Hugo Chavez: So-called Christian responses

Ezekiel Icon (Public Domain)

Okay, so Hugo Chavez wasn't the most innocent kid on the block.  However, should those who profess to be Christians be casting post-mortem stones?

Jonathan Merritt tackles this very question in his article Should Christians Celebrate the Death of Hugo Chavez?  He cited these rather disturbing responses to Chavez' death:  "The good news is now Saddam, Osama and Adolf have a fourth for Canasta" (this from Todd Starnes, an "outspoken Christian"); "Hell is burning a little bit brighter tonight" (another jab from Starnes); "A moment of silence…  OK, I spent my moment picturing you enjoying hell… (this from "logical Christian" Loren Heal).

Dancing on graves is a sport that is bound to trip people up sooner or later.  It seems more based upon viciousness than upon any

semblance of Christian love.  As Merritt points out, these vengeful responses are a far cry from Ezekiel's words:  "As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live" (33:11).

Ironically, the Catholic News Agency (CNA) reports that Chavez died "in the bosom of the Church."  CNA claims that a "reliable source in Venezuela has revealed" that he "received spiritual direction and the sacraments in his last days."

CNA adds that although Chavez had "butted heads continuously with the Catholic Church" since he assumed power in 1999, the Archdiocese of Caracas "sent its condolences" after his death.

Resources

http://jonathanmerritt.religionnews.com/2013/03/06/should-christians-celebrate-the-death-of-hugo-chavez/

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/hugo-chavez-died-in-the-bosom-of-the-church/

Copyright March 7, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved