by Rev. Austin Miles
This is being typed as rapidly as possible since tomorrow, Saturday, May 21st, the world will end, according to American Family Radio Host, Harold Camping. Yep, we'll all go 'poof.' Since this is our final day, it is a good time to let readers have the final word about the Suicide of Jerry Hanoum that has dominated the news.
The area newspapers, The Brentwood Press and The Contra Costa Times, fired off frront page after front page stories about Pastor Jerry Hanoum, puffing up the accusations against him until he put a gun to his head on May 4th which gives a new meaning to 'the word, "overkill."
Those area papers couldn't let it go even after his death and Memorial Service. The Sister Paper of The Contra Costa Times, The Antioch-Oakley-Brentwood News milked it further today with this question on their Editorial Page: "What should you look for when you select a church or other place of worship to attend? They knew, of course, that this would stimulate even more hate letters from Northern California readers against the now dead pastor, which in turn was slanted to reflect negatively on all Christians and the church itself which was the whole purpose of this headlined series.
A sampling of the responses gives one an idea of how socialistic California has become. The first response published is from Roy Maxson of Oakley: "CHECK PASTOR AGAINST the Megan's Law Registry, check federal, state and local courts for outstanding judgments, and do a complete credit check. If all checks out, go and enjoy the services, but keep an eye on your wallet!" This man has no intention of ever going to ANY church. This provided a good excuse for him to spout off.
Chris Valenta of Antioch writes: "LOOK TO YOURSELF and ask what is it you need. Religion or no religion. It should be a personal adult choice, and not used to brainwash our children. Children should be exposed to religion because unfortunately, it is a part of human existence. Religion is opium for the masses." (This Karl Marx quote especially identifies this area.)
Jarene Phillips of Antioch scribbled this: "THE FIRST THING I do is check their website, then inteview the pastors, clergy, or bishops to see what they believe and teach. There are always pros and cons with churches. Really check out each church before being used and abused." . (all italics above are mine.)
This is just a sampling. More responses are published in todays News. This is how every Christian or pastor is greeted upon arriving on The Lert Coast. This was the attitude out here long before the Jerry Hanoum scandal broke which gave the liberals the ideal vehicle to make their stories reflect on ALL Christians, pastors and churches. Like all good Communist countries, they must show that Christianity and churches are evil and they must be declared illegal.
The leftists were stopped short when attempting to tie me in to the corruption of Mountain View Christian Center. It became quickly known that this pastor moved out of the church office and left MVCC upon learning of the financial irregularities taking place.
Those who tried to insinuate that I must have been in on the schemes and profited by them were shot down when it became known that the salary promised had not been paid for a year of my services there. By not being paid what I was owed, I was among those who lost money by being associated with that church.
This will be the last reference to the church scandal. It has all been said. Besides, no use worrying about anything anyway since tomorrow, Saturday, May 21st is Doomsday according to Harold Camping. Too bad. I was hoping to have lunch with Mr. Camping on Sunday, May 22nd even though he never returned my phone calls trying to invite him..
