ARE folk interested in Mike Lim’s expressions of divine discontent, “Unanswered issues for faith groups” (April 22), and my attempts to meet his arguments? From the comments I have received in the last few days I would say yes, they are.
It’s rather frustrating, holding our conversation via this letters page — I’d rather we sat down and talked over a cuppa — but there are folk out there sharing our healthy dialogue, identifying with Mike’s stance and, hopefully, with my humble efforts to represent God. Been there, Mike, done that, worn the sweat-stained T-shirt.
We wouldn’t be having this correspondence if Mike had shut God out of his life. Like so many others, Mike is seeking God and His answers and, through Jesus Christ, God is reaching for Mike.
That God who is love, who has given us freedom of choice, who lives in our hearts when we welcome Him there. We are God’s hands, His feet, His tongue, His heart, not to mention His wallet.
It has been suggested that if those who earned more that £73,000 gave five per cent, and the rest of between one and five per cent of our earnings, we could solve world poverty.
Those who cause suffering do not have God in their hearts. When we love one another and strive to end suffering, we are fulfilling the purposes of the God who dwells within us. God gives us that choice. It really is up to us.
I believe that the world will be overcome not by destruction, but by reconciliation, which began on Good Friday. I have no part in any “religious organisation operating in the name of God, manipulating society and the political process in order to force others to abide by elements of my doctrine”.
We are free to worship God, just as we are free to love our neighbour. Yes, Mike, “there is an omnipotent God” who calls us to make that choice right now.
John Hampson, New Hall Lane
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