By MIKE JOHNSON
This is in response to Paul Christopher and his commentary in the OBSERVER (July 30). I must say, "interesting."
First, I must thank Mr. Christopher for serving. By the picture the hat tells me he served in Vietnam, because of our military folks we do enjoy the freedoms we have today, so again thanks for serving.
There are a few things that need to be addressed. Yes there have many things done over the years, many so called "Holy Wars" that have been done in the name of religion that have hurt the cause of Christ and Christianity. Sad but true.
There are well meaning folks who twist the Bible to fit their own agenda or religious purpose and can pull scripture out of context to prove a point. On that, I won't deny Mr. Christopher the satisfaction of being right. In that regard, however, that still does not change the truth of God's word. It would be like us saying there must be no doctors, policemen or barbers for there is still disease, crime and folks with long hair and beards!
The mention of many religions - yes there are many religions gods and paths that seem to point to God - the big difference is the founders have all died and we see their tombs among us. However, the tomb for Jesus is empty. All they needed to do is provide his body. They couldn't do it.
Far as folks going to Hell - as people we can send no one to hell - even God does NOT send anyone to hell. According to scripture, He states "ALL that the Father gives Me will come to Me - and the ones who come to Me I will by no means cast out" John 6:37. We can choose not to go with the plan that God had laid out for us. He did in fact make a way for his created folks to get back to where we should be and God provided that way through Jesus on the cross.
Denominations galore? Yes sometimes way too many to count, most of those are man made rules and regulations with emphasis being put on what is important to a certain group of folks and it becomes a denomination. It can be likened to blind folks describing an elephant, one grabs the tail, another grabs a leg still another grabs a tusk and thus a denomination is born.
Science seems to be an issue for some yet as science gets more sophisticated. The more we learn, it actually proves the Bible accounts rather than dispelling them with a little research. This can be proven for anyone unbiased in their opinions.
Education and government is another sticking point for some. Most colleges were founded as Bible schools such as Yale and Harvard and the like. Numerous government buildings have scripture posted on them from our founding fathers-such as United States Capitol the declaration "In God We Trust" is prominently displayed in both the United States House and Senate Chambers, also Images of the Ten Commandments are found in many federal buildings across Washington, D.C., including in bronze in the floor of the National Archives.
I could go on and on but I won't. The bottom line is this: If you are wrong, there may be hell to pay. If we as Christians are wrong, it's not a really bad way to live as most do try to live by the Ten Commandments. But on the other hand, if we are right in following Christ, we can't beat the retirement package.
Mike Johnson is a Collins resident.
