I have been receiving these types of email for a few years now. I usually do not respond to most of them because of the filth they contain.
For nearly a month, this individual has pelted me almost daily with the exact same message, turning his obsessive repetition into something as tiresome as it is fruitless. It is truly regrettable to see someone who professes to be a Christian stoop to such conduct. Sadly, this style of correspondence is not uncommon among members of certain sects and cults, and in some cases, it is even worse. I finally chose to respond to this particular message, though I strongly suspect the effort was wasted. From the original emails, I have removed part of the name of their sect and one offensive term.
To “Father” Charles. I read your book about Martin Luther and John Calvin and you’re wrong. You’re just the piece of [****] I guess most Roman Catholics are just like you. I’ve been a member of [****] Baptist Church for 17 years and I know a man isn’t supposed to be called “father” because the Lord said so in Matthew 23:9. You tink we might be stupid but we know the Bible and we know what the Lord says. Just stop already and get right with the Lord. Am I right or am I right? [Email originated from Johnson City, Tennessee]
Response: Thanks for your email. I apologise that it took me a while to get back with you. First, I am not Roman Catholic, but I have very good friends who are. If it troubles you to call me “father,” then you can simply call me what St. Paul called those set over the flock, a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1). It is a title I doubt either Luther or Calvin would have borne well, considering their spiritual records. If you are avoiding the title “Father” because of one verse you misread, I hope you have also stopped calling your own father by that name. As for me, I will keep following the consistent use of “Father” found in the Apostolic tradition — and not the private innovations of two men whose biographies would hardly pass your own church’s discipline board.
You remain in my prayers.
Regards,
Fr. Charles
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