"In the name of.....

from Paul Benedict

I have recently read, with a heavy heart, reports of an American politician
(an outspoken Christian and proponent of marital fidelity); two prominent
Baptist church leaders (a pastor and a music director) and an American
evangelist campaigning in Jamaica, who are reported to have been arrested
because of their involvement in sexual misdemeanours. Parallel to this have
been the worrying media reports of the debacle in Iran in the aftermath of
their recent elections. One set of incidents involved those who are
deeply committed, no doubt sincere Christians whilst the other emanated from
an Islamic nation - where the meaning of Islam means "submission to Allah".

Now, I have no problem with the sexual issues or the apparent political
demonstrations that have led to deaths and mass imprisonment. What I
question is the impotency of the divinity who reportedly rules over
his children. These dear people declare so much "In the name of ..."- yet their divine personage does not prevent such events plus the painful collateral damage.

Now, the faithful are gathering to pray - for what purpose? To remind the
divine figure to get off his throne of grace and comfort et al? Could he
have not stopped the happenings before they took place? Any loving and
caring human parent would certainly do more - especially when knowing the
makeup of their child!

When will these otherwise very human people call it a day and appreciate
that "In the name of ..." serves no purpose whatsoever.

Paul Benedict