Priests call for Bible thief to be struck down with the runs

[1holycatholic]

Priests call for Bible thief to be struck down with the runs
Priests from a church in Italy have called for an unknown thief who has stolen valuable Bibles to be struck down by a crippling bout of diarrhea.

By Nick Squires, Rome4:41PM BST 18 Aug 2011

In a rather un-Godly call for vengeance, the Franciscan priests at the church in Florence are praying that a dose of “the runs” will convince the unidentified pilferer of the error of his ways.

“We pray that the Good Lord will visit a strong bout of the trots on this thief and that this will help to convince him not to commit any more thefts,” reads a sign put up by clergy at the Basilica of San Salvatore al Monte, a hilltop church which commands views of the Renaissance city.

The notice said that in addition to praying for a sudden loosening of the bowels, the priests were also hoping that the thief will repent of his crime and return the stolen holy books.
…

:coffeeread:

 

[Bearontherun]

Yikes.

They could pray for the repentance and conversion of the theif in a more charitable and less vengeful way. What kind of example are they setting by asking God for this? Not very good IMHO.

 

[JRKH]

I agree that it is not the most charitable, but when it comes to seeking a “non-lethal”, “non-violent” way to teach this guy a lesson, I have to say this is pretty creative…

And after all they ARE hoping that the “sign” will convince the thief to reform…

Peace
James

 

[porthos11]

Although it sounds so wrong in today’s lovey dovey society, calling on God to visit punishment on one’s enemies has always been part of biblical religion, including the New Testament. Key thing is, the priests are asking God for the punishment and not seeking to inflict it themselves.

Besides, their prayer is for the twofold thing that must happen: the punishment for sin and the repentance of the sinner

 

[wynnejj]

I’d hate to be anyone in the congregation who has to dash to the loo.

 

[fred_conty]

HI,
Now you know why priests need confession. 3 Hail Marys and 1 Our Father.

 

[DaveBj]

I don’t have a problem with it. It’s not nearly as “uncharitable” as the verses that are left out of the 137th Psalm every time it is used in the Liturgy of the Hours:

8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.