Comparing Jones with Jesus

Tony Alcantar’s comparison (Reader’s Forum, November) of Terry Jones’ action with that of Jesus is not a good one.

First, when Jesus cleared the temple, he was not being disrespectful but acting in his role as Messiah. He referred to the temple as “my Father’s house.”

Second, when Paul was blinded on the way to Damascus, one could ask why his companions weren’t also blinded. Paul was singled out by God to be a messenger to the Gentiles.

Hence, the special experience. He needed to understand he was spiritually blind as well.

In contrast, Jones’ behaviour – and especially his original threat to burn a copy of the Qur’an – was simply disrespectful and cowardly.

Christians need to remember that “Man’s wrath doesn’t accomplish the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)

Roland Derksen, Vancouver

We have no license to lie

Philippians 1:18 does not give license to “lie, cheat and deceive for Christ” (Reader’s Forum, November). Paul was explaining that some had different motives for preaching Christ, some out of envy and rivalry. These people did not proclaim a wrong doctrine, but they had a wrong motive. Perhaps they were jealous of the success of his preaching.

On the other side, there were those who preached Christ simply out of love for Christ and for Paul, who was in prison for his preaching. All were preaching the correct doctrine regarding Christ; some just had the wrong motive. Christians aren’t perfect.

Cherryl Katnich, Maple Ridge

No to ‘family friendly’ violence

Increasingly, family restaurants are showing on their TVs a pseudo-sport called Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). It is possible that this violent action may be permissible for adults.

However, I recently was in a family restaurant at the supper hour with my young grandchildren. Without warning, the TV show that was on was replaced with MMA.

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My grandchildren, both under age 12, became glued to the action. Around the restaurant, I saw parents attempting to distract their children from the violence.

I asked the waiter why we had not been warned. He stated that there was a poster at the door. I looked and saw it on a side window. He turned off some of the TVs but kept it on the big screens, as it was an advertised pay-per-view special for the restaurant.

The CRTC should classify MMA as X-rated and not allow it on TV in public places where children are present. Please pray about this and write the CRTC.

Jesus calls us to love. It is a value we need to instill in our children and grandchildren. MMA extols violence and is a blight on our society.

Dave Price, Abbotsford

Sunday brunch article lacking

In health magazines, the writer will give various points of information on a given subject. In a conspicuous place on the same page will be an ad for a product that just happens to ‘fit the bill.’

Your article on ‘breaking bread’ (October) would have had a lot more impact on me had the rest of the two pages not been loaded with ads for eating establishments.

I realize that the main subject was after-service fellowship. However, mixing it with the communion celebration rubbed me the wrong way, as my time at the communion table is a very intimate one.

When selling services in the secular world, this practice may be okay. However, one would ask what the motive was for publishing the article in the first place.

Gabe Siska, Vernon

Why Muslims reject the church

A strange irony recently dawned on me. Muslims are coming to North America in droves, yet they think we live in a Christian nation; we don’t, but they think we do.

Why are they coming to our country when they believe their religion is right and we are wrong?

And it’s obvious why the church hasn’t impacted the Muslim community. The false money gospel and the focus on material blessings have taken the soul out of the church. Jesus said in Matthew 5, “Blessed are you when men persecute you for righteousness’ sake.” There is no persecution, because there is no righteousness – just a lust for more money.

Muslims look at the church, and say, “No thanks.” Can we blame them?

Earl Banks, North Vancouver

December 2010