A: When it is a fatuous, disingenuous, paranoid one from Rabbi Hammerman and it DISAPPEARS!!
Such is the case with a now-expunged so-called 'apology' Rabbi Joshua Hammerman put forth at one time. I feel that it bears re-publication here, again, since the Interfaith Council of SW CT has unanimously decided to DEFEND and PLAY APOLOGIST for this errant Rabbi.
The Interfaith Council of SW CT has deemed it proper to deem the attacks on Rabbi Hammerman as unjustified.
I don't think so.
Even worse, The Interfaith Council of SW CT has deemed it proper to posit Hammerman as the 'victim' while choosing to excuse the massive amount of writing the not-so-good Rabbi has published in his zealous anti-Christian bigotry as a true Christianophobe.
The original 'apology' disappeared because Rabbi Hammerman obliterated his 'blog'. (Wonder why?) In fact, the entire 'Hammerman-Tebow' thing flared up mid-December 2011, when 'sleepy Stamford' was in the midst of holiday preparations and celebrations...And while the pall of a terrible Christmas fire tragedy hung heavily on all our hearts.
Sure enough, while the world noticed, we here only recently learned of Hammerman's anti-Christian campaign. But, rest assured, thanks to the marvels of the modern internet, here is this faux-apology and more, in toto.
As you read it with fresh eyes, note the 'cheap shot' Hammerman takes with his 'raping little boys comment'. I guess verbiage like this is just 'second-nature' for the Progressive Liberal religious sector around here.
But, while Rev. Katie Hechler and her Interfaith Council of SW CT may deem this perfectly acceptable rhetoric from a member of the clergy, I certainly do not and even Hammerman's so-called 'apology' offends.
It's important that Rabbi Hammerman understand that not all Christians, evangelical or otherwise, seek to 'convert him', myself included. This is a matter of 'discernment'.
And somebody should remind the Rabbi that here in the United States of America, he must respect the right of all to practice the religion of their choice, and that it is the LAW!
Though clearly Hammerman is not a friend of Christians, surely G-d can change his heart.
G-d can assure that Hammerman learns to live with those who are different from himself, and to do so without feeling 'threatened'...here in Connecticut or wherever in the world he may be. But this can only happen if the Rabbi has an 'epiphany'.
Perhaps a miracle will occur and G-d will impel Hammerman to change his ways.
I hopeful, but I'm also a realist.
I know that to allow Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's words, sentiments and actions and those of his apologists to go 'unchecked' in the very city where all this anti-Christian hate talk originated is very, very wrong.
It is just not right to repeatedly attempt to sweep unclean things under the proverbial rug.
Herewith is Hammerman's 'apology':
“My Tebow piece is generating the expected outrage from the evangelical right (cant’ wait for Jews to begin chiming in!)”
“I was careful in my comments not to accuse Tebow himself of
potentially destructive acts but to suggest that a perceived divine
mandate for Tebow could inspire mischief among the zealous evangelical
right. Unfortunately, mosque burnings have already occurred in this
country (and a notable Quran burning too). All it takes is one crazy
person.”
“As for Tebow, he has done extraordinary things. His love for people
is unbounded. His entire life’s work is also predicated on saving my
soul for Jesus. He’s not alone in this. Tebow has been affiliated with
the Southern Baptists, who spend millions to convert Jews, often
deceptively.”
“I personally don’t consider that exemplary behavior. Is it better
than raping little boys? Absolutely. But is it admirable? I have issues
with anyone determined to save my soul, be that person Christian or
Jewish. And when they are going after the souls of our kids on college
campuses, with a multimillion dollar budget that puts the Jewish
community’s education budgets to shame, I do think it is cause for
concern. See for example -http://www.jewsonfirst.org/evangelizing.php”
“Some Jews prefer to turn a blind eye to these practices, as
evangelicals are very supportive of Israel (granted, with end-time
conversions in mind). My ideal person of faith is a pluralist, one who
accepts the legitimacy of my faith. Tebow does not. I do not find that
admirable. ”
LINK: the one that doesn't work (any longer)
LINK: one that does work:
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
3 Set a guard over my mouth, LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
4 Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil
so that I take part in wicked deeds
along with those who are evildoers;
do not let me eat their delicacies.
Psalm 141:3-4 (NIV)
