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| Title: | Discussions from a Christian Perspective |
| Notice: | Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome! |
| Moderator: | CSC32::J_CHRISTIE |
|
| Created: | Mon Sep 17 1990 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 1362 |
| Total number of notes: | 61362 |
76.0. "On hearing the Voice of God" by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE (A Higher Calling) Fri Oct 19 1990 19:50
As Christians, we are in a precarious position. On the one hand, we believe
that God in Christ may speak directly to anyone, without an intermediary.
On the other hand, we question the sanity of people who say they hear voices,
especially the voice of God. But, Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd," and,
"my sheep know my voice." And like sheep, we may know the voice of our
shepherd, but that doesn't mean we won't turn a deaf ear to it, or try to
ignore it when it doesn't suit us.
Peace,
Richard
| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 76.1 | | WMOIS::REINKE | Hello, I'm the Dr! | Mon Oct 22 1990 13:28 | 3 |
| Sometimes listening is harder than hearing.
DR
|
| 76.2 | you can quote me | CSC32::LECOMPTE | The lost are always IN_SEASON | Wed Oct 24 1990 06:34 | 2 |
|
God doesn't often talk to those who don't often talk to God.
|
| 76.3 | It is listening skills we need to cultivate | WMOIS::B_REINKE | We won't play your silly game | Wed Oct 24 1990 09:30 | 2 |
| Actually I think that he talks to all of us, just some don't listen
and don't hear Him.
|
| 76.4 | | SA1794::SEABURYM | Zen: It's not what you think | Tue Oct 30 1990 23:03 | 43 |
|
Last night I watched an interesting program on the PBS series
"The American Experience". The program was "Insanity On Trial"
about the trial of Charles Gitteau ( Sp ?) the assassin of President
Garfield.
While all the history books simply refer to him as a "disappointed
office seeker". While true, in fact he claimed God told him to shoot
Garfield. During his trial he repeatedly warned the judge, prosecutors
and the jury that,"I am God's man" and they would be cursed for
putting him on trial because they had no right to question God's
orders.( A point of view I have heard expressed by some in this
conference.)
His lawyer based his defense around the argument that anyone claiming
to hear God's voice and killing because they believed God commanded
it was clearly insane and therefore not responsible for for their
actions.
Given the very religious nature of the nation at that time this
raised some rather uncomfortable questions. To equate following
God's orders with insanity was considered almost an atheist point
of view. On the other hand you can't have people shooting the
president in the name of God.
The prosecution claimed that he could not be insane because of
the care and planning that went into the assassination and someone
who was insane would not be capable of the detailed planning and
skillful execution of his plan.
Gitteau asked the court "Do you think that God would choose
an idiot to carry out these actions ?" A valid question if you
believe his claim of being "The Deity's agent"
He was found guilty and hung for the assassination of Garfield.
After the execution most newspapers and public opinion seemed of
the opinion he was insane. Before the trial the papers and public
opinion seemed to believe he was a cold blooded killer. Everyone
seemed to think hanging him was correct insane or not.
In an ironic side note one of Gitteau's guards tried to kill
him before his trial. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
If you have a chance to watch this program you might find it
worth watching.
Mike
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