5 Dumb Things Christians Say

Hi Good Shepherd Friends,

The events in Orlando last weekend left me saddened, weary and a bit angry, too. It is so difficult to understand or make sense of something so evil.

After those tragic events Christianity Today published an article by Karl Vaters titled, “5 Dumb Things Christians Must Stop Saying When Evil Strikes.” Sometimes it is better to hold our tongues. These are helpful reminders. A quote:

When people are in pain, we need to resist the urge to speak too much. Uncomfortable silence is better than false platitudes.

The rest of this Pastor’s Note will share those “5 Dumb Things.” May we put this wise advice into practice and keep the suffering in our prayers and actions.

In Christian love,
Pastor Paul

1) “This is an opportunity for the church…”

Evil acts are not opportunities. They’re just evil.

Can God redeem them? Of course. That’s the central principle of the gospel – how the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus overcame evil with good.

But when we use words like ‘opportunity’ we sound – well – opportunistic.

This is not the time to look for an angle. It’s time for prayer, grief, compassion and love without agenda.

Of course, it’s always time for that. But now more than ever.

2) “This is God’s wrath for…”

We live in a sinful, broken world. We’re the ones who broke it. And we break it a little more every day.

Evil acts, like the terrorism of last weekend, are prime evidence of that brokenness and of our inherent sinfulness. The sinfulness we all share.

No matter why the terrorist targeted that club, one thing is clear. He wasn’t sent by God.

If you think he was, then you have to be in favor of what happened. No believer in the Prince of Peace can do that.

3) “Did you hear…?”

Rumors are coming.

And conspiracy theories.

They always do, following incidents like this.

Followers of Jesus must always speak with grace and truth. Not innuendo and rumor.

Resist the urge to pass along any news that hasn’t been proven by reliable sources. There’s enough misinformation out there without Christians starting or sharing untruths.

4) “I don’t agree with their lifestyle, (or politics, or religion, or…) but…”

When people are in pain, why even mention our differences?

I don’t care what side of the moral, religious, political, ethnic or sexual fence you’re on right now. Even if you’re not on my side.

In the face of massive loss due to horrifying evil, we need to concentrate on our common humanity.

5) “Everything happens for a reason”

No. It just doesn’t.

Evil has no reason. It is anti-reason. And anti-love.