LETTER: Ten Commandments Park vandals can never win

The people who continue to vandalize the Ten Commandments Park in Columbia Falls must realize one thing. By showing their hatred for the park, they only strengthen the faith of people who support the park. Christians are used to being condemned and criticized for their faith. It’s been happening for nearly 2,000 years. People call Christians “bigots” and “haters” because of their faith in Jesus. That condemnation only makes Christians stronger.

Jesus was scorned by the people. He was whipped and beaten by the Romans. They placed a “crown of thorns” on his head. Jesus carried his cross and willfully accepted his punishment, though he had done nothing wrong. Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, only to forgive the people who condemned him.

In the Bible, Isaiah predicted the fate of Jesus:

“He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon him. And by his wounds, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53: 5)

Non-believers continue to undermine the teachings of Jesus. They tell us Jesus is not relevant, today. However, no man in the history of the world has ever had a greater influence on humanity. Jesus was not a king. Jesus was not a political leader. Jesus was not a high priest. Jesus was born in a manger, to a poor, simple woman. Jesus was a carpenter. Yet 2,000 years after his life, people still discuss the philosophy and teachings of Jesus.

Unlike other creatures on earth, humans have the capacity to think. Humans use logic and reasoning to determine our fate. Nature determines the fate of other creatures. Other creatures use instinct to survive, while humans use intelligence to guide our destiny.

Sometimes, intelligence, logic and reasoning can make humans worse than the other creatures. Other creatures don’t hate. Other creatures aren’t envious and resentful. Other creatures don’t fight and kill each other, in the name of justice. Other creatures just exist, and they have done so since the beginning of time.

Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” —Tom Lacerte, Kalispell