say, also, certain people can tell certain jokes. Whoopie can tell things that I (another fat white guy) shouldn't.
I had a friend tell an 'N' joke. Another friend took that joke and turned it into a 'W' joke. I'm disappointed by both occurrences. Yet, both these guys do some wonderful stuff.
I understand you were being cynical. I say, though, humor can be used to build up or tear down. Thus, let's properly build what needs to be built and raze what should be razed. Thus, heres to more humor in life!
Igor
Posted by: Deryll | March 19, 2008 2:41 PM
Some - some have not all. Most conservative denominations - the cross in paramount and nothing will pre-empt it - nothing
Posted by: Moderatelad
It is as tiring hearing of this flag before the cross rhetoric in place of intellectual exchange from so many . It has become so common that it is assumed .
"You can't even compare the inoffensive Ole and Lena jokes "
"What do you expect from conservative evangelicals?"
So Squeak are you going to ask Paysun for sources ?
Actually I always took it that the Jews were worshipping the Lord when he rode in on the Donkey . The Pharisees got ticked and Jesus told them the rocks would cry out if they did not .
Actually taking the Bible and twisting it into a political philospy seems equal with putting the flag above the Bible , I don't know this person , but he seems to have a pat answer for those who disagree with him on a Bibical basis without knowing them . He gets offended by a crude joke ?
I have come to the conclussion this war is wrong , but I will not defame the faith of a Conservative or liberal Evangelical to make my point . Sorry , just won't do it . Not Bibical I guess , but it has more to do with how I was brought up and the word respect .
Moderatelad you have a riot during Viking Days in the neary by town of Poulsbo .
Paysun very true about jokes , I have stood up when racist jokes have been told at work , actually not easy to do when you are the Conservative Evangelical Christian in a very liberal union oriented work force . I get Vote for Hillary Signs stuck on my Mazda PU , in good fun though . But thankfully others there were wishing someone would stand up to that racist accepted joke culture . . Ashamed to say it was hard I guess for me , people dying for us In Iraq and some believe it is to preserve such rights as speech , for this country just so we have rights, religion , etc , , and many of those fighting in Iraq are black . At least we can do is show respect for all people , not just the iraqis . And yes , even Conservative evangelicals , you see to me saying a racist joke is wrong , so is ridiculing my Faith .
Posted by: Mick | March 19, 2008 2:50 PM
Posted by: Deryll | March 19, 2008 2:41 PM
Thus, heres to more humor in life!
It hits me every morning when I look in the mirror. I take one look and start the day off with a 'belly' laugh.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | March 19, 2008 3:30 PM
Mick,
What's wrong with me asking for sources from Marian? Currently in my church our adult group has been exploring a book by Crossan which I find particularly disturbing in that he denies the resurrection for (I would argue extremely questionable) historical reasons. Therefore, I very much want to know the sources of such statements concerning the historical interpretation of palm-waving.
Many of the things I say that you find concerning are very perplexing to me...methinks you read far too much into who you think I am...
Posted by: squeaky | March 19, 2008 5:02 PM
It hits me every morning when I look in the mirror. I take one look and start the day off with a 'belly' laugh.
Blessings -
Posted by: Moderatelad | March 19, 2008 3:30 PM
________________________
Mod :-)
I don't look in the mirror, unless it's time for my weekly neck scraping.
Igor
Posted by: Deryll | March 19, 2008 5:30 PM
Many of the things I say that you find concerning are very perplexing to me...methinks you read far too much into who you think I am...
Posted by: squeaky
I was a holding a grudge for past comments . I have been wrong .
Sorry , I will throw away by score card .
Posted by: Mick | March 19, 2008 6:24 PM
"I was a holding a grudge for past comments . "
But that's just it--most of my past comments you have commented on have been complete misunderstandings of what I have said, as in this case. And I almost always point it out to you, and yet you keep doing it. What do you have against me?
