Burning Books, Bibles, and Music CD's: Amazing Grace or Arrogance?
Posted: Wednesday, October 14, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
I am deeply troubled and angered by the news I just heard. It may be old news to most readers; if so, forgive me for lagging behind.
This October 31 st , Pastor Marc Grizzard will lead his 14 member congregation in a bon fire of books, Bibles, and music that he considers to be Satanic. In my opinion, this is pathetic on any level, but what gets me is that this small church has the words, "Amazing Grace" in its name.
What an arrogant and not so amazing statement of grace this is. Imagine, burning books and bibles just because he believes they are not of God. And what of all the millions of Christians who have come to know Jesus in a genuine and intimate way through the use of a version of the Bible other than the King James Version? What does this say of the millions who have come to accept Christ as their Savior through the ministry of Billy Graham, Rick Warren, or Joyce Meyer?
He and his followers are harshly judging millions of followers of Christ and not only Christians, but every human being on the planet. Anyone who listens to country music, jazz music, even gospel music is being identified with Satan and in essence will be tossed in the fire along with these books, bibles, and CD's.
How is this grace? How is this an accurate reflection of Jesus' command to reach out to a lost and dying world? There is nothing wrong with believing that the King James Version of the Bible is the only true and infallible word of God, but it is wrong when they exhibit cult-like behavior in burning anything they disagree with. This behavior is abominable and I am here to say not all Christians behave this way. I am angry that this action will, and has already provided others good reason to have hostility toward the Christian faith. I can only hope that non-believers will not lump everyone together with this small group of 14 people and I offer an apology on behalf of their arrogance and ignorance. Do they not know that it was the Holy Spirit through Paul who said we have no right to judge another Man's servant? It says it that way in the King James Version and interestingly enough, in all the other English versions of the Bible as well.
I have chosen not to add the link to the video here, I do not want to give any extra airtime to this group (writing about it is more than enough) and I pray that they will think twice about the meaning of the words "Amazing Grace", repent of this attitude, and call off this bonfire of sorts. Seriously, do they not know they are actually going to put a smile on the face of Satan if they go through with this? God help them.
Teresa Ortiz
This October 31 st , Pastor Marc Grizzard will lead his 14 member congregation in a bon fire of books, Bibles, and music that he considers to be Satanic. In my opinion, this is pathetic on any level, but what gets me is that this small church has the words, "Amazing Grace" in its name.
He and his followers are harshly judging millions of followers of Christ and not only Christians, but every human being on the planet. Anyone who listens to country music, jazz music, even gospel music is being identified with Satan and in essence will be tossed in the fire along with these books, bibles, and CD's.
How is this grace? How is this an accurate reflection of Jesus' command to reach out to a lost and dying world? There is nothing wrong with believing that the King James Version of the Bible is the only true and infallible word of God, but it is wrong when they exhibit cult-like behavior in burning anything they disagree with. This behavior is abominable and I am here to say not all Christians behave this way. I am angry that this action will, and has already provided others good reason to have hostility toward the Christian faith. I can only hope that non-believers will not lump everyone together with this small group of 14 people and I offer an apology on behalf of their arrogance and ignorance. Do they not know that it was the Holy Spirit through Paul who said we have no right to judge another Man's servant? It says it that way in the King James Version and interestingly enough, in all the other English versions of the Bible as well.
I have chosen not to add the link to the video here, I do not want to give any extra airtime to this group (writing about it is more than enough) and I pray that they will think twice about the meaning of the words "Amazing Grace", repent of this attitude, and call off this bonfire of sorts. Seriously, do they not know they are actually going to put a smile on the face of Satan if they go through with this? God help them.
