Why is the taliban winning?

scimitar60 · #1 Nov 19, '10, 10:14 pm

Sorry, I'm getting beaten up over this question.

How do we know that Christianity is the right way?

Is God on our side fighting the taliban? If so, why aren't we winning?
This raises another question, what if God is on their side?

Apollos · #2 Nov 20, '10, 12:20 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by scimitar60

How do we know...

Bunch of ways. Miracles, lives lived, what do you want? What's the test for truth in religion?

Frankr409 · #3 Nov 20, '10, 12:43 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by scimitar60

Sorry, I'm getting beaten up over this question.

How do we know that Christianity is the right way?

Is God on our side fighting the taliban? If so, why aren't we winning?
This raises another question, what if God is on their side?

You may remember in the OT how the Hebrew army got the better of the fight so long as Moses kept his arms in the air?

Our hands are tied behind our backs in Afghanistan, and our host, Karzi, is double dealing with Iran behind our backs. Afghanistan has been the grave yard for armies dating back to Alexander the Great in 327 bc, and frankly, we will only fare a little better than the Soviets if we don't get out.

Sorry to say this, but we missed our opportunity to get Bin Laden, and Omar when they were in Tora Bora and we may not get another chance.

**po18guy** · #4 Nov 20, '10, 2:04 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by scimitar60

How do we know that Christianity is the right way? Is God on our side fighting the taliban? If so, why aren't we winning? This raises another question, what if God is on their side?

Would you have been a nazi in 1939? "Apparent" invincibility does not determine rightness or wrongness. There is an objective moral standard that is to apply. Jesus appeared to be destroyed as He breathed His last on the cross. But was He?

Look at the words of Jewish leader Gamaliel, on how to deal with the Apostles after Jesus was killed: "But a Pharisee in the council named Gamali-el, a teacher of the law, held in honor by all the people, stood up and ordered the men (Peter and John) to be put outside for a while. And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you do with these men. For before these days Theudas arose, giving himself out to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was slain and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (Acts 5:34-40)

2,000 years later, the successors to the Apostles still preach the Word. Was God behind Christianity after all?

As to the Taliban, it is tough to fight men on their home turf. It is even tougher to fight an entrenched philosophy. Wars are not won until they're won. in 1933, Hitler looked like a raving populist. In 1939, he looked like a genuine threat to Europe. In 1943 he looked like he was on his way to world domination. In 1945, he was on his way to damnation. This is why we are well counseled to keep the faith.

rossum · #5 Nov 20, '10, 3:35 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by scimitar60

Sorry, I'm getting beaten up over this question.

How do we know that Christianity is the right way?

Is God on our side fighting the taliban? If so, why aren't we winning?
This raises another question, what if God is on their side?

The Taliban is winning because our side took their eye off the ball. The Afghans are always there, we are the invaders and we have other things to do besides Afghanistan. They don't.

Potted history of the Afghan Wars:

First Afghan War: British don't like ruler of Afghanistan. They invade, overthrow him and put a puppet in his place. Afghans withdraw to the hills and start sniping. British move most of their army elsewhere. Afghans overthrow puppet and carry on as before.

Second Afghan War: British don't like ruler of Afghanistan. They invade, overthrow him and put a puppet in his place. Afghans withdraw to the hills and start sniping. British move most of their army elsewhere. Afghans overthrow puppet and carry on as before.

Third Afghan War: British don't like ruler of Afghanistan. They invade, overthrow him and put a puppet in his place. Afghans withdraw to the hills and start sniping. British move most of their army elsewhere. Afghans overthrow puppet and carry on as before.

Fourth Afghan War: Russians don't like ruler of Afghanistan. They invade, overthrow him and put a puppet in his place. Afghans withdraw to the hills and start sniping. Russians move most of their army elsewhere. Afghans overthrow puppet and carry on as before. (Don't say we Brits don't ever learn anything.)

Fifth Afghan War: Americans/NATO don't like ruler of Afghanistan. They invade, overthrow him and put a puppet in his place. Afghans withdraw to the hills and start sniping. Americans/NATO move most of their army elsewhere (Iraq). (Unfortunately once we Brits have learned something we forget it again.)

Are you beginning to see a pattern? The Afghans already know how to win wars in Afghanistan; they've done it before.

rossum

scimitar60 · #6 Nov 20, '10, 3:50 am

Thanks for the replys all. It has made my mind a bit clearer now! I dislike going to the Mass with intrusive thoughts.

Orleans Attny · #7 Nov 20, '10, 4:15 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by scimitar60

Sorry, I'm getting beaten up over this question.

How do we know that Christianity is the right way?

Is God on our side fighting the taliban? If so, why aren't we winning?
This raises another question, what if God is on their side?

We crushed the Taliban. To say that we're not winning against them is absurd.

Pax,
OA