Rodriguez's support for removing sanctuary policies stems from his belief in the moral responsibility to hold criminals accountable. "Can you believe that there are states and mayors who have rapists and pedophiles in their prisons, undocumented, and they refuse to give ICE direct access or information? To me, I find that to be morally reprehensible and illogical," he stated. At the same time, Rodriguez reminded listeners that the administration must tread carefully to avoid harming innocent families. "I do not believe this administration will in any way form or shape work to jeopardize churches and communities that undergirded his election," he said, referencing the significant Latino support for President Trump.
Uh-huh. You believe in the moral responsibility of holding criminals accountable. Unless they are your criminals, right Sammy? I mean the guy who jammed a stun gun into the neck of a police officer on January 6th, he doesn't count right? Because your guy just pardoned him. Or the hundreds of others who committed violent acts against the police that day. They do not count either, right? Or how about your idol himself. You obviously do not care that even though he was a convicted rapist with 34 other felonies that he would be God's choice as president of the United States. I do not care what your pathetic opinion is of why the prosecutions were made - he was convicted by the only people who sat and examined all of the evidence - juries of his peers. Oh, so you have such a deep seeded conviction to see criminals held to account if they are brown and from another country but not if they are the man who put the idol in your idolatry? Got it. It is morally reprehensible for municipalities and states to not give information of people who are already in prison? Seems like they have already faced justice. Maybe those states do not like the federal over reach? Either way, what in the world does that have to do with the cause of the gospel? You remember the gospel, right Sammy? What is morally reprehensible is for someone pretending to be a pastor acting as if they are so outraged at democratic policies while granting so much grace to Republican practices that are resulting in a 20% drop in church attendance as congregants are flown out of the country on war planes. How can you say with a straight face that you do not think this administration will jeopardize churches when you just said they are already doing it! 20% are already missing! You think Donald Trump cares one whit about your congregants Sammy? Are you delusional? Make sure you record your local news so you can catch your sheep being shepherded out of this country by Dr. Phil.
Pastor Rodriguez's insights remind us of the delicate balance between enforcing the law and using discernment for the days we live in. By rooting these actions in biblical principles, he hopes to protect the law-abiding while ensuring justice for those who exploit and harm others. His prayerful hope is that accurate information and measured policies will prevent unnecessary fear and maintain the sanctity of churches as places of worship and reverence.
Just like yesterday when we reviewed Shane Idleman, Sammy Rodrigues is confusing the carnal and profane with the holy and righteous. Discernment has to do with the church and the life of a Christians. Enforcing the law belongs to the state. Our job is to approach people with the love and mercy that has been shown to us. If people break laws, violent or otherwise, the mechanism for addressing that already exists. It is called the law. It doesn't matter if you were here legally or illegally. The law is the law and it should be applied evenly without fear or favor. Discernment of what is evil however is simple. If you see the government filming the arrests and forcing those arrested to be interviewed by a fake TV doctor, then maybe you are not dealing with good intentions. Rodriguez can pay as much lip service as he wants to preventing unnecessary fear but that ship has sailed already. The fear is here along with the collateral damage. It is only week one by the way. The fear will get worse. The arrests will hit much closer to home. People you have known for decades will be removed. People whose kids play with your kids. People who you share your pews with or serve in ministry together. Reasonable people can have reasonable political debates about immigration and how to best solve the problems we face as a country. As a Christan however, and a Christian pastor at that, this slavish idolatry and blind fealty to one man as he removes 20% of your sheep in week one? Yeah, there is only one word for that Sammy.
Reprehensible.
Reverend Anthony Wade - January 28, 2025
