Begging to Differ

I read with interest the opinion last week by Mr. Chris Pippin. I was especially intrigued by his assertion that “No one with any real attachment to an organized Christian religion based on the teaching of Jesus Christ” would not “put value on all human life at all stages, including the people who practice or support abortion."

While I am relieved to find that he believes this, I beg to differ. A bit of searching finds numerous attacks upon abortion clinics and providers committed by avowed Christians. The incidents included vandalism, protests, violence, assaults, and murders.

Eric Rudolph, a member of Army of God, killed Robert Sanderson, a security guard and off-duty police officer, at a Birmingham, Ala., clinic, and had committed other acts of violence, in the years ‘96-98.

James Kopp, a member of Lambs of Christ, killed Dr. Barnett Slepian in Amherst, N.Y., in ‘98.

Rev. Paul Jennings, a Presbyterian minister (defrocked), killed Dr. John Britton and James Barrett in Florida in ‘94.

Scott Roeder, a self-avowed born-again Christian, killed Dr. George Tiller in Wicheta, Kan., in ‘09.

Michael F. Griffin, a member of Army of God and of Rescue America, murdered Dr. David Gunn in Florida in ‘93.

John Salvi III, a member of Army of God, killed two clinic receptionists in Brookline, Mass., in ‘94.

Father Edward Markley, a Benedictine priest, was convicted of assault at clinics in Birmingham and Huntsville.

Shelley Sampson, a member of Army of God, shot Dr. George Tiller in ‘93. The list goes on.

Now, I agree these people don’t have the same understanding of Christianity as I do, but they all claim to be Christians, and use the same Bible as their justification for taking lives in order to save unborn lives.

There are those who will slap the label “Christian terrorist” on these misguided people. But not all Christians are terrorists, nor do the vast majority of Christians pose a threat to others. There are those who are slapping the label “Muslim terrorist” on all Muslims, based on the actions of a few who are also misguided. Both actions are wrong. Not all Muslims are terrorists, nor do the vast majority of Muslims pose a threat to others.

I really hate simplistic ‘reasoning’: Attacks on abortion clinics are committed by Christians, therefore all Christians are terrible people. Or the terror attack in San Bernardino was committed by a Muslim couple, therefore all Muslims are terrible people. Life is more complicated than that.

I’d rather focus on what’s right in my world.  We just spent a few days in Billings (medical appointments). While there, we were in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping (and selling). Only once as I wished strangers a Merry Christmas was that greeted with a bit of a grumble (and that was from a harried cashier late in the day). Most people smiled and responded in kind.

The best spirit I witnessed was our server at breakfast on Saturday. The hotel where we stayed was packed, and their staff was unprepared for the glut of people taking advantage of their breakfast service. There were only two servers for the packed house. There was a trainee chef (the food was excellent). The manager pitched in to bus tables. Our server remained cheerful and helpful the entire time we were there, and more people kept coming in to dine. She told us, when questioned about her calmness, that she “had to - it’s part of the job." I’ve seen people have meltdowns over less stress than she was facing. She had a great spirit, a Christian attitude.

On Sunday, we were a part of our church’s Christmas program. The Sunday School children had worked hard and presented  a wonderful telling of the birth of Christ. Then the adults did their own telling of the same story, interspersed with the appropriate Christmas carols. We greeted each other warmly, shared the peace, and welcomed many visitors. Afterwards, we went over to the school lunchroom to enjoy a roast beef dinner provided by our 4-H groups as part of their community service. Some also enjoyed games hosted by the 4-H clubs.

All in all, it was a delightful day. With that, I wish you all Merry Christmas.