Ahh, Paris! A city revered for its centuries-long contribution to the arts, music, poetry and a centerpiece of western culture is on the brink of collapse from within. The “City of Light” has been replaced with the unthinkable lament “Paris brûle!” News reports of the widespread devastation from the violent protests depict a grim, dark chaos as hordes descend on churches, city landmarks, statues and monuments that have withstood two world wars.
What began as peaceful student protests over claimed deficiencies in the educational system quickly morphed into a guerre opportune for Islamic extremists to unleash attacks aimed at destroying symbols of western civilization, and in particular, any representations of French culture.
The turmoil has been brewing for several decades, as a consequence of failed leadership dating back to DeGaulle, who predicted in the late-50s that trouble lay ahead unless immigration were controlled. Those since have downplayed traditional French values of patriotism and opted instead to experiment with an open border policy ushering in millions of immigrants, many from African-based countries. The myth perpetuated by such laissez faire policies, is that by offering free welfare benefits to all immigrants they will assimilate, show their gratitude and embrace liberté, egalité and fraternité. But these noble western concepts have never been a part of the political landscape in Somalia, Congo, Morocco or Tunisia where about 60% of all Africa-born immigrants in France originate. They are as foreign to these foreigners as the notion of election integrity free of corruption. Theirs is not a nation of laws, but of coups and violent power struggles. Is it any surprise that they would see this as the norm for their host country as well? The blame for this current catastrophe cannot be laid solely at the feet of French politicians.
For the last several generations, France has celebrated its secularism, breaking the ancient “bonds of Christianity and the church.” This national sentiment has infected all strata of French society, and national disdain for anything religious is today a hallmark of French government. If there is any doubt how deep this religious apartheid pervades modern French views of Christianity, one need look no further than the opening 2024 Olympic ceremony. On a world-wide stage, France opened this international event with a blasphemous portrayal of the Lord’s Supper portrayed as a conspicuous tribute to gay pride. The symbolism followed a string of satanic rituals culminating in a grotesque parody of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” mural of Jesus and his apostles composed of drag queens who struck poses behind a long table astride a crowned transgender goddess. The grotesque mockery sparked an international outcry and criticism from every corner of Christendom. But the message was unmistakable. The French are not only indifferent to Christianity; they belittle it as an anachronism, not merely the opiate of the masses, but odious to the serious-minded. The latest outpouring of support during Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to Paris, especially among the young adults, may be a small flicker of hope.
Many political commentators have weighed in with grandiose explanations for the “fall of France”. While it is true there is no shortage of likely suspects, the most obvious account seems to have escaped elucidation. Some will discount this comment as an over-spiritualization. But I cannot not help but see the irony. Gal. 6:7 tells us “Be not deceived; God will not be mocked.” These depraved attacks upon Paris by forces within is a modern-day re-enactment of the fall of Rome. But the ultimate target of this wave of destruction is not France, it is western civilization. Already, similar disruptions are taking place in Italy and the UK. Will New York City, the home of an Islamic-led administration be next?
Most of my legal career has been devoted to defending the right of those who seek to influence their local culture with the message of the gospel. One of these cases, soon to be tried before a federal jury, involves an evangelist who was arrested for spreading gospel message in a city park during an LGBTQ celebration. Jury selection will be challenging in this case due in large part to a prevailing secularist attitude today toward open evangelism.
—Larry L. Crain, www.Crainlaw.legal
