News
Choices, God, and stupidity
Einstein was right
Two Mondays ago I used an Albert Einstein quote for the'Phrase of the Week' in the MMPearl. Here it is again in case you forgot it: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." If Einstein could read today's message, I'msure he would say, "I told you so."
Last week a church in America was fined nearly $11million dollars for cheering a soldier's death as God's 'punishment' for US tolerance of homosexuality. Church leaders and members waved placards at the soldier's funeral last year that said "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "You are going to hell".
Westboro Baptist Church's Rev Fred Phelps believes that the death of American soldiers in Iraq is God's way of punishing America for tolerating homosexuality. Church members have been targeting the funerals of soldiers to protest and promote their message.
I want to 'thank' Rev Phelps for giving Christianity such a bad name and making Christians all over the world look really stupid. That's what the Church really needs. I'm sure all homosexuals in the world are going to be 'saved' now, thanks to the Reverend's brilliant idea.
Fanaticism is the result of faith without intelligence. Stuff like that happens when people use their faith without thinking.
An intelligent Christian understands God's mind because God is intelligent. An intelligent Christian is not an extremist. An intelligent Christian is balanced.
God's greatest gift to the human being is freedom of choice. He gives people the right to choose as well as the intelligence to understand the consequences of their choices. The rest is down to them.
Want to smoke, drink a lot, or use drugs? Go ahead. Want to commit adultery or have a divorce? It's up to you. Want to be a homosexual, bisexual, or transsexual? It's your right.
God does not hate homosexuals or drug users or adulterers. These are the very people He wants to reach out to. He does not stop us from doing anything we want. God may not agree with our choices, but He will not stop us from choosing them.
And if God does not interfere in our choices, why should we interfere in other people's?
My intelligent faith tells me that we cannot change people by bashing them for their choices or lifestyle. The best we can do is what God does: (1) make them understand the consequences of their choices; (2) offer them a better choice, and (3) let them choose what they want to do.
Let's use our intelligent faith. Christians should fight stupidity in the world, not add to it.
Have a great week!
Bp Renato Cardoso
PS. I know it's early but where are you going to be on New Year's Eve? May I invite you to be with us at our UK headquarters in North London for an unforgettable night? Just thought I'd let you know early, but I'll give you more details next week.
PPS. Do you enjoy getting this message every Monday? Why not forward it to a friend now?
Unsubscribe or update your email address.
232 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park | London, N4 3NX-United Kingdom
