The Oregon Faith Report - Faith News from Oregon

Thank you for mentioning praying for the victims. It seems like whenever there is a sensational or large tragedy that the whole focus in on the suspect. Those cops that died had faiths too, we must not forget that. Their families will still mourn even when the issue goes away.

Come to think of it, I have not heard a word from the suspects. This only serves to make the event more shorouded in mystery.

Jeannie, thanks for taking this story to another level. Certainly, the family should not be held in shame for the actions of a family member. Many of us have loved ones who we wish were closer to God. We will pray for them as they go through their personal anguish as well.

I am shocked that religion and violence have mixed. Has that ever happened before?

I agree it is shocking when people who claim to be Christian commit heinous acts. But of course,though anyone can claim to be a Christian,that doesn’t mean they truly follow and obey Christ.

We usually tend to think of all church-goers as Christians, but many people who follow Satan and choose evil attend church. Some come as seekers and will eventually accept Christ, but others close themselves off from Christ and righteousness and harden their own hearts. In Matthew 13 Jesus tells us that Satan is the one who deliberately plants those people in the church.

And it is hard for us to sort true Believers from evil people. Though Jesus tells us how to do that in Matthew 12, we can never know for sure since only God can see inside hearts.

It is also possible for true Christians to make sinful choices. And once a single bad choice has been made, if we fail to repent Satan gains a strong hold in our lives. Many unrepentant Christians have found themselves making terrible “mistakes” they would have never dreamed possible.

The good news is, God always forgives.

Maybe the first thing you do is stop assuming their guilt before it’s proven beyond a shadow of a doubt…unless, of course, someone has changed the entire premise of our judicial system and failed to notify us. While I agree the crime was horrible, I don’t believe it’s up to us to be judge and jury before they’ve ever entered the courtrooom for trial…something you’ve apparently decided is an unnecessary step…and, something that’s also become far more prevalent in today’s society that it should ever have been allowed to. And, yet, you purport to be a Christian mom…fancy that.

Life is full of people who judge too quickly…just as Leslie did after reading Jeannie’s blog! Guilty or not, who knows how the attorneys will twist this despite the pictures and cell phone evidence. It doesn’t change the fact that the parents and families desperately need prayer support and comfort from their Christian families. Nor does it change the fact that the perpetrators need to admit guilt and ask forgiveness before they are to receive comfort…whom ever they are! Jeannie’s focus on families and child rearing is much appreciated by me! She has made a wonderful difference in my life unlike bloggers who can make any comment without their face being seen or proving they are using their real name. By the way, that is my real name!

Life is full of people who judge too quickly…just as Leslie did after reading Jeannie’s blog! Guilty or not, who knows how the attorneys will twist this despite the pictures and cell phone evidence. It doesn’t change the fact that the parents and families desperately need prayer support and comfort from their Christian families. Nor does it change the fact that the perpetrators need to admit guilt and ask forgiveness before they are to receive comfort…whom ever they are! Jeannie’s focus on families and child rearing is much appreciated by me! She has made a wonderful difference in my life unlike bloggers who can make any comment without their face being seen or proving they are using their real name. By the way, that is my real name.

I appreciated your comments, Jeannie, and your obvious concern for the families. Indeed, too often the families are forgotten. I didn’t get the impression your were trying to be judge and jury – it would appear our law enforcement has the evidence to report as they have. I’m sure the suspects will get a fair trial. But, while we’re at it, let’s not forget to pray for those who are sworn to protect and serve.

I enjoy forums like this where people get to discuss IDEAS. There is a good give and take, agreement and disagreement that can happen while trying to sort out and uncover TRUTH. It is upsetting when someone takes a safe place to discuss ideas and turns it into an avenue for personal attack. Jeannie Taylor is my mother. While I can vouch that she has been a wonderful “christian” mother . . . teaching me how to love others, discern what is truth and encouraging the development of Biblical character in me . . . this should not be a place where my mom’s abilities to parent is called into question. Take issue with her ideas and belief systems, but please do not publically attack her character. I leave it at that. What each of you chooses to do is up to you. Knowing my mom’s character, I am sure she is prepared for out-of-line-personal attacks and has already forgiven those who have made the decision to communicate that way. Please hear that last line with a tone of sincerity, it is not my intention to cleverly insult back.

You might also want to consider the fact that Scripture tells us to visit the prisoner.

God has transformed thousands of prisoners — including those who have taken life — into living monuments of His grace.

Remember also that God has called the Church to minister to the families of prisoners.

You might also want to consider the fact that Scripture tells us to visit the prisoner.