The Church

This may step on a few toes in our own group, but, what a bunch of crap! Sorry, but from what I have been able to learn: Since the beginning, "The Church", collectively, has been responsible for more killing and cultural upheavals than all the world's despots put together. Look at the Inquisition, the Conquistadors, the Crusades, the establishment of our own country, all done in the name of God, (but usually by the ruler who thought he/she was God at the time). I wonder if the real HE approved - I, for one, don't think so.

In my opinion, "The Church", collectively, should ask general forgiveness for their own sins before assuming charge over mine. If anyone has to be forced to believe a doctrine, anyone's doctrine, they will never be true followers anyway. "The Church" should let people come of their own free will. To me, they are absolutely no different than the politicians trying to get us on board with their own philosophies of how to live our lives, or more to the point, force their own ways into my house.

It seems to me that anyone who calls themselves spokespersons for God and his wishes in my behalf, may as well talk to someone else who will believe their authority over my own private relationship with Him.

Furthermore, if this immigration thing doesn't turn around, we are going to see more of the "Civil Rights Movement" in our streets, only this time it will be for civil rights of legitimate American citizens, native and naturalized, of our country that we will, once again, fight for.

"The Church" HAS spoken up, for sanctuary for all the poor minions who are somehow displaced unfairly in OUR country. Give me a break! They want new members just as much as the politicians want new voters. There is NO OTHER reason for this position. Sanctuary is a recruitment move, nothing more, nothing less, in my book. Recruitment ultimately means $$$$$$.

Why this rant? Read below for the trigger.

Nick H.

Church should speak up

To the editor -- Re: The June 16 letter, "Why is the Church involved?"

Throughout history, churches have played a crucial role in discussing and changing the social fabric of our country. Churches have a moral and spiritual obligation to speak out about important social issues, whether they're political in nature or not.

Any time there's a penalty or punishment -- such as the loss of tax-exempt status -- for free speech, you have effectively squelched that constitutional right. Remember that the ability to preach from an open pulpit was one of the first things the Nazis sought to control.

For too long, secular governments have used Romans 13 as a club to beat Christians into obedience. What if you lived in Nazi Germany at the time of Hitler's rise to power? Would you obey the laws against harboring or helping Jewish people? Or what if you lived in the Deep South of the United States in the 1960s? Would you obey the laws of segregation? Would you assault the free speech rights of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. because he preached civil disobedience from the pulpit?

I believe that the church has a responsibility to minister to the people in the shadows, wherever they hold citizenship. The time has come for its members to speak with faith and courage to those with the power to effect lasting change in immigration policy. To do otherwise would be to forsake those wayward strangers in this nation who in reality are fellow children of God.


KERRY L. TURLEY