Radio 4, Thought for Today, Thursday 2 August, Dr Rev Alan Billings. Firstly he said whatever the circumstances of the disappearance of Madeleine he had sympathy for the family. Fair comment. He then got lost as a child, told us about it. OK. Then he compared the disappearance of Madeleine and the distress of her parents to Jesus when he went missing in the Market Place and Mary and Joseph were frantically looking for him. I do not see the analogy, Jesus I seem to remember was about 12 years old (correct me if I am wrong) plus he went off to preach, Jesus also had loving, caring, responsible parents who lost sight of him in a crowded market place. Is this comparison the official line of the Church or just one person's rather nieve view of the matter?
2007-08-03 12:22:52 · 15 answers · asked by MADDY 4 in News & Events ➔ Current Events
Maddy, I heard it too - I was screaming at the radio when he uttered the insulting 'there but for the grace...' phrase!
For me this thought for the day wound me up on two fronts as a) it was horribly preachy which I hate, being an atheist
b) to make out the parents were just unlucky as this could happen to anyone. NO it couldn't happen to most parents as they ensure their VERY young children are supervised at ALL times!!
If I'd been there it would have taken all my self restraint not to deck the pious git. What a complete fool.
Just another insult to half-way decent parents who would never have even considered doing what they did was an option, to add to the long list. When it comes from someone who has a national radio pulpit though, it is hard to take.
Not sure what wishy washy view the official church has but no doubt it would be fawning over the parents rather than trying to prevent further occurences of this type of grossly selfish behaviour that led to a child going missing. Does the bible not teach people not to be selfish?
Have a Star
2007-08-03 22:15:34 · answer #1 · answered by Chris S 2 · 8⤊ 0⤋
That's why i stopped going to church years ago.
In comparing Kate to Mary, i guess the potty Reverend is just following on from the statement by Kate's mum, that some statue of Mary in Knock looks like her daughter.
As for Gerry, we all know how saintly he is.
What a load of bollox, they neglected their children for Goodness sake!
2007-08-03 21:17:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Somebody should tell the Rev that there is no comparison whatsover - at least Mary & Joseph "looked frantically" for their child.
2007-08-03 23:47:51 · answer #3 · answered by M'SMA 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Good for you for being analytical. References to the Bible are used so often since everyone is afraid to contradict the Bible. But it was translated into so many versions and who knows what the linguistics of the time really meant to say. But he was definitely stretching. However, usually Revs like that have a congregation that are not educated enough to know the difference or contest it like you do. Congratulations
2007-08-03 13:23:28 · answer #4 · answered by barthebear 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first answer 100%. Neglecting 3 small children is against what parenting is about. How can that be holy????♣
2007-08-04 00:11:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
What is happening? Is it because they've been to see the pope that they now have to be exonerated by the Church of England? Is it now socially acceptable to leave 3 children under 3 years old alone?
2007-08-03 13:16:12 · answer #6 · answered by Lizzie Fish 3 · 11⤊ 0⤋
oh dear just goes to show just how out of touch this man from the church is
the comments are pathetic gerry will indeed love it
2007-08-03 23:04:04 · answer #7 · answered by stacey 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
these two pathetic excuses for parents seem to have brainwashed the most stupid amongst us!
the fact they they were offered child care facilities and rejected them in favour of locking their children in a hotel room is what infuriates me!! They are both GP's so hardly short of a few bob, still I guess it meant they had more money for their beverages!
guess the extra beer money doesnt seem like such a good idea now does it!
i wouldn't let them look after my wheelie bin!
to those who give me thumbs down, god forbid you are blessed with any children if you think the treatment of the McGanns children was appropriate.
2007-08-03 12:49:42 · answer #8 · answered by Chey 3 · 13⤊ 1⤋
Right on lady. So he got lost as a child...and somebody had to go and find him, need I say more?
2007-08-03 12:51:44 · answer #9 · answered by Crackerjack 3 · 10⤊ 0⤋
I think this may be why I often struggle with religion.
what a bizzare thing to say . . .
2007-08-04 09:48:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