IN THE NAME OF THE LAW

IN THE NAME OF THE LAW

Hmmmm? If a hoodlum stands outside my house, demanding entrance, "in the name of the law," is it really "in the name of the law?"

I thought about this because people are always saying that atrocities have been done in the name of Christ or Christianity. However, just because a person claims to act in the name of someone does not indicate that they are truly acting in the name of, or in behalf of, or under the authority of the one they name.

If I do not open my door to the hoodlum, I am not resisting a lawful act. If I open my door, it is not in response to a lawful order.

Likewise, people can claim to do an atrocity in the name of Jesus, but they are not truly acting in behalf or under the authority of Jesus, if the act is not consistent with the nature and teachings of Jesus.

Therefore, neither Christ nor Christianity can truthfully or accurately be blamed for the Crusades, or for killing abortion doctors, or any other un-Christian action.

In the the example above, the hoodlum is impersonating a law officer, which is a crime, likewise those who falsely use the name of Christ to justify their evil actions are impersonating Christ and pretending to be Christian. In fact, the person is an identity thief and is guilty of taking the name of God in vain.