One of our deacons Andy DeMello physically abused a child in an act of rage by choking and strangling him. We're trying to cover this up and save face rather than punish him. We don't want to let everyone know we are practicing injustice and covering up an evil deed. Are we violating the following Scriptures?
1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
1 Timothy 3:10
They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
1 Timothy 5:20
Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.
1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
1 Timothy 3:10
They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
2006-11-20 12:42:52 · 17 answers · asked by Lahaina Baptst Church 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Should we obey the following Scriptures or just pick and choose which ones don't apply to us?
Ephesians 5:11
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Romans 1:18
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness
Should we as Christians continue to use scapegoats such as gays and marijuana smokers in order to and failure hide our hypocrisy, greed and wickedness?
2006-11-20 12:47:00 · update #1
Jesus said that anyone that shall hurt a child to tie a brick around their neck and throw them in the ocean.
We could clean out a lot of prisons like that.
2006-11-20 12:47:36 · answer #1 · answered by Sean 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The correct manner of handling this matter is to have him brought before the assembly. His actions have not only brought shame on the Lords house but his actions have also given the enemies of the Lord occasion to blaspheme. The worst thing possible is to apply a cover up as this incident will come out in the open eventually any way. The child should also receive serious counselling as the incident could turn him away from the Lord in later life as he would also wonder why nothing was done as he is after all the victim and not the deacon
2006-11-20 12:54:55 · answer #2 · answered by mandbturner3699 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
In addition, the 4th commandment is considered an admonition, as Paul explicitly states in NT, to obey the governing authorities. Such authorities have set laws, including ones involving this situation. This is about more than the deacon. This involves the concept of servanthood beneath authority.
2006-11-20 12:48:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter the rank or the considered respect of a person. If they do ill to a person or thing they should be punished as any man, woman or child would be punished. For what are laws if they do not apply to those at the highest ranks of religion, society and government?
2006-11-20 12:45:04 · answer #4 · answered by spirenteh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ERRMM! I don't think you need to be following any scriptures in this case. If this man did what you say he did, then common sense should tell you he needs to be punished and exposed for such heinous actions. Anyone who hurts any child physically or psychologically has serious problems.
2006-11-20 12:58:53 · answer #5 · answered by Janine E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you are violating the Scriptures and the law. He is disgraceful to abuse a child. And trying to hide it is the same as condoning it. He should be booted out!
2006-11-20 14:36:54 · answer #6 · answered by Lynn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The deacon should be immediately fired. The police should be notified and all evidence should be turned over to them.
2006-11-20 12:54:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As with anyone else , he should be charged. To know of child abuse and not report it is a crime.
2006-11-20 13:03:09 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're naming the guy and you're trying to cover up? Sounds more like you're trying to demean someone who may or may not deserve it. We don't know if this happened or not.
2006-11-20 12:50:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Castrate the fellow.
2006-11-20 12:49:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