Bob, I share many of your beliefs, but since we only have an imperfect approximation of what might be God’s plan I think there is room for skepticism in judging our actions regarding what we perceive is God’s justice on earth (we surely cannot know what it would be in eternity). While I understand the anger about inequality (and the myriad of situations and reasons about/for it) I can no longer support the so-called liberal agenda regarding the reaction to the crimes that have unreasonably morphed since the unrest in Minnesota. Ultimately we are responsible for our own sins, correct? And we hope that God has mercy for all sinners as we belong to that group, don’t we? Being raised Catholic “sins” were pretty much lumped together. But having lived 75+ years I feel that it is the serious duty of what we consider to be our civilization to protect the majority from those whose sins overtly harm others. God can forgive in eternity; but we have no such power, wisdom, or foresight. Any “justice” on earth must include the overall good for the innocent. I live in the Chicago area and the elected officials here (and elsewhere, unfortunately) seem to be acting like the merciful God, and not like the protector of the innocent (also a “Godly” responsibility I would think). Even if one is led towards sin through difficult circumstances, it should not exempt one from the consequences of their own chosen actions. If we eliminate bail and a person commits another crime against another innocent, “we” have sacrificed that innocent person while pridefully acting like we know what God wants (which we surely don’t). I’ve been wordy here, but the idea of “forgiveness without consequences on earth” seems foolish and a great sin of pride that others pay the price for. God’s universe is in order. We should try and attain the same.
Bob, I share many of your beliefs, but since we only have an imperfect approximation of what might be God’s plan I think there is room for skepticism in judging our actions regarding what we perceive is God’s justice on earth (we surely cannot know what it would be in eternity). While I understand the anger about inequality (and the myriad of situations and reasons about/for it) I can no longer support the so-called liberal agenda regarding the reaction to the crimes that have unreasonably morphed since the unrest in Minnesota. Ultimately we are responsible for our own sins, correct? And we hope that God has mercy for all sinners as we belong to that group, don’t we? Being raised Catholic “sins” were pretty much lumped together. But having lived 75+ years I feel that it is the serious duty of what we consider to be our civilization to protect the majority from those whose sins overtly harm others. God can forgive in eternity; but we have no such power, wisdom, or foresight. Any “justice” on earth must include the overall good for the innocent. I live in the Chicago area and the elected officials here (and elsewhere, unfortunately) seem to be acting like the merciful God, and not like the protector of the innocent (also a “Godly” responsibility I would think). Even if one is led towards sin through difficult circumstances, it should not exempt one from the consequences of their own chosen actions. If we eliminate bail and a person commits another crime against another innocent, “we” have sacrificed that innocent person while pridefully acting like we know what God wants (which we surely don’t). I’ve been wordy here, but the idea of “forgiveness without consequences on earth” seems foolish and a great sin of pride that others pay the price for. God’s universe is in order. We should try and attain the same.