As I have explained before, I do a lot of article reading. I think it’s important to challenge your own beliefs so that you can hold an informed opinion. At the end of the trial, you will have found a better viewpoint or become even more fortified in your position, but either choice should be an improvement.
The one downside to this approach is that you sometimes feel stupider for having respectfully entertained an idiotic statement. Sometimes you wake up to story that is regrettable due to its mere existence (let alone the fact that others are obviously being exposed to it as well). These the comments that lend credence to Lewis Black’s theory that aneurysms are caused by the mental damage inflicted by stupid comments echoing in the brain.
I encountered one of those maddening statements today.
It might just be me, but I’d wager there are a number of Christians out there who wince in anticipation when we hear religious leaders are “in the news.”
“Sigh… Okay, who said what this time?” – I believe is the typical response.
Once I stopped pounding my head (if only to temporarily relieve my mental anguish with physical pain) and staunched the thin trickle of blood from my ears, I composed an open letter to express my impressions on the matter:
Dear Pat Robertson,
This is Caleb Smith.
Please stop being so helpful.
I know what you’re trying to say. You are trying to warn people of the danger when you turn away from God. That is an important lesson to get across.
Your method of communication, however, could have used some work. I haven’t seen a transcript of your comments (though I am still looking), but certain choice comments are worrisome.
“I'd like to say to the good citizens of Dover: If there is a disaster in your area, don't turn to God. You just rejected him from your city," – is the quote I’ve seen repeated the most.
You later clarified your position in a press release that said “our spiritual actions have consequences.” That was good. I wished you would have led with that. That approach is more likely to lead to an open exchange rather than a defensive maelstrom – which is what we have instead.
Please be respectful of the position you’ve earned in life. Before heading to the soapbox next time, weigh your word choice. You and I both know that you don’t speak for all Christians, but the world doesn’t always recognize that distinction and when you mess up (or others in similar roles), we all hear about it.
Sincerely,
Caleb Michael Smith
It’s unfair really, how society holds people responsible for the follies of their family and peers. There are profession-based prejudices: journalists hear Jayson Blair jokes, political aspirations can make mothers cry, and who doesn’t know a good lawyer joke. People are often branded by their surname (just ask a Nixon or Hitler, if you can find one). And I’m only going to mention the term “ethnic joke” before moving on.
Religion makes a tempting target. Many realize that our lives are more closely examined than others, but we certainly don’t act accordingly enough.
I am reminded of the comment that proceeds the dc talk song, “What if I Stumble?” – “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
I thought for years that it was a George Carlin quote, but recently discovered the words were of Brennan Manning, which only shows how the observation was equally cutting and thought-provoking.
The following lyrics speak of the fear that a public failing will not only hinder their relationship with God but hurt others engaged in His ministry. I wish more Christians displayed that humility when they recognize the potential impact of their actions.
I certainly wish I did.
Don’t take Robertson’s words out on other Christians. He’s only proving how human we all are. Thank you.
Of course, after all this time playing apologetic to placate those who seek to blame Christians for crimes they don’t commit, I would like to shift my aim slightly. I’d like to address those who seek to blame God for crimes He didn’t commit – and reference the other article that caused me to strike myself today.
A Romanian prisoner is suing God, reportedly, for not saving him from the devil after he was baptized. A man identified as “Pavel M” is serving a 20-year sentence for murder and is suing God, and by proxy the Romanian Orthodox Church, for “cheating, concealment, abuse against people's interest, taking bribe, and traffic of influence."
SMACK! Ug… Is that blood on my hand? No… Just red ink stains? Good.
Here is my open letter to express my impressions on the matter:
Dear “Pavel M.”
This is Caleb Smith.
You messed your own life up. Don’t put God in the docket for your failures.
You say you offered “different material valuables from me, as well as prayers” to God? So what? In a true, healthy relationships, people want more than money and words; they expect devoted actions as well.
Stop grandstanding and take responsibilities for your mistakes... and do it soon. Do you really want to stand before your eternal judge knowing you’ve accused him of fraud?
Do the smart thing and settle your account now before the devil truly comes to collect.
Sincerely,
Caleb Michael Smith
The two most important parts of Christianity’s message is forgiving love and spiritual consequences. If you leave out one, you undercut the importance of the other (and you may alienate the people you’re trying to reach).
Roberts forgot God’s grace. Pavel forgot eternity’s judgment.
To err if human, to remember both is divine.
Peter Raffensperger said...
Excellent post, Mr Smith.
I was frustrated by Robertson's words.
http://trollyherdsman.blogspot.com/2005/11/you-are-you-are-my-cure-from-cycle.html
I like your letter to him, I think that was very even-handed.
Ironically, as I read the part about dc Talk's "What if I Stumble" the song actually was playing on my computer.
Keep thinking,
Peter