Piper on Being Mocked: The Difference Between Christ and Muhammad

Piper argues concerning recent Muslim rioting over mocking cartoons that "the work of Muhammad is based on being honored and the work of Christ is based on being insulted. This produces two very different reactions to mockery." I've read my share of Piper, and seldom has he been better.

I also can't help but wonder about declarations of victory when the latest cultural slaps at Christians are averted. I'm opposed to blasphemy, but I wonder if God is cheering.

Piper's conclusion about the meaning of the difference between Christ and Muhammad is instructive:

It means that a religion with no insulted Savior will not endure insults to win the scoffers. It means that this religion is destined to bear the impossible load of upholding the honor of one who did not die and rise again to make that possible. It means that Jesus Christ is still the only hope of peace with God and peace with man. And it means that his followers must be willing to “share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).

I guess I wonder if we are enduring insults or trying to beat down the scoffers with our sanctified economic and political power. And what does this say about our view of our Savior?