Reading the Bible When the Answers Aren’t Easy

The news surrounding the planned execution of Nidal Hasan, convicted of killing thirteen people and wounding thirty-two others at Fort Hood, raises difficult questions about justice, punishment, and the value of human life. The prospect of livestreaming the execution adds another question: What happens to us when another person's death becomes something we can watch? Many of us have strong feelings about these questions, shaped by our experiences, our understanding of justice, and our faith. As Christians, we might begin by asking what the Bible says. But we also need to ask a more challenging question: How do we faithfully read what the Bible says when different passages seem to point us in different directions?

One of the temptations in a difficult conversation is to find a Bible verse that seems to settle the matter and stop there. Someone might point to Genesis, where the taking of human life is answered with a demand for life (Genesis 9:5–6; Exodus 21:23–25). Someone else might turn to Jesus' command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:27–36). Another person might cite Paul's teaching in Romans that governing authorities have a responsibility to restrain evil and administer justice (Romans 13:1–4). These passages matter, and we should take them seriously. But quoting one verse, even a very important one, is not the same as listening to the whole Bible. Scripture is not a collection of disconnected statements waiting for us to select the one that confirms what we already believe.

Consider the Old Testament. It contains laws that prescribe severe penalties for serious wrongdoing, including the death penalty. These passages tell us something important about the seriousness of evil, the need for justice, and the responsibility of a community to protect human life. But the Old Testament also tells stories that complicate any simple account of punishment. God protects Cain, a murderer, from being killed in retaliation (Genesis 4:8–16). The law establishes cities of refuge to protect people accused of killing until their cases can be heard (Numbers 35:9–34; Deuteronomy 19:1–13). The prophets repeatedly challenge those who use their power unjustly and insist that a society's faithfulness to God is measured partly by how it treats the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:16–17; Amos 5:21–24; Micah 6:8). Even within the Old Testament, justice is more than the straightforward application of a penalty. It belongs to a larger story about God's desire for a people who practice righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness.

Then we come to Jesus. He does not treat the Old Testament as an embarrassment to be discarded, nor does he simply repeat its laws without further interpretation. He teaches with authority, bringing God's purposes into sharper focus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes the familiar principle of an eye for an eye and calls his followers toward a different response to those who harm them (Matthew 5:38–48). He commands them to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. He refuses to let his disciples answer violence with violence, and he goes to the cross rather than summon an army to save himself (Matthew 26:51–54; John 18:36). None of this means that Jesus gives us an easy answer to every question about criminal law. It does mean that retaliation cannot be the final word for people who follow him.

Other passages deserve attention, too. Paul writes in Romans that governing authorities have a responsibility to restrain wrongdoing (Romans 13:1–7). Christians who defend capital punishment rightly point out that this passage cannot simply be ignored. Yet Paul does not offer a detailed policy manual for every question facing a modern justice system. His words need to be read alongside the rest of Scripture, including Jesus' teaching about enemies, the Bible's repeated warnings about the misuse of power, and the Christian conviction that every person stands before God in need of grace (Romans 3:21–26; Ephesians 2:1–10). A passage can establish an important principle without settling every question about how that principle should be applied.

This is one reason Christians can share a Bible, take their faith seriously, and still disagree about capital punishment. Some conclude that Scripture permits the state to execute those convicted of certain terrible crimes. Others believe that the larger biblical story, brought into focus in Jesus, calls us away from taking life as punishment, especially when society has other ways to protect its people. I find myself drawn toward the latter conviction. I struggle to see what is gained by making a human death the final expression of justice when society can protect its citizens without taking another life. And I find the prospect of broadcasting an execution especially troubling. Even when punishment is lawful, we should ask whether turning a death into a public event helps form a more just and humane society—or teaches us to become comfortable watching another person suffer.

That conviction does not mean that evil should be excused, that victims should be forgotten, or that justice is unimportant. The thirteen people killed at Fort Hood and those who survived deserve to be remembered, and the suffering of their families must never become a footnote in our debates. Their grief deserves our attention, as Scripture reminds us to weep with those who weep and recognize that when one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers with it (Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:26). Nor should we presume to tell survivors what justice ought to mean to them. Their grief deserves compassion, not a political argument built on top of it. But remembering victims and taking violence seriously do not require us to believe that another death will heal what was broken. We can seek accountability, protect the public, and honor those who suffered while still questioning whether execution is the right expression of justice.

