We are often told that it is “unChristian” to condemn, to hate. That we must tolerate — we must allow. We are told that to teach against sin is hate speech. And we are told that we must shut up, that (to quote the usually excellent Pat Connell “this teaching would be banned in a civilized country”
Rubbish. Hatred is but an emotion. in fact we are commanded to hate.
9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Not the lectionary continues today, to talk about how we should do good to our enemies, and not seek vengeance on them: that we are to live peaceably with each other “as far as possible”. It is also clear that we are not to hate the foreigner or stranger, but instead to welcome him, to show hospitality.
But we are to hate evil, and love good. Love here is a choice: to hold onto and honour that which is good — and to shun the perverse, the fraudulent, the damaging, the evil. Among the reformed, this has led a times to wowsers trying to ban everything, but at the same time an acceptance that we must allow freedom of speech and action, merely trying ti minimize harm.
The interesting thing, now, is that the left has become so puritanical that they are sucking the joy out of life with their sense of entitlement, and their loud complaints of offense.
Stuff them.
I’d rather share a drink with Pat O’Connell. He may be Godless, but he has a sense of humour.