Lonnie Pittman Evidentially, there are some so called Christian theologians or “culture warriors” out there on the blogosphere ripping Robin Williams and what they call his “selfish act” (or similar terminology). Of course, we as a church and even society want to help others avoid suicide and the tragic consequences that follow that decision. However, it is not the job of the Christian to throw stones or to even speak in such insensitive and harsh ways. Although it is the word that is always used for why people hate the church, I do not actually think that “hypocrisy” is the reason people get annoyed and even disgusted with some Christians. Instead, I believe it is one simple word that is masked in the desire to be “right” all the time (although that being “right” is usually a matter of opinion and not fact). That word is “meanness”. Sure I could use a whole bunch of others words, and this word is admittedly my pet peeve, but we do not demonstrate the love of Christ if our desire to be right (once again, usually this “rightness” is a matter of opinion) is not balanced with the virtue of goodness. I’ve seen a lot of people struggling with depression in my decade or so in ministry, and while we sometimes use words like “sickness” to describe those who commit suicide, the true sickness is found in the judgmental and cruel comments of those who sit on their pharisaic chair and look down upon the world with arrogance and superiority…And my gut tells me they are hiding their own insecurities in their harsh tone. A very talented man is dead. His family is grieving. Others around the country and world are dealing with very similar situations. Love is the only acceptable response. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” ~Apostle Paul
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 18:39:35 +0000
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