I have mixed feelings about the Supreme Court's decision in the Westboro Baptist Church Case. I am a firm believer in the right to free speech. I am also a firm believer in their right to believe and practice their religion. What I have a problem with, is how in the world they can be so callous about the feelings of others, and still call themselves Christians. The word Christian, so I've been told, means like Christ.
While Christ did on occasion lash out against the hypocrisy of the church of the day, he never lashed out against individuals, nor did he speak out against the government. He didn't judge the woman at the well because she was of a different faith. He didn't take the opportunity to pass judgement on the woman caught in the act of prostitution when the religious people wanted to stone her. He saved her from being stoned, and told her "Neither do I condemn thee. Go, and sin no more." He never spoke out against homosexuality. As far as I can tell, he never even mentioned it. (St. Paul did, but not Jesus.)
He did encourage us to be humble and meek, and everywhere he went, he showed compassion on people. He didn't picket them or do things to break the hearts of the families of dead people. He left judgement and vengeance up to the Father. I don't who these "Christians" out in Westboro Kansas are patterning themselves after, but it's not the Jesus that I know.
I pray that these folks will see the error of their ways, and stop creating havoc in the name of the Lord. And by the way folks, God doesn't hate sinners, just sin. His desire for us is that we all should repent and reap the benefits of belonging to him.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willingthat any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1 comment:
I agree with you Vernie,Jesus doesn't judge a sinner,he loves all and is forgiving.These people whom claim to be Christian & picket at any funeral no matter what their reason is NOT CHRISTIAN.It is cruel and very unChristan.God will forgive them,if they ask,but can they forgive themselves.
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