By Steve A. Hamilton

            The following letter appeared in the editorial section of the Rapid City Journal dated January 5, 2006:

            “True Christians never take a holiday from their faith for family.  In your article, “Megachurches take a holiday,” (Dec. 8),  Christianity was depicted by such churches as inconvenient.

            “I would like your readers to know that canceling church services for a holiday is not an example of true Christianity.  Jesus Christ taught that anyone who would put family before Him is not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37).  In fact, the Jews of the first  century were of the same mindset that Christ condemned in Matthew 15:3-9. 

            “Churches that canceled services on Sunday transgressed God’s command (Hebrew 10:25) because of a tradition called Christmas.  Jesus calls that hypocrisy because their actions don’t reflect their words.  Simply, such churches have shown us that they do not love Christ (John 14:15, 21, 24).” 

[title deleted, sah] Steve A. Hamilton

Rapid City

            I’ve already received many expressions of gratitude for writing that short piece.  It appears many people are appalled by the hypocrisy displayed by these large community churches.  I know this article will have little affect upon such organizations that have turned religion into a fun place to “worship.” However, I will pray that at least one soul might read this letter and realize the error of following after the doctrines of men.

            I would also like to apologize for the unauthorized title the newspaper placed before my name.  “Holy and reverend is His name” (Psm. 111:9b); not mine name!  

Last modified: 05/02/08