and it seems to be growing. So
what should be our response?
we are to love our enemies and pray
for them, not judge or condemn them.
He expects us to forgive them, but is
that even possible?
we as humans rush to react
in ways counter to what Je-
sus ordered. And its not a new
problem: history is full of hysteria
in the name of Christianity. The
Salem Witch Trials come to mind.
and yet the period is infamous
in American history. In all, 19
people were hanged for sorcery.
I have no idea as to the guilt or
innocence of the condemned.
The problem was the lack of due
process that we now hold so
precious in our justice system.
universally recognized.
Increase Mather spoke out forcefully against what
was happening, and that was the beginning of the
end. Mather's objections planted a seed of conviction.
Sewall knew he had to act publicly when he heard
his son recite a familiar Bible passage: "But if ye had
known what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not
sacrifi ce, ye would not have condemned the guiltless"
(Matthew 12:7, KJV). The words broke Sewall's heart.
Sewall's humble act of sorrow and repentance prompted
several other jurors to confess, too.
happens, we have a mandate from Jesus as to how
we should and should not respond. Let's not act in
ways that portrays our faith in a poor light.
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