Posted by: squeaky | March 19, 2008 6:50 PM
Perhaps, it's your Norwegianness, Squeaker.
Posted by: canucklehead | March 19, 2008 7:33 PM
canucklehead,
Ya sure, den! Ya betcha! We Norskes are mighty offensive, don'tcha know, den. I suppose it is because it is too cold in da vinter to take a shower, ya know!
Nehmen, ha du sitt! I'm going home now, den, to eat some vunderful lutefisk, lefse, and klub. I'm looking forvard to da krumkake for dessert. UFF-DA!!! Don'tcha yust luff dat Garrison Kiellor, der?
Posted by: squeaky | March 19, 2008 8:09 PM
A Cowboy, an Indian, and an Arab were sitting around a table. The Cowboy was kicked back in his chair with his hat pulled down over his eyes. The Indian looked at the Arab and said, "My people used to be very great in number, but now they are very few in number. This is so very sad." Then the Arab said, "My people used to be small in number, but now we are very great in number. Why do you think this is?" Then the Cowboy sat up, tilted his hat back, looked at them both and said, "That's because we ain't played Cowboys and Arabs yet."
From the great social commentary The Simpsons:
Teen1: Oh, here comes that cannonball guy. He's cool.
Teen2: Are you being sarcastic, dude?
Teen1: I don't even know anymore.
Posted by: aaron | March 19, 2008 8:54 PM
Re: Palm Sunday and Succot:
See Hyam Maccoby's Revolution in Judea, which is in general a terrific book.
Posted by: Marian Neudel | March 20, 2008 12:34 AM
Rev. Omar -
Thanks for your insights into the heart of your cowboy friend. In Matthew 12:34, Jesus indicated that we could not hide what was inside! 'For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.'
I could not agree more about the joke. Out of the box, believers ought to guard their hearts, minds AND tongues! Additionally, the superior attitude of this brother needs adjustment as well. This is why judgement (without condemnation) is appropriate from beleiver to believer. See Matthew 18, Jude and 1 Corinthians 5 for examples of the Godly process to assist these poor brothers.
Conversely, Christians have never been given the authority to judge non-Christans or non-Christian governments. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:13 that 'those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.'
Self discipline as a fruit of the Spirit is often neglected. At the same time, Christians ought to also be the most resilient of people, not bowing to the idols of political correctness. I have a great distaste for milkquetoast Christians, weak and easily bruised.
Unfortunately, some who claim to be disciples of Jesus fail to oversee their lives with diligence. Just as I can not use my Irish heritage as an excuse for a lack of control of my temper, so it is that my Syrian boss can not excuse his countrymens' national insecurities or anger for their misguided terrorist acts!
The oppression (real or percieved) can not be excused or overlooked just because it is politically correct. 900 Katyusha rockets fired into Israel verse 23 raids into the Gaza Strip...which is more oppressive? Who will begin to call for mutal repentance and ceasation of violence?
Social justice advocates do a fantastic job...when they are fair and equitable. From the outside, at times they seem to appear to have selective outrage; depending on whose ox is getting gored. Disciples of Jesus Christ need to call all brothers and sisters up to the higher calling in Jesus.
Your cowboy is no less offensive to the Spirit of Jesus than my being labled a cracker and racist by my black neighbor for being white! Am I outside the grace of God to insist that my Mexican friend be a legal rather than illegal immigrant?
1Peter 2:13-15 states plainly that the Lord has set up those in authority as 'sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.'
The mature sons of God are to be spiritually ambidextrous, able to correct a brother with a harmful/ungodly attitude AND not begin hyperventalating when exposed to ignorance...thus calling out the thought police on a neighbor, just because he is a mental miget! We are also, as much as possible, to live at peace within the realm of the laws of our land.
Posted by: Brian | March 20, 2008 10:14 AM
OK--thanks Marian!
Posted by: squeaky | March 20, 2008 11:54 AM
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