[AmericanArchConservative]

Well,

I do not know the "lad" - so all my presumptions are out of hand, as it were. I think he could be redeemed somehow, and prove himself useful in his life on earth. My example for this hope is the well-known David Berkowitz, AKA the "Son of Sam" killer of NY state infamy.

Seldom in modern times has there been a more lost and evil soul walking amongst us - yet somehow, Berkowitz has found Christ behind bars. I believe his commitment is sincere in his heart of hearts.

I have viewed lengthy videotapes, and he is clearly remorseful, devoid of making any excuses, fully cognizant of the cruel and calculating depravity which he acted upon.

He knows he will never get out of prison, he flatly acknowledges the justice of his sentence without dispute, and he is obviously humbly grateful to G_d for a chance to have his miserable soul saved, and for a chance to be of some use in this life.

His personal testimony is unflinchingly honest, and utterly compelling.

In fact, I challenge a person with any heart to them to listen with an open mind and not weep openly.

He is now filling his mind with scriptures. He leads Bible studies in prison and is dedicated to introducing trapped, miserable sinners to Jesus Christ - for Christ's glory, not his own. His "memory bank" of Bible verses seems to border on encyclopaedic, and my own impression is that the Word is engraved upon his heart. He is where he belongs, and he accepts and embraces that.

If Berkowitz was/is salvageable, then Mr. Messner can be as well - IF he chooses wisely.

A.A.C.

[RVN Airplane Driver]

Well, I do not know the "lad" - so all my presumptions are out of hand, as it were. I think he could be redeemed somehow, and prove himself useful in his life on earth. My example for this hope is the well-known David Berkowitz, AKA the "Son of Sam" killer of NY state infamy. Seldom in modern times has there been a more lost and evil soul walking amongst us - yet somehow, Berkowitz has found Christ behind bars. I believe his commitment is sincere in his heart of hearts. I have viewed lengthy videotapes, and he is clearly remorseful, devoid of making any excuses, fully cognizant of the cruel and calculating depravity which he acted upon. He knows he will never get out of prison, he flatly acknowledges the justice of his sentence without dispute, and he is obviously humbly grateful to G_d for a chance to have his miserable soul saved, and for a chance to be of some use in this life. His personal testimony is unflinchingly honest, and utterly compelling. In fact, I challenge a person with any heart to them to listen with an open mind and not weep openly. He is now filling his mind with scriptures. He leads Bible studies in prison and is dedicated to introducing trapped, miserable sinners to Jesus Christ - for Christ's glory, not his own. His "memory bank" of Bible verses seems to border on encyclopaedic, and my own impression is that the Word is engraved upon his heart. He is where he belongs, and he accepts and embraces that. If Berkowitz was/is salvageable, then Mr. Messner can be as well - IF he chooses wisely. A.A.C.

....OK...let's let him out...and make him a guest at your house....ya'll do some big time praying together...let him intermingle with your children...especially the female members of your family....then come back an tell me how "redeemed" he is..oh by the way review a few more video tapes of this "good ole boy". Frankly post like yours are void of real thought...

[Finny]

[Son of Sam] knows he will never get out of prison, he flatly acknowledges the justice of his sentence without dispute ... he is where he belongs, and he accepts and embraces that.

Yes indeed. God works in funny ways. People don't remember that vengeance ... is His!

[Finny]

I should amend that to, "vengeance ... is His" -- for a reason!

[Fred Nerks]

Nope. Doesn't work for me. His victims are still dead.