While reading the latest on CNN today I ran across this story about a group, known as People for the American Way (read it here). It is a group, headed by Kathryn Kolbert, who rallies for the rights of every American and their freedom of speech and ideas, oh yeah except for Rick Warren’s. They puts lots of time and effort into making sure those guilty of “hate crimes” are prosecuted to the highest extent of the law, but’s it’s ok that they hate Rick Warren and are very open about it and are asking Barack Obama to oust him from the Inauguration Ceremony for his “closed-minded” views.
In Mark 3:1-6 we read where Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, and saves a life. The Pharisees begrudgingly look on ready to tear Jesus apart for breaking the Laws.
Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. (NKJV)
While Jesus was saving a life the Pharisees were plotting to kill him, all under the guise of “keeping the Law”. Kind of sounds like the story above. I guess there’s nothing new under the sun!
Do you think the head of the KKK would make an appropriate person to replace Rick Warren (assuming he is a priest)?
I would assume that you would not, and furthering that argument, if I were to ask you why not, I suspect your reasons would correspond with Kathryn Kolbert’s.
This is not about the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, it is simple bigotry. Unfortunately, this ploy of using the Bible to justify this hatred is also not new and has been repeatedly reviled historically.
On a personal note, I am morally offended that people like Rick Warren would use the Holy Bible, and his position as a man of the cloth to advance his hatred. It is shameful and contrary to the teachings of Christ.
An American Liberal,
Thanks for your reply. In response to your comment I will have to disagree that Rick Warren is using the Bible to advance “hatred” towards anyone, in fact he has spent millions of his own dollars towards AIDS research and relief and helped thousands if not millions of people infected, including gays, to get the treatment they need. Also I have never heard him say that he hated anyone, and if you have any examples I would be glad to look at it.
To Warren, and many other Christians, being gay is not the central issue. Trusting Christ to save us from our sins that we can in no way pay for is. Whether that be stealing, coveting, lust, adultery, or whatever, the fact is there is not one person on this earth that has kept God’s laws to His standard. Warren is simply stating and pursuing what he believes the Bible says, just like you are.
My point was not to comment necessarily on Prop 8, but to point out what appears to be hypocrisy on the part of those throwing stones at someone they say is throwing stones.
In Christ,
MGA