Will Smith gives big money

"I have a question. When actor Will Smith gave you that $200K donation, did you have any qualms about accepting it? … Are you comfortable accepting money from a person who would misrepresent your faith so blatantly? Or do you implicitly agree that Christianity is basically the same as Scientology, Buddhism, Hinduism? Or is it just about the filthy lucre? Is that why you've switched to this site? Getting a percentage from the clickthroughs are we? Great way to spit in the faces of your supporters. Great way to show your true colors. Snakeskin looks good on you Ray...Lest anyone think I am unfairly maligning you, here's a link to the article: www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,468644,00.html ~ alphgeek

Alphgeek . . . . It was a different "Living Waters." We are a ministry. That was his home church: "But Smith, who was raised Baptist and says he remains Christian (he co-founded the non-denominational Christian church Living Waters in San Fernando Valley) . . ." [1]

He did say, "Ninety-eight percent of the principles [in Scientology] are identical to the principles of the Bible . . . My beliefs are that individuals have to create relationships with God. You can't listen to what the preacher says--you have to read the Bible yourself and make your interpretation. I'm good friends with Tom Cruise and I just think a lot of the ideas in Scientology are brilliant and revolutionary and non-religious." [2]

I'm sure that there are ideas, not only in Scientology, but in many religions that are good. But good ideas are not the issue when it comes to God. If you want success in this life, find a good motivational speaker. They are full of great ideas. But if you want everlasting life, that's a completely different issue, and that's where Christianity is unique. Almost all religions are what are called "works righteousness" religions. By that I mean they maintain that you have to do something to merit salvation (eternal life). However, Christianity says that we can't do that because we are criminals in God's eyes, who have seriously violated His Law. That means that anything we try and do to please God (fasting, praying, etc.) are not seen by Him as good works, but as detestable attempts to bribe the Judge of the Universe. The only thing that can save any of us from the terrible consequences of violating His Law, is His love and mercy. God Himself provided a Savior for the entire world--for Jews, Gentiles, Moslems, Hindus--"whosoever." All we need do is repent and trust the One who suffered and died for our sins and rose again on the third day. That's not just a good idea for this life. It's everlasting life for dying humanity.

By the way, my payments for writing this column are sent by Examiner.com directly to Children's Hunger Fund.

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1. http://carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/07/03/features/encore/encore7.prt
2. Blender, June 2005