Negative Witness

The results of the survey have been widely disseminated online, and have hardly offered an appealing image of the followers of the Prince of Peace.  Non-believers have highlighted this survey and pointed out the violence in the Old Testament stories as justification for their negative view of religion.

Some Christians, it is true, believe that every word of Scripture is to have equal weight.  They are unaware of the remarkable development in the Bible, as human beings, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, learn more and more about who God truly is.  The primitive stories of tribal violence give way to the prophetic voices of love and justice for all peoples, leading finally to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

“At the resurrection, what the apostolic group began to understand was that there is no violence in God, no wrath, no desire for retribution, no need for vengeance or satisfaction”

James Alison, “Befriending a Vengeful God,”
Encounter, October 24, 2004.

Let us pray

…that each of us as individuals and all of us as the mystical Body of Christ may take on the mind and heart of the merciful and loving God.

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you

‘If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt

‘Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.

‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’  (Luke 6:27-31)