The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 4 of 19)

/p>

Poor Lawrence. After all of these years and he still as naive and unlearned as when grandma had to answer his questions.

As a Christian, the day one decides that going to church is to look critically at the folks around, and even worst not even to offer a hand to help, one becomes the poor wretch and disillusioned being Henry has become. God loves us all, we have become His Children (sons and daughters) and yes, as a Christian I am my brother's keeper.

How amazing that the very Bible he claims to read, speaks volumes against his attitude (ever heard of how Jesus explained the Good Samaritan story?) and his decision to not grace the pews at his local church flies in contrast and against his action: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

So in parting, I have two thoughts for Mr. Henry: a) In the morning when you walk into the bathroom and while looking at the mirror's image, if you see perfection then by all means expect perfection from the rest of humanity and b) If you ever find a perfect church, please stay out of it. You will damage it.

p>Lastly, the quoted passage is found in the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 10 verses 23 through 25. br> -- Dario Giraldo br> Cypress, Texas /p>

Lawrence Henry's tale of disaffection with church was well written, as his stuff always is. I would not presume to pronounce on the state of his faith. I do think, however, that his story is even sadder than he realizes.

Every congregation has both open and secret sorrows. To think of shortcomings in other Christians as reason enough to avoid communal worship with them strikes me as wrongheaded. I actually addressed this very point in an essay for this publication ("Why I Won't Stop Going to Church") published last April 13.

My own answer to Henry's question about what you do when you realize that key church people have let you down is to realize that such a letdown is human, and forge prayerfully ahead with the support of any sympathetic souls you can find.

p>One imagines that Judas let Jesus down. Ought we dare to hope for better? br> --

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