Aretha Franklin funeral eulogy slammed; pastor stands firm

A fiery, old-school pastor who is under fire for saying black America is losing "its soul" at Aretha Franklin's funeral stands firm by his words with the hope critics can understand his perspective.

Rev. Jasper Williams Jr. told The Associated Press in a phone interview Sunday he felt his sermon was appropriate at Franklin's funeral Friday in Detroit. He felt his timing was right, especially after other speakers spoke on the civil rights movement and President Donald Trump.

"I was trying to show that the movement now is moving and should move in a different direction," he said. "... What we need to do is create respect among ourselves. Aretha is the person with that song 'R-E-S-P-E-C-T' that is laid out for us and what we need to be as a race within ourselves. We need to show each other that. We need to show each other respect. That was the reason why I did it."

I have not lived in France for 3 decades like you. I did live in Germany for 4 years, and as a pilot I also traveled to France many times. I also traveled to France often when living in Europe, as it was a short car trip from my Germany home. I believe I have a fairly good knowledge of the French people, but not as extensive as you.

That being said, all people are in need of a Savior. We are all sinners. Whether you live in Africa, France, Canada, or Iran. We are all sinners who need to accept the free gift of Christ's sacrifice.

For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

Roman 3: 22 - 25

I do not however, believe that your choice of “evangelism” is the only road to heaven.

There is only one road to heaven.

5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

1 Timothy 2: 5

There are not 100 or 1000,000 roads to heaven.

Only one.

Take care.

I do not however, believe that your choice of “evangelism” is the only road to heaven.

You have gone off on a preaching tirade at me because I do not believe the Evangelicals are the only ones who know the “right” way. What is the difference between your attitude towards all those you call heretics though they may be Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or any Christian faith, and the attitude of the Catholics toward anyone not Catholic during the Catholic wars against the Protestants(Huguenots) of France, or the Inquisition in Spain?
I repeat again, I do NOT believe that “Evangelism” is the only way to salvation. Heaven is not that tiny.

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