Christianity and controversy are inseparable. The latest stems from comments made by a fundamentalist group, Repent America, regarding Hurricane Katrina.
Repent America's director, Michael Marcavage claims the hurricane was an "act of God" bringing judgment upon the "wicked city" of New Orleans, hitting just days before the huge Southern Decadence, annual gay celebration. Read more.
I would have to consider myself profoundly arrogant, self-righteous and even repellant, if I should claim to know the reasons why such terrible calamity has hit my fellow man. At times like these, I'm baffled by those who claim to know the mind and intentions of God. I remember that Job's friends (Job 42:7-8) had it all wrong when they analyzed the reasons why sudden, wide-spread disaster struck Job's world.
I would go so far as to say, that even if there are aspects of truth to Repent America's claims, let God declare judgment, not me. He is capable of articulating his own judgment. Am I not called to love, to serve, to heal and to restore? Let me be found looking for ways to help rather than reasons for blame.
I have only these two questions: If the claims are true, then what evil deeds were the victims of the Tsunami in Southeast Asia poised to commit? And why are cities like Rio de Janeiro still above water when Carnival celebrations are tolerated year after year?
Read other opinions:
I would have to consider myself profoundly arrogant, self-righteous and even repellant, if I should claim to know the reasons why such terrible calamity has hit my fellow man. At times like these, I'm baffled by those who claim to know the mind and intentions of God. I remember that Job's friends (Job 42:7-8) had it all wrong when they analyzed the reasons why sudden, wide-spread disaster struck Job's world.
I would go so far as to say, that even if there are aspects of truth to Repent America's claims, let God declare judgment, not me. He is capable of articulating his own judgment. Am I not called to love, to serve, to heal and to restore? Let me be found looking for ways to help rather than reasons for blame.
I have only these two questions: If the claims are true, then what evil deeds were the victims of the Tsunami in Southeast Asia poised to commit? And why are cities like Rio de Janeiro still above water when Carnival celebrations are tolerated year after year?
Read other opinions:
There should be more level-headed Christians out there like this author. How much more constructive are sentiments like these than angry insults and religious intolerance! ~ As a Christian, I need to admonish other believers interpersonally, but I have no place to judge anyone other than myself with the help of the Holy Spirit’s convictions.