SoulWork
When a Blessing Is a Curse
Sometimes the most loving prayers are not all that nice.
[ posted 8/23/2007 9:23AM ]
Previous SoulWork columns include:
On Not Transforming the World | We have better and harder things to do than that. (August 9, 2007)
Grace—That's So Sick | The church seems to be an embarrassment to everyone except its Lord. (July 26, 2007)
We Are Not Pregnant | The glory of men and women lies in their unbridgeable differences. (July 12, 2007)
Seeker Unfriendly | We need more than worship that makes sense. (June 14, 2007)
The Cost of Christian Education | Getting schooled in the faith is more unnerving than I care to admit. (May 31, 2007)
Surviving a Family-Wrecking Economy | What the church can do about working mothers. (May 17, 2007)
The Real Secret of the Universe | Why we disdain feel-good spirituality but shouldn't. (May 3, 2007)
Peace in a World of Massacre | What Jesus calls us to when we're most frightened. (April 17, 2007)
The Good Friday Life | We need something more than another moral imperative. (April 4, 2007)
I Love, Therefore You Are | Why the modern search for self ends in despair. (June 28, 2007)
SoulWork
In "SoulWork," Mark Galli brings news, Christian theology, and spiritual direction together to explore what it means to be formed spiritually in the image of Jesus Christ.
Mark Galli
Galli is editor of Christianity Today and author of God Wins, Chaos and Grace, A Great and Terrible Love, Jesus Mean and Wild, Francis of Assisi and His World, and other books.
Previous SoulWork Columns:
- Christian Athletes Are Not Role Models
- On the Death—and Life—of Innocent Children
- Closer than Ever to the Breath of God
- Making Non-Sense of the Colorado Shootings
- Mastering the Golf Swing of Life
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Julie
JCD seems to have a problem with reading comprehension. Not once did Galli praise Drake's actions; in fact, Galli called the preacher's motives into question ("The difference between the Rev. Drake's prayer and those of desperate parents or even an angry Jesus is this: The Rev. Drake appears to have no love for his enemies but merely wishes them cursed."). He also wrote, "I do not mean to suggest that all the curses and imprecatory prayers of the Bible... are models for us. Love and redemption do not often seem to be the driving motive! ... As Jesus taught, we are called to transcend vengeance with love, and curses with blessings." Saying that one is "in good company" is not necessarily a compliment; it simply means that he is not the only person who shares a particular point of view.
MLJ
i give credit for the writing of this article, but none for the true thoughtfulness of it. seems a bit too reactionary - as if what every pastor says must be dignified. perhaps you (the author) just agree with Drake.. this is the first time hearing about this, so perhaps you also know the context in which he said what he said, but from what is presented of Drake's comments in this article (awfully short), your equation just does not add up. but don't worry. no imprecatory prayers upon you..
SDB
Two comments on this article: 1. While it is obviously not socially correct to believe or ask for justice, the biblically supported fact is that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He loves justice - and perfectly balances that justice with mercy. 2. Christians not being taken seriously by society has little to do with anyone in the press praying boldly for justice. It has to do with the stench of complacency, moral relativism, and hedonistic lifestyles WITHIN THE CHURCH. But then the Church is made up of humans - and as Jesus said, "It's not the healthy that need a doctor..."