We all awakened Easter Sunday morning to receive the below message from the President of the United States, who proclaims he is a practicing person of faith:
Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F—— Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.
Mr. President, I do not know who your spiritual guides are or where you were taught about genuine faith. However, I must share with you that faith is not an easy proclamation, but the way we live our lives and treat and speak to others. Your Easter statement may be the worst example of one practicing their faith I have ever witnessed.
Would we accept such horrid words from our clergy of all faiths, our Sunday School teachers, our Vacation Bible School leaders, our mayor, our educators or our grandchildren? OF COURSE NOT!
I also wonder where are the moral voices of our church leaders, especially the conservative evangelicals, when such language is spewed on the High Holy Day for many of us. Yes, the Pope has been abundantly clear about not confusing our Holy Scripture to justify killing people during a war. Again, I ask, where is the voice of those who claim to be Believers and Followers?
Lastly, Mr. President your words were nowhere near those of a Risen Lord when He spoke to his true followers. I suggest you discover by prayer, study, and a long journey of the true nature of one who is living the Faith.
Reverend Dr. Mike Cordle,
United Methodist Minister, Retired
Highlands, NC
