If we, as Christians, ever wonder why some people don’t like us, look at us rather skeptically and have a hard time taking us seriously we need look no further than right here for one of the main reasons: Link

Pat Robertson calls for the assassination of Hugo Chavez. That’s just great. Super way to go and make disciples don’t you think?
Someone gives the republic grief? Let’s go take them out.
I think I remember reading that somewhere in scripture.
Yeah. Right after loving your enemies and praying for those that persecute you.

If you are a non-Christian and are somehow reading this blog, please understand this: unfortunately, Pat Robertson may be speaking for some Christians who endorse and condone acts of violence and coercion as evangelism but he does NOT speak for Jesus.

Jesus would suggest we pray for Hugo Chavez.
That we would love him despite any differences of opinion or policy that we might suggest.
The idea that Jesus would support the violent toppling of a rival governmental leader is both nauseating and a gross dismissal of Romans 13.
Jesus, himself, did not actively engage the Roman empire of His day, despite how wicked and corrupt it was. No, His ire was typically reserved for the uber-religious who espoused the Messiah destroying Rome by force and establishing an earthly kingdom of His own.
Jesus didn’t resort to such drastic measures then and I doubt He would choose to do so today.

If we, as Christians, become enemies of the message of Jesus then how can we disseminate His truth in a lost and dying world? How can we be His hope if we wish the damnation of others? How can we be harbingers of salvation if we neglect to pray for the souls of the lost? How can we convey grace if we condone destruction?

I’m saddened.
But thankful, that the Way of Jesus is more than human rhetoric.