Teresa Ortiz
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More commentsTheresa,did you know that in mainland China,to which we owe many billions of dollars,the bible is an illegal book to sell ,read or own?God's honest truth;Paul SchroederHi Paul, thanks yes, I am aware of that, and I hope and pray America will stay the land of the free, so yes, he can burn them if he wants, but it's disgusting that he does it like he is doing God a favor. Though the apostle Paul once did something similar (worse) but then repented when he saw the Truth. I pray these people do the same. This is the problem with people who put pious and self-righteous religion above the basic teachings of Jesus. I just don't understand how burning books and cd's is going to advance their cause and belief in Grace. It doesn't compute. I would understand more if non-believers or satanic church members burned Bibles, but not those who call themselves members of the body of Christ - this goes against the Bible's teaching - the one they supposedly read.And by the way, any government who tells people what they can and can't do when it comes to religious or spiritual beliefs in a scary thing.Thanks for the kind comment, paul :-)I have found a number of Internet sites that conflict with this claim. Here is one of them.Over 46 million Bibles have been legally printed in China since 1988. The number of Bibles that the Chinese government has permitted the Amity Press to print has exceeded five million per year in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Although some of these Bibles are exported, the vast majority of them are distributed domestically.HI phil, thanks for your input. I know many are smuggled in and I know most of the Christians there are persecuted. I am going to check out what you found as well. I haven't forgotten about the latest questions. I am sorry I didn't get a chance to work on them before I left Oregon. As soon as I get set up in CA, I will work on them. I am hoping to be up and running by the 4th. Blessings dear friend. I miss our conversations. :-)
Little wonder this congregation has only 14 members. It sounds very similar to "Christian" cults I've known of, whose leaders were self-righteous, legalistic and condemning, and whose "followers" were few and whose ministries have ultimately failed as a result (thank God).Thanks for keeping a vigilant eye on such things Teresa.Hi Terry, I do hope this group sees the Truth in the Bible they say they follow. I know this is nothing new, it just erks me everytime. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.
This really is a sad situation. Hopefully we will all remember to pray for God's will to be done and not theirs. Great article. God Bless, Linda DHi Linda, Amen. A change of heart would be great! May God be glorified and His grace be made known to these people. God bless you too! Teresa
Hi T! Got online at my sister's place. Well written and pretty awful news. There is so much angst in some of this that says "we are the only way and if you aren't with us then you lose" Jesus is the only way and I suspect much of this makes him cry. Thanks for shining a spot light on this. Having a wonderful time! Hope you are doing well with the boxes! Love ya, MarijoHi Marijo, glad you are having a good time. Yes, I am just having all kinds of fun with he boxes! Lots to get done before Art gets home Sunday!
hi t,we are assuming this man is of his "right mind".he could be deranged in his thinking, or truly believes what he is practicing.look at manson, and jones, and the polygamists that bed down with 13 year old girls. these people are sick, and there's no accountability for that.and yet, they are held in high acclaim by many. we were given free choice, and this man is using his-it's the people who follow him who need counsel.mind control is a dangerous thing.anytime, anywhere.thanks for sharing,my best,sueI agree Sue, thanks for your input. It is always appreciated!
Teresa, I've actually heard people say that if you didn't obtain salvation through the Scripture of the King James version of the Bible, then you aren't truly saved. How sad for all those people who died before 1611! And I guess the people who spoke directly with Jesus are just, well, screwed. (Now THERE'S a Christian word!) Thank you for sharing and reminding us that God works in different ways for different people.HI Danny, that's crazy! I hadn't heard that. Very sad. Thanks for your input. I appreciate it! Praying for a change of heart!
Hi Gal. I haven't been able to comment to folks so I decided to respond here. If you get this send me a note on my last article. If not I'll know it was deleted. best wishes, prayers, RobertBy the way anotehr great job!Did you ever get my response to you on your article. Blessings dear friend
We should all be deeply troubled: burning books is the definition of ignorance, especially when these books probably haven't been read. Another example of someone hijacking faith for personal gain. Not to worry, though: he'll have to explain himself in the end.Well done.Hi Michael. Thanks for reading and your input. I always appreciate it. And I couldn't agree more with you. Blessings. Teresa
Yes. got it but some I don't. ???? Since I have to go to the library for a computer it is hard to respond as often. I hope all is well. We're going through the desert. It seems ours is a rather long one since we have been walking it for a long time now. REgrads as always, Robert
i like your writing and will often come back!Hi Aileen, thank you for stopping by and for joining my fan club - so glad you enjoy the articles. Blessings to you!
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