Preacher claims to have ALL the answers Selected from the on-going INTERNET BOOK, "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets" ( http://www.terrific-tabs.com ) by John N. Todd III, M. D. (link) SEE related subjects: BAPTISTS hope to "convert" JEWS (link) AND: Religious SYNCRETISM (link) Posted on this website 2/02; "doctored"10/02; 3/03; 4/03; 11/03; 1/04; 4/04; 7/04; 3/05; 8/05; 10/13/06; 2/4/07 This editorial comment is a response to a Baptist minister's editorial opinion-piece criticizing the "Public display of the Ten Commandments". This essay, by the wife of the author of this website, was printed verbatim in the Tuscaloosa (Alabama) News, on 2/22/02. (There are a few minor variations in this Internet version.) By Phyllis J. Todd (wife of John N. Todd III, M. D.) I am writing to express my strong disagreement with the opinion of the Protestant preacher from Pelham, in his article about the Alabama legislature's consideration of the "public display" of the Ten Commandments (Tuscaloosa News, Sunday, 2/17/02). I found Rev. Evans' remarks to be extremely condescending and preachy, as he seemed to propose that spiritual matters should be left solely in the domain of preachers; and that other individuals are not qualified (or "called") to consider and express opinions concerning spiritual understanding. I am a lifetime Protestant church-goer, and an ardent student and devotee of religious and spiritual understanding. My husband and I are lifelong students of the Bible. I am well-educated, a wife, a mother, and a Registered Nurse. My family and I are highly informed on secular and ecclesial subjects. I believe that I am just as much a part of what Preacher Evans calls the "faith community" as is any preacher, of any denomination. Likewise, I feel just as much "called by God" to the ministry and missions of my life, as does Rev. Evans, to his ministry.... even though I am not employed by.... and paid by.... a denominational church. (See link What is "the church".) Preacher Evans says that "the public use of scriptures only confuses the role of the state with that of the church". This, he says, "hinders both church and state from pursuing their legitimate callings". Herewith, I want to inform Preacher Evans that there is no "dividing-line" between God's function and power in "the church".... and God's sovereignty and effects and potency in all the other affairs of "the state".... whether those "state" affairs be political, governmental, financial, legislative, or otherwise "secular". Surely Evans does not believe that all of God's people (link) must be either preachers or missionaries, in order to understand and serve God -- in whatever ministry (link) each of us has been assigned, by God. Yes, Mr. Evans, even some politicians and legislators may have been "called".... and included by God in God's own "community of faith". "Reverend" Evans apparently would have us to believe that only his designated "community of faith" can achieve a correct and proper "spiritual" function. How absurd to claim that only a specific doctrinal church-organization has the authority to make decisions concerning spiritual matters that involve every living creature. It should be obvious to everyone that "religious" beliefs are intimately pertinent to all "worldly" affairs. Ask Mr. Evans to look at today's world, and let him attempt to isolate his religious beliefs from the intense international struggles that now exist. It is painfully evident that there must be earnest consideration and understanding between various "religions", and governments. No rigid doctrinal organization (link) has a "lock" on spiritual truth. I am sorry, Preacher Evans, but your notion of restricting God and religion to your beliefs.... and your thesis of separating "religious" effects from the day-by-day affairs of the world.... is simply illogical and unacceptable. (James 4: 12 (NRSV) There is one Lawgiver and Judge -- who is able to save, and to destroy. So then.... who are you to judge your neighbor?) After reading Rev. Evans' article, I have begun to feel sorry for us "non-preachers". Apparently.... Mr. Evans implies -- God does not allow us ordinary-humans to "get the message". We are being told that we must depend upon "preachers" to tell us what God truly means and wants for each of us. We non-preachers have no "calling", and no ability to understand what God is saying to each of us, individually. Preacher Evans refers several times to "the covenant", and to the "community of faith". Realizing that Evans is a Baptist, is he referring to the Baptist "covenant", and the Baptist "community of faith"; or, hopefully, is he generously including also the "faiths" and "covenants" of other doctrines, such as those of the Jews, Catholics, Mormons, Presbyterians, and Muslims? Rev. Evans almost certainly remembers that all of these "religions" worship the same One-God.... the "God of Abraham". I am hoping that Preacher Evans will soon awaken, and discover that our Almighty God is intimately and personally involved with the individual lives and faiths of His people, regardless of their secular vocations. As for me, I cherish the messages of the Bible. I am never offended, even in "public places", by being reminded of our Creator, His sovereignty, and His intention. I feel certain that we humans do not need to wait for rigid churchy approval.... before we are divinely led, in our earthly quest, to spiritual maturity.... and to knowledge of God.