Dear Sir,

The reason I wish to state this publicly is so that Christianity is properly represented and the public do not have to settle for one person’s version of it simply because a particular voice screams louder than others. It is important for people to know that while all Christians are followers of Jesus Christ, not all Christians agree with all Christians

Most are familiar with pastor Maria Seaman’s feelings expressed in the past week or so about the educational activities experienced at The Berkeley Institute, as it pertains to its religious studies curriculum.

My question is simple: how does bashing other people’s beliefs align with God’s Word? Not to mention the attempt to cause them public shame. Is freedom of religion just a phrase? Is learning of other beliefs a sin? Is understanding other people’s cultures and practices a crime?

I’ll tell you what is a crime and a shame: terrorising the Bermuda community.

Terrorists believe God tells them to do things as well; to act on His behalf. Why do they act so criminally, you say? Because they feel justified. They feel a certain group/race/nation is not behaving according to their own spiritual belief system. And before you say I cannot compare your actions to that of a terrorist, you indeed are terrorising the people of Bermuda — or at the very least, you are polarising (not a badge of honour) — because life and death is in the power of the tongue, and your words sometimes kill off the chance of souls coming to Christ.

You will remember that a soft answer turneth away wrath.

Sometimes, it is very hard to find love in the truth you speak — and I’m using the word liberally. So how then is someone expected to be won to Jesus when you say God is love out the same mouth? The light and gospel of Christ can be carried without us getting carried away. This “badge of honour” you’re happy to don is so shiny that people cannot see the light of the world.

Does it make sense crying out in the wilderness if no darkness is being dispelled? You are a city standing on a hill, but folks are not seeing your good works and glorifying our Father in Heaven. That is terrifying to me as a Christian, and should be to any true Christian.

My advice and encouragement would be to try to reassess your approach because present actions are not yielding the desired fruit.

Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. Express concern. Show love. Condemn no one. Encourage everyone. Let God be judge.

ANTHONY LEE

Sandys