Shut The H*** UP!

“You know what really gets me, as a Christian, is to see the ongoing attacks on Judeo-Christian beliefs, and then some senseless crazy act of terror like this takes place. Some of us happen to believe that when our founders talked about guarding our virtue and freedom, that that was important,” he said. “Whether it’s John Adams saying our Constitution was made only for moral and religious people … Ben Franklin, only a virtuous people are capable of freedom, as nations become corrupt and vicious they have more need of masters … We have been at war with the very pillars, the very foundation of this country.” Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)

“If a Christian dies early, if a Christian dies young, it seems tragic, but really it is not tragic because they are going to a wonderful place … on the other hand, if a person doesn’t know Jesus Christ … if they knowingly rejected Jesus Christ, then, basically, they are going to a terrible place…”
“For those who are not ‘in Christ’ and see this incredible tragedy, this would be a good time for soul reflection and consider why have you not accepted Jesus Christ … I would urge anyone who is not in Christ to repent of your sins.” Jerry Newcombe, spokesperson for Christian organization Truth in Action

It has taken me a little over a week to put into words anything concerning the shooting in Colorado. It tore at my heart, I cannot fathom or comprehend the horror and shock that was experienced by those in the theater, the survivors, or the family members and friends left to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy. My prayer for those involved is that God in His abundant mercy, grace, and compassion will embrace and comfort you all during this time of grief, and that His hand will stretch over Aurora and into the homes of those immediately impacted and bring healing and hope.

Shortly after the shooting, some in the “christian” community began to respond and once again the vast unconditional love and mercy of God was distorted and turned into a crude attempt to coerce people and politicize this calamity.

The first quote from Rep. Gohmert, is an attempt to co-op the shooting and make it about the myth concerning the “war on religion” taking place in America today. His view is that “if only we had prayer and Bible reading in school, or were teaching creationism, or let kids sing Silent Night at a public school holiday program, then we wouldn’t have these types of things happening”.

Jerry Newcombe, while saying something similar, took another step and basically used the horrors of that night to try to whip up a few converts, and also to remind those who lost loved ones that if they never said “the prayer” they are in hell.

When Jesus walked the earth His words brought life, healing, and love. He embraced people on the fringes, and connected with those who were grieving and suffering. Many of the outcasts followed Him because His words were like a river of living water running over the desert of their hearts and souls.

This is the calling of all Christians, to follow in the steps of the Master and to be a source of comfort, hope, and love to all those around us.

These men do not represent the Kingdom, and they only continue to alienate people from the only One that can bring the wholeness and peace the world needs.

To those two I say…”Shut the hell up! Your words do a great disservice to the cause of the Kingdom.”