7.12.2005
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"God Hates Fags"
This is the title, and the apparent theme, for the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. These folks go about the country protesting, among other things, any grief shown at the passing of an American hero. They also are quick to tell us that the 9/11 attacks, and other terrorist attacks, are simply brought down on us by the wrath of God, owing to our sins. Here's what these kindly folks have to say about the recent London attacks:
Two points. First, God surely will judge the nations, as he has done in the past, surely he will so do in the future. Got that, Westboro and company? God will do the judging. Not thee; not me. That being said, it is clear to me, at least, that there is much that goes on in America and Britain that is sinful. The Westboro folks are not wrong in this. However, on the other hand, and with things of God, it seems there is always another hand, there is the second point.
The second point is that one should not take a single verse and think one thereby knows the mind of God. Yet we must know that God hates sin, and that homosexuality is among them. Homosexuality, not homosexuals. We know this, not simply through a few verses, but through the theme of both testaments. We know that God expects his children to avoid sin. But no matter what the sin, or who the sinner, God loves each and every one of us. God "hates" no person. How could he? He'd be hating himself, as he made us in his image.
God may condemn us to the fire for our sins and lack of repentance at the end, but he will never do so out of hatred. He will do so out of love. And here's something for the "God Hates Fags" folks -- God loves even you, though you hold his gospel up as a source of hatred. It might do you some good to reflect on that infinite love, a love that can tolerate the worst kind of vile behavior.
| technorati tag | Christianity|
Thank God for the bombing of London's subway today - July 7, 2005 - wherein dozens were killed and hundreds seriously injured. Wish it was many more.People who put forth this hatred will be judged, just as surely as they claim God is judging our nation for its sins. Here's the difficulty for the believing Christian: isn't there a nagging little voice that says, "hey, these folks are crude and rude, but are they truly wrong?"
"But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction; truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth." Jer. 7:28.
Two points. First, God surely will judge the nations, as he has done in the past, surely he will so do in the future. Got that, Westboro and company? God will do the judging. Not thee; not me. That being said, it is clear to me, at least, that there is much that goes on in America and Britain that is sinful. The Westboro folks are not wrong in this. However, on the other hand, and with things of God, it seems there is always another hand, there is the second point.
The second point is that one should not take a single verse and think one thereby knows the mind of God. Yet we must know that God hates sin, and that homosexuality is among them. Homosexuality, not homosexuals. We know this, not simply through a few verses, but through the theme of both testaments. We know that God expects his children to avoid sin. But no matter what the sin, or who the sinner, God loves each and every one of us. God "hates" no person. How could he? He'd be hating himself, as he made us in his image.
God may condemn us to the fire for our sins and lack of repentance at the end, but he will never do so out of hatred. He will do so out of love. And here's something for the "God Hates Fags" folks -- God loves even you, though you hold his gospel up as a source of hatred. It might do you some good to reflect on that infinite love, a love that can tolerate the worst kind of vile behavior.
| technorati tag | Christianity|
posted by John Luke at 9:35 AM
Welcome. My name is John Luke Rich, (very) struggling Christian. The focus here is Christianity in its many varieties,
its fussing and feuding, how it impacts our lives and our society, with detours to consider it with other faiths (or lack thereof).
1 Comments:
When I see something like that, it really makes me wonder how anyone would want the life of a Christian? Do these people not understand it's the SIN that Jesus hates, not the sinner? We've all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) - if he hates those people, surely He would hate us,too.
But, God is a God of love, one of forgiveness, one of mercy and grace. He's standing at the door, waiting for everyone, including the homosexuals, to repent and come to know HIM.
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