Replies

If you lived in a theocracy, a kind of Christian version of Iran, that would be fine, but in this free country, a threat is a threat, however you care to phrase it.

Even lowlife gangbangers understand that "If you can't do the time, don't do the crime". Are pro-lifers too dense to get it, or do they just self rightiously think they deserve to be treated better than any one else?

So if a preacher used these passages to expound upon the theme of "the wages of sin is death" in his Sunday morning sermon, should the government send in its goons and haul him away in shackles? I'm trying to see where and upon what basis we draw the line, here. Chances are, anyone could find anything said anywhere anytime as threatening, if they look hard and stretch and twist meanings and intentions enough.

If the preacher intruded on my property and read Ezekiel 33 to me, as opposed to preaching to people in his church...yeah, I might interpret that as a threat. Of course, I'd merely honor the threat and call the police afterwards.

So if a preacher used these passages to expound upon the theme of "the wages of sin is death" in his Sunday morning sermon, should the government send in its goons and haul him away in shackles? I'm trying to see where and upon what basis we draw the line, here.

The difference is major. People attend a church voluntarily, and for the purpose to hear what the pastor or priest has to say. If a person does not like the message, they can choose another church, denomination or religion. When you go to a Christian church, one would expect to have the Bible read to them.

Contrast that with an uninvited "sermon" from somebody on the street, or trespassing on your private property. While walking down the street, or to my legal business, I would not expect to have someone walk up and tell me "I am going to die for what I am doing" or whatnot.

In the context of a church, one would expect, and has given an open invitation, to hear the Bible. The same can not be said for any other situation. Thus, I think its reasonable that an uninvited sermon could be deemed a threat depending on the way it is presented. And given that these "sidewalk evangelists protester" types generally harass more than they infrom or enlighten, I think these types of actions can be correctly deemed a threat.

Personally, I think the restraining order should have been allowed and only if it was violated would I then lean toward pressing charges for intimidation or a threat.