No More Bullying

The current Norwegian government has set a goal to end all bullying and victimization within a short period of time in the schools. Naturally, we are in full support of this. We would also be pleased if today’s prime minister, an ordained priest, would also deal with the bullying from his own clergy who through their writing and speaking claim that we make Jesus sinful by the teaching that Christ was manifested in the flesh. Actually, the clergy and theologians have taken the lead in harassing us. This has given others the impression that we are bad people and should be victimized and excluded. Many of our children have endured bullying all their lives because of their Christian faith. Why have these people backbitten us for over 100 years? Why does no one defend us? Isn’t it time to stand up and defend true Christianity?

They need to wake up and realize the suffering and con­tempt they inflict upon those who think differently than they do—whether they be Christian or Muslim. Personally, I would be more proud to be compared to someone who was true to his own religion, than to be placed in a box with the liberal Lutheran clergy. In any case, the former worships his god and will be judged on how he has lived, according to his own con­science. “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by na­ture do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else ex­cusing them.” Rom. 2:14-15.

When there is a quarrel over the teachings of Smith’s Friends, most people go to theologians and the clergy to get an answer. James calls those who say they have faith without works foolish people (James 2:20), and these people are often foolish, even though they are considered to be spiritual au­thorities. When these people do not defend us, everyone feels free to write disparagingly about us. People are completely free to have an opinion about us, but their opinions should be more or less based on what is true and correct. They say things about us that are untrue and that they know are untrue, and to that we protest loudly and clearly.

“The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies. I have held My peace a long time, I have been still and restrained Myself. Now I will cry like a woman in labor, I will pant and gasp at once.” Is. 42:13-14.

We too, will no longer keep silent. We will continue to preach what is right. That is why we also send our message out by satellite and internet to a large part of the world, and why we have an international missionary work. The glad tid­ings, preached in demonstration of the Spirit and power, cre­ate hope and faith. Where marriages are about to break up, an entirely new life comes in, giving hope in those hearts that receive the Word. In several places, entire villages gather for our transmissions. They receive hope and are strengthened to stand firm in their heavenly calling, in the midst of the most miserable living conditions. This is especially the case in Third World countries.

We rejoice to see that in recent years theologians, profes­sors and others not belonging to Smith’s Friends have begun to take us seriously, and they have written about us after see­ing who we actually are and what we have accomplished. It seems they are truth-loving people without any underlying or hidden agenda. We value everyone who is honest and seeks the truth, and we are happy to cooperate with them. Some of them have spent several days with us at our conferences: They have taken part in our meetings and gatherings and at­tempted to find out what we actually believe before they write about us. What these people write should be respected. Whether it is pure fact, praise or criticism, it has an entirely different value than most of what has been written about us through the years.