The Religious Wrong

As a “religious person,” I would like to make an assertion to Mr. Eagle and his ilk: Sometimes when you are being ridiculed it’s because you are just wrong.

John the Baptist basically invented the idea of the theological editorials and made it his business to ridicule the Pharisees who I’m sure had every assurance that they were following the will of God. The truth does hurt, but it never divides. Whole Truth as brought by Christ unifies people; not once did he use his power to drive people apart. Instead, it was only those who were unwilling to accept Truth who simply could not grasp the full message (please see, ‘ears but do not hear’). As a side note, wasn’t part of Christ’s message to those “religious people” a condemnation and a warning for making “lengthy and showy prayers?”

I actually did contact Operation Save America via the internet (http://www.operationsaveamerica.org/) and got copies of the pamphlets and must say—I was offended! One in particular drew on the similarities between Islam, Homosexuality, and Abortion (i.e. all who are a part of those beliefs are doomed). Great! Now what about Judaism? What about Confucianism? Are these not equally godless religions that fail to recognize the sovereignty of Christ? In a time in which we are trying to come together and befriend our Muslim brothers and sisters, why post a pamphlet that does nothing but draw on fear and half-truths? If we really do love all the peoples of earth and wish to “bring them the light” wouldn’t you think that following Christ’s example of a loving hand and not the bludgeon of religion would be the best way?

Don’t get me started on the Thanksgiving brochure. It told of how the first and glorious Pilgrims thank God for sending Squanto to teach them how to survive in the new world, with out mentioning the criminal injustice that was then performed on Squanto’s tribe only a few decades later, and how that has completely escaped the notice of mainstream America and the Thanksgiving tradition.

My point is this. The ‘Devout Duo’ might have had their hearts in the right place, but their methods couldn’t be further from the example that Christ set for his Disciples and subsequent apostles. Standing outside a public school isn’t exactly eating with the sinners. What about volunteering at a local abortion clinic, talking gently with mothers trying to make a tough decision? Pregnancy Support Services or the Raleigh chapter of the National Women’s Health Organization could also use volunteer counselors I’m sure. Showing patience—showing care about their well being—that is the heart and model of Christ. If you are seriously worried about aborted children, why address the schools? Only 19% of mothers getting abortions are under the age of 18. This seems like a waste of your efforts if you were truly committed to making a difference. Or would that not get your names in the paper fast enough? In addition, why not address the real issue of abortion which is the poverty that plagues the states; 21% of mothers site “inability to afford” as the reason for the abortion. Why not work to get mothers on their feet in a living wage job so they won’t be forced to even consider the decision? (Statistics from ‘The Alan Guttmacher Institute’)

You tout that you address homosexuality, yet you fail to “build bridges” and admonish those pastors like Reverend Falwell who do just that claiming that it “muddies the waters of the Gospel.” See, herein lies the inherit problem with not reading the entire Gospel. What was Christ if not a bridge builder?! He allowed a “sinful” woman to not only be with him—but to anoint him! An honor reserved only for the prophets in the Old Testament. In fact he NEVER told sinners to not be near him, but instead invited them to follow, and visited their homes. Tell me then, who is following more closely the teachings of Christ?

In short, your methods are wholly without a Biblical precedent, your material is abrasive and afflicted and your Epistle quotations are riddled with errors (I found 2 just perusing your brochures—I’ll send them to you if you like for correction)! It is such an easy way out for you to simply stand and yell as students file in for classes. I challenge you to start getting dirty and analyze the self-righteousness with which you have inflated yourselves. I can train a monkey to use a bullhorn, but the ministry of God takes true devotion and hard work—caring and empathy not pamphlets and misquotes from the Almighty to spread human interpretation.

As a last word and warning, be careful as you continue making your rounds to the other area schools. Watch what you say and how you say it; someone, somewhere, may be warming up the millstones and looking for a deep sea.