DM, picture this scenario. What if Cardinal Law had called together as many Christians as he could muster—but not for the purpose of burning O’Connor’s music, photos, etc. What if they had prayed for her instead?
First, that would have been obedience to a direct command of Christ. So far, so good.
Second, it would NOT condone O’Connor’s sin. Following Jesus’ example, they would have prayed for her forgiveness. The innocent don’t need forgiveness; the guilty do.
Finally, they’d have prayed that she be blessed. What greater blessing is there than receiving grace, mercy and salvation from God? Imagine hundreds, maybe even thousands, praying for true grace to work a miracle in O’Connor’s life. Wow.
If I sinned, and people gathered together to burn anything of mine they could get their hands on, I’d feel alienated and, to be honest, hated.
If, however, I sinned, and people gathered to pray for me, and prayed that I could be forgiven and blessed...well that would give me something to think about. Something that might eventually lead me to reconciliation with God.
This is interesting, Dungeon Master and Fantasywriter. :-)
This suggestion is a whole different topic, election vs freewill. Do you think that if Christians have giant prayer meetings people that will force more people to get saved? Personally I believe in election but that's a whole different, huge and often contentious topic.
If I sinned, and people gathered together to burn anything of mine they could get their hands on, I’d feel alienated and, to be honest, hated.
I believe people burned their own things now hers and the things she produces, being music, where not innocent. I've listened to a lot of music and there are always messages.