First Confessions

Atheists and agnostics should be treated with “deep esteem,” according to the Archbishop of Westminster. His Eminence Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor also called for more understanding between Christians and non-believers, stating that God was both “hidden” and “active” in the lives of all people.

Christians should have deep esteem for all people, regardless of race, sex, religion, orientation, or economic status. Most importantly, Christians should have the deepest esteem for their enemies: loving them and forgiving them “seventy times seven” times if necessary. We are called to love and respect all people because all people are made in the image and likeness of God.

On the other hand, Christians also need to be fearless witnesses for Jesus Christ. Christians should not only live their faith, but be ready to teach others when the opportunity presents itself. After all, our Lord’s last command before ascending into Heaven was to go “and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

The best way to teach non-believers to observe all that Christ commanded is to live by example. Next, Christians should proclaim their values in public–inside and outside the voting booth–with regard to issues ranging from embryonic stem cell research, abortion, unjust war, and social justice. Proclaiming the Faith, defending moral values, and respecting those who disagree are hallmarks of Christianity. They are also the seeds of the Church.

Tags:   agnostics · atheists · Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor · Genesis · Jesus Christ · Matthew · Non-believersNo Comments