At the heart of this conversation is a larger Christian conviction: Jesus Christ is not simply one voice among many in the Bible. He is the Word made flesh, the one in whom we believe God's character and purposes are most fully revealed (John 1:1–5, 14; Colossians 1:15–20; Hebrews 1:1–3). Reading Scripture through the lens of Jesus does not mean ignoring passages that trouble us or making the Bible say whatever we want it to say. It means allowing the whole story of Scripture to lead us toward Christ, paying particular attention to how Jesus embodies God's justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23), serves others in humility (John 13:1–17), and gives himself on the cross (John 19:1–30). When a verse seems to settle a question too neatly, perhaps we need to keep reading. What does this passage mean in its original setting? How does it fit within the larger story of God's relationship with humanity? And how does the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus deepen our understanding of it?

We will not always arrive at the same conclusions. But we can learn to disagree without assuming that those who differ from us have abandoned the Bible or stopped caring about justice. Faithful interpretation takes patience. It asks us to listen to passages we might prefer to avoid, to reconsider conclusions we have inherited, and to remain open to the possibility that God has more to teach us. Most of all, it asks us to let Scripture examine us rather than using Scripture only to defend ourselves (Psalm 139:23–24; Hebrews 4:12–13; James 1:22–25).

The news of an execution may not lead all of us to the same position on capital punishment. But it can remind us that reading the Bible faithfully is more demanding than finding a verse that agrees with us. We are called to listen to the whole story, to look toward Jesus, and to ask what kind of people God is forming us to become. When we do that, we may discover that the most important question is not simply, “Which verse proves that I am right?” It is, “As I seek to understand God's justice, am I becoming more like Jesus?”

See you in church.

Pastor Adam

Looking Ahead—Costume Sunday (Oct 25—10:30AM Service)

We’re inviting the kids of our church—and their friends and neighbors—to worship God in their favorite Halloween costumes! It’s the weekend before Halloween, and parents know it’s the perfect chance to get the most out of their kids’ costumes. We’ll have fun and maybe even a few sweet treats for the kids. It’s a family-friendly way to share the joy of our church with others. Come join the fun! Adults—You’re welcome to bring some candy to share with our costumed kids!

What Happens If We Celebrate Holy Communion Every Sunday?

Join us in November to Find Out! Pastor Adam will be preaching a month-long sermon series called “Sunday Dinner.” In addition, every worship service in November will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The Lord’s Supper is the normal Sunday dinner of the family of God, which we call the church. When we eat this meal together, we are reminded of two things: (1) how close we are to each other as siblings in Christ, and (2) how close God is to us in the person of Jesus Christ. It’s our prayer that through these sermons and weekly observances of the sacrament, we would come to understand both of these two truths more fully. While the sacrament itself remains the same, we’ll observe it in slightly different ways from week to week. Each Sunday will feature a different kind of communion bread, while we will continue to use the same juice. We’ll also vary the way the bread and juice are distributed, drawing on some of the different ways we already celebrate Communion throughout the year.

Adult Sunday Morning Small Group, 9:15AM in the Parlor Room

Each week we gather to connect with each other through conversation, grow in our Christian faith through Bible study, and encourage one another through prayer. Currently, we're discussing Scott McKnight's bestselling book The Jesus Creed a summary of what Christianity is at its core: Loving God and Loving Others. It fosters a practical understanding, appreciation of and application of Christian formation in grace and love toward God and Neighbor. Join us!

Youth (Grades 5-12) Sunday Morning Small Group, 9:15AM

Meet in the Middle School Lounge for Games, Relaxed, Relevant Conversation & Prayer.

What if God is closer than you think? This fall, WPC students are invited to join Pastor Adam for Encounters, a 10-week exploration of some of the Bible’s most unforgettable moments with God—from a burning bush and a pillar of fire to Pentecost and the road to Emmaus. We’ll explore what these stories have to say about where God is, how we recognize God, and what it means to experience God in our own lives. There will be plenty of room for questions, conversation, and fun along the way. No Bible expertise required. No question is off limits. Just come ready to explore.

New Small Group Opportunity—“Learning How to Pray”

Sunday Evenings, 5PM, Parlor Room (Use CCW Preschool Entrance)

Most Christians have learned the vocabulary of prayer by reading the Psalms, the prayer book that gives us a language for speaking to the God who speaks to us. We already have within us the longing to experience a connection with God through prayer. The Psalms are the guide to help us satisfy that longing. Join us for a journey into the heart of the Psalms as we read from this sacred prayer book together and allow it to teach us how to pray. Interested? Text/Call Pastor Adam, 724-893-6244.

