TITLE: CUTTING EDGE MINISTRIES HAS BEEN DESIGNATED A "HATE GROUP" ONCE AGAIN!

Subtitle: Brother Ignatius Of The Legion Of St. Michael, Maintaining A Roman Catholic Web Site, Has Notified Us Of Our Status Via Email. So To Explore The Validity Of This Latest Accusation Of Hatred, We Want To Share Some Thoughts With Those Who May Hold This View Of Us.

In a recent news article (www.cuttingedge.org/news/n1427.cfm), David Bay reported that the Jewish Simon Wiesenthal Center had listed Cutting Edge Ministries as a hate group and since that time we have received emails from individuals accusing us of preaching hatred. We are appalled by these allegations because they are totally without foundation unless one chooses to use the newly-coined "politically-correct" definition of the word "hatred." Sadly, the current use of this term seems to be applied to anyone who dares to disagree with our research and with our application of such research to Biblical doctrine and prophecy! The potential ramifications of this trend have been demonstrated time and again throughout history by the ultimately violent actions of those who have ultimately forced their will upon others.

What does the word "hate" actually mean? The Websters II, New Riverside University Dictionary defines it thusly: "--vt.1. To feel great hostility or animosity toward 2. To feel dislike or distaste for....---n.1. Intense dislike or animosity: HATRED. 2. An object of detestation or hatred."

From this definition we should take note that there are actually "degrees" of emotion that are classified as hatred. One may merely dislike or harbor a distaste for someone or something and it still be technically classified as being hatred. But I dare say that most of us--whenever we hear the word expressed--relate it to "great hostility" or "intense dislike," rather than the milder form. And I am also convinced that most people attach to the word, whether they are conscious of it or not, an element of what we might call "retaliation." The intense dislike is so great they desire that harm befall the other party and, if given the right opportunity, would inflict it personally! It is from this viewpoint we maintain that there is a huge difference between "dislike" and  "HATE"!!! in the generally accepted sense of the terms.

Unfortunately another term has now been added to the politically-correct vocabulary of those pursuing an agenda consistent with the New World Order. That term is "hate crime" and is an epithet guaranteed to elicit strong emotions among the masses who equate it with despicable acts perpetrated by those determined to harm others. And as is usually the case with such propaganda, there seems to be an element of justice about it which appeals to us. However, the implementation of such a law--if and when it is ever enacted (and it probably will be soon)--opens the door for authorities to interpret "hate" as being an expression of dislike--the milder form of our earlier definition! The final step is for authorities to interpret "hate" as being an expression of "disagree".  It is at this stage that persecution begins.

This means that anyone who takes a public stance contrary to the politically-correct and therefore acceptable position of "the powers that be" can be arrested and hauled into court for any and all alleged violations--thereby effectively nullifying our Freedom of Speech--one of the most precious rights we now possess. We must pray daily that God will spare us from the good intentions of the uninfomed. As distasteful as they may be, overt expressions of hatred must be allowed as long as they are not put into action. "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us." To classify harsh words or unpopular stances as being criminal is to invite disaster. If we are not very careful, some of us may be going to jail because of our loyalty to sports teams and the "hatred" we hold for their opponents!

Interestingly enough, the Legion of St. Michael web site carries this slogan: "He who wants to win the world to Christ must have the courage to come into conflict with it." They read the content of our web site, were offended by what they correctly perceive to be anti-Catholic teaching, and then accused us of hatred! Could we not legitimately reciprocate? They have initiated conflict with us by informing us that they consider what we have said to be an expression of hatred. Is there anyone out there who is so naive as to believe the Catholic Church loves all Protestants? The countless millions of victims of the various Inquisitions would not agree! I freely confess to a certain amount of animosity toward Catholic dogma--teaching that is in direct conflict with the Word of God as expressed in the Bible--but with God as Witness (and I know that I speak for the entire staff of Cutting Edge Ministries), we do not harbor any hatred toward anyone! We have no desire whatever to inflict pain and/or suffering upon anyone or to "get even" with them. We certainly would never invoke the words contained within this email I recently received from a Catholic:

"...but then you are not Christians, you are harlots. I wish upon all wishes that you will rot in hell for the shame you brought upon the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. I wish upon you the hate that you wish upon men (and women) of good will. When you die, may your death be as painful as that you wish upon others. My your last days be filled with the bitterness you wish upon others. May you rot in hell, with no chance of redemption, and be confined beyond the abyss, never to torment God's children upon this place we call Earth."

And this guy had the audacity to accuse us of hatred! When I exressed our sentiments to the "Brother Ignatius" mentioned earlier, his response was "BULL!"  May God convict their hearts of the hypocrisy of their assertions. And may He forgive us and keep our hearts clear of any wrong feelings toward others.

But, End Times prophecy is being fulfilled here.  "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." [2 Timothy 4:3-5]