Public statements from clergy, nonviolence, and necessary respect for religious beliefs are topics, today. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “V” (Level 1 with 186 points, a member since June 08, 2011) posted the following:
Why did the Pope recently say it's ok to punch someone if they insulted your mother? I thought we had to turn the other cheek??? Bit puzzled.?
This is in relation to the recent tragedies in Paris
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5: 13-23, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Right Place to Get Knowledge? (02/17/2014); Arguing Against the Bible in Church? (02/18/2014); On Marketing Church, and Speaking by Occasion (09/26/2013); On Titles and Respect (03/15/2013); On Producing Atheists (03/16/2013); My Sheep Hear My Voice (03/08/2013); Wanting To Have Our Way (03/09/2013); Mockers in the Last Days (11/14/2012)
“V”, it should go without saying that to get respect, you must show respect. Yet, as you can see in many life situations today, there are many who don’t understand and practice that rule. Here are a few points all Christians believers must take into account when considering the attitudes, behavior and statements from clergy:
(1.) Believers must use “discernment” (the ability to use their own spirit content from the makeup of divinity as a standard to recognize and respond to spirit content in actions, events, objects, other persons, speech, etc.) at all times. Clergy, who serve as apostles, prophets and spokespersons for GOD, must operate through carnal, material and social situations, yet will remain individuals and finite beings. In addition to fixed ceremonies, prayers and rituals, divine law, sacred doctrine, holy proclamations and promises, clergy may make comments that are “common sense” acknowledgments of the human condition made spontaneously, unrehearsed, and “off the cuff.” At no time are remarks made to deny, dispute, or overturn the teachings of Jesus Christ.
(2.) The standard from GOD for truth that clergy must maintain is the same as that for lay believers. Similarly, the standards for interpersonal behavior and self-discipline as demonstrated among the clergy are the same for all other believers. What all are to speak is intended to continue communication and fruitful interaction (we say, growth, learning, peace, prosperity).
(3.) Today, when clergy are presented by broadcast and print media, unspoken and unwritten policies are being applied that serve as “editorial bias.” The clip or sound bite chosen may not include necessary background material that should exist as the foundation for further knowledge and understanding. The higher goals of objective journalism are replaced by the motives of befriending, engaging and entertaining audiences of hearers, readers and viewers. Impartiality falls to increasing ones circulation, subscription rate, and income. Controversy, negative criticism, and sensationalism become the focus; irreverence, malice, rejection, slander and suspicion—even murder—become the outcome.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The origins of anger and violence for created beings and living creatures are aspects of their flesh (e.g., appetite, sensations, and emotional/mental functions). Because the operations of sin can dominate awareness and self-will as presumption, pride and self-promotion, believers are provided with fresh endowments of spirit content whereby they discern, recognize and resist sin. By continuing study of the holy writings, fellowship with other born again believers, unselfish service, and regular practice of sacraments, believers are divinely equipped to correctly receive and understand the gifts and ministries from divinity that are being delivered through the instrument of clergy.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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