Loving Our Neighbors in Need

WPC supports our neighbors by collecting food and personal hygiene items for two outstanding local mission partners: Protestant Family Service and the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley. Both organizations are experiencing greater needs in these challenging times, and our gifts can make a real difference in the lives of those they serve. Donations may be placed in the wooden “apple basket” collection box located in the atrium. Every can of food, every bar of soap, every small item of care is a reminder of God’s love at work through us. As scripture reminds us, “Serve one another with the various colors of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Thank you for sharing so generously.

Volunteer with Meals on Wheels

Sometimes serving our neighbors is as simple as showing up, driving a route, and delivering a meal. The Mission Partnership Committee is exploring a new opportunity for WPC members & friends to volunteer with Mahoning County Meals on Wheels, helping deliver meals to people in our community who need them. We’d like to see if there is enough interest to provide one volunteer driver each week. Delivery routes run Monday–Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You don’t need to commit to every week. We’re simply hoping to find people who might be willing to help from time to time and be part of this ministry of caring. If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please call or text Mike Crisan at 330-716-3581. This is a small way to give a few hours of your time, but for someone receiving a meal and a friendly visit, it can mean a great deal.

It's “Sock”toberfest at WPC!

Help support the Rescue Mission’s campaign by donating new undergarments for neighbors in need. Dignity begins with something as simple as clean, new clothing, yet items like bras, underwear, and t-shirts are among the most requested at the Mission’s emergency shelter. Throughout October, you can drop off new undergarments of all sizes (for men, women, and children) in the collection area in the church atrium. (Look for the laundry baskets & signage.) If you prefer, you may make a monetary donation or purchase items directly from the Mission’s Amazon Wish List by visiting www.rescuemissionmv.org/socktober Make a big difference with something small!

Share the Gift of Love This Christmas—Operation Christmas Child

OCC is a chance to share God’s love with children around the world. Each shoebox you pack is more than a gift—it’s the beginning of a faith journey, with every box including a booklet that tells the good news of Jesus in the child’s own language. Pick up an official box in the main entryway. Read the informational brochures carefully—some items can’t be included. Return your filled shoeboxes to the church by Sunday, Nov 15.

Warm Coats and Jackets=Warm Children

As the temperatures drop, children in our community are in need of warm coats to face the winter ahead. We’re collecting new or gently used winter coats for students in elementary through 8th grade. Your simple act of giving can make a big difference—helping a child walk to school, play outside, or wait for the bus feeling cared for and protected from the cold. Donations can be dropped off in the main entryway through early December. Let’s share the warmth of Christ’s love—one coat at a time.

Pray for Your Brothers and Sisters...

This list is an invitation for you to hold your WPC siblings & friends in prayer. Names added to this prayer list will remain on the list for one month or whenever you request it be removed, whichever comes first. After a name has been removed, we will gladly add it to the list again if such a request is made.

Alison Dobro

Emma Eggleston

Eleanor Miller

Jaclyn DiSibio

Marian Grate

Richard Cunningham

Bill Palkovic (son of Cheryl Palkovic)

Dolores Janik

The Family of Walt Holokai

Sandy Byers

Marty Taylor

Lucy Stuart

Jan Pickens

Dianna Meehan

Cheryl Fox

Wish Someone a Happy Birthday!

October Birthdays

Oct 17 Todd Knaus

Oct 19 Elly Davis

Oct 20 Benjamin Baklarz

Oct 20 Hannah Greene

Oct 20 Allison Jenkins

Oct 20 Nancy Mumaw

Oct 20 Mariellen Timmer

Oct 21 Constance Golubic

Oct 21 Maile Myers

Oct 21 Barbara Shidemantle

Oct 22 Mathew Baker

Oct 22 Joe Myers

Oct 23 Brandy Angus

Oct 25 Evan Michael Hughes

Oct 25 Susan Weiss

Oct 26 Marshaun B. Mason

Oct 26 Jaime Tabor

Oct 27 Jane Morris

Oct 27 Wendy Samford

Oct 27 Alexander Stuart

Oct 28 Andie Gerald

Oct 28 Jennifer Hunter

Oct 28 Jeffrey McGee

Oct 31 Susanne Mayerchak