tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29191589.post115853975556759609..comments2023-10-25T04:22:54.910-07:00Comments on An Anglican Priest: The Ruminations of a Canterbury Cap Catholic: Rev. Dr. Hasserthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350737386756722887noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29191589.post-1158612016137853122006-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:002006-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:00That is a great painting by Jean Leon Gerome. I h...That is a great painting by Jean Leon Gerome. I had the priviledge of seeing it in person many times, as it is in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.J. Gordon Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03941152529096287366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29191589.post-1158544617951308532006-09-17T18:56:00.000-07:002006-09-17T18:56:00.000-07:00I think it is something to pray about and think de...I think it is something to pray about and think deeply on. We must ask ourselves as well whether we would do violence to "defend our faith" or force others into the Christian fold. Do we preach in love or do we rage and froth in hate? <BR/><BR/>How can anyone come to God when a sword is upon their neck? In the past Christians have sinned in this regard and have gone against the Gospel. However, we can rightly say that those Christians were not justified by recourse to the Scriptures nor the Fathers. <BR/><BR/>This does not mean that we do not have an obligation to pray for "the punishment of wickness and vice," for if nations and rulers did not do this they would not be acting justly, for they "do not take up the sword in vain." Those who murder should be punished, as should those who steal. If we see an innocent about to be slaughtered, is it Christian to stand back and praise the virtues of peace while the innocent blood is shed? <BR/><BR/>However, the sword cannot be taken up to spread the message of Christ, for when it is true faith ceases to exist.Rev. Dr. Hasserthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14350737386756722887noreply@blogger.com