The Pastors...one who died, one who wants Obama dead

Within the past week, we have had two situations with ministers in the news.

The first is the horrific murder of a Pentecostal pastor in Oklahoma. An opinion of a criminologist can be found at http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=11011093. This is truly a tragedy.

IMO, it sounds like it may be a coverup for a robbery. The rumors in the town where the murder took place say that a cult, possibly satanic in nature, was behind it.

I'm not so sure. First of all, cultic activity in this country is not near as widespread in this country as many believe. Especially that considered "devil worship". I think it does exist, but as a wise man once said, the devil works best when he is most subtle.

Perhaps that is what is behind the attitude of the Baptist minister from Phoenix, Arizona, who says that President Obama should die and go to hell. That is at http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2009/08/29/20090829preacher0829.html.

Consider this blog entry my formal denouncement of the pastor, and I think I shall use that term loosely.

Sir, I am a Christian, and you are no man of God.

Whether we like Obama or not, he is our President, and deserves the respect of the office. The Bible states in 1 Peter that no matter who is in power, we are to respect the governing authority. And remember that the author had no concept of democratically formed government. This was written while the evil and corrupt Romans were the most powerful on earth. I'm surprised that the minister doesn't know that. Wishing hell on someone is a truly terrible thing. We are held to account for our words, after all.

The Roman government was far more corrupt than ours in early 21st century America, and I will debate that issue with anyone. You just don't speak out wishing the President dead, no matter who he may be.

We have freedom of speech in this country. I have the freedom to call this pastor a horse's behind (and some stronger terms as well).

One pastor died through no fault of her own. The other wishes Obama dead.

Just another week in Christianity.