Letter to the Editor Concerning Vengeance

LETTER TO THE EDITOR CONCERNING VENGEANCE Donald R. Fox

NOTE: Friends, I have found many letters to the editor and assorted like material. I guess you could call it “lost and found." Concerning this letter to the editor, I do not have proof that the editor published it. To be honest, I believe the paper did not publish my letter, because of the subject. With that said, the date on the letter to the editor is 22 August 1994. The subject of these lost letters may be interesting. For sure, you will be surprised how these topics are still with us. I guess we humans do not change too much. God Help Us!

Letter to the Editor PO Box 909 Tupelo, MS 38802-0909

Dear Editor: Reference “Opinion," title, Vengeance doesn’t ultimately belong to the state, by Lloyd Gray, Sun. 21 Aug 94. Yes, Mr. Gray vengeance does belong to the State (civil government) per the teaching of the New Testament of Jesus Christ, reference Romans 13:1-7. A basic truth that many seem to have forgotten is that the responsibility, obligation of civil government is to protect its citizenship (not criminals, except their right to trial). That is protection from without, armed invasion, etc. and protection from within, law breakers, criminals who cause havoc to the law-abiding citizens. This being true civil government has the obligation to “beareth not the sword in vain: for he (rulers, government) is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil" (Romans 13:4 ASV). Read the whole context of Romans 13.

Yes, the New Testament scriptures teach that civil government is ordained by God. You see government is tasked and can do what individual citizens (Christians if you please) cannot do. Civil government is that arm of protection from anything that seeks to destroy “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Why does it seem that those of us that want civil government to take charge and perform their duties come on as a barbarian (your word Mr. Gray). Criminals are the barbarian, that chooses to murder, rape, steal, hurt others, etc. As a citizen I stay outraged by those who do not contribute to a peace society.

I say to my government, do your God ordained duty. I’m not a “blood thirsty” individual. I am trying to explain that there is a division what citizens can do and what civil government is ordained to do. Again, Romans 13 explains this fully.

Barbarism does not fit God ordained righteous duties to protect the innocent citizen. Is it barbarism for a nation to protect itself from armed aggression (WW 11, etc.)? And is it “murder” when you destroy the enemy? Who is the barbarian, the law-abiding citizen and its government or those who by their free volition set out to destroy peace in our society?? Respectfully, Donald R. Fox