Though I often feel passionate about many issues, I rarely feel motivated to address them publicly anymore, because I believe most people don’t care about anyone else’s opinions; however, I find myself compelled to respond to Carl A. Johnson’s letter in The Daily Astorian’s Open Forum (“Christian values,” April 8).

Just because people professing to be Christians act in a certain manner does not mean that they are reflecting Christ and his teachings. Unfortunately, Christ has been misrepresented since the beginning of time, and will continue to be misrepresented until his return. (Come soon, sweet Jesus.)

Christ’s message is one of love, forgiveness and repentance of sins; it speaks to the betterment of oneself through charity and compassion for others. I apologize for all the cults out there, including the Catholic Church, that have used, twisted and tarnished the gospel message for filthy lucre and control over others.

As far as the Scripture Mr. Johnson quoted, Timothy 1:2,11,12 — The premise of this scripture is that if a man is truly a God-fearing Christian, as Christ is the head of the church and gave his life for her, so is the husband the head of the wife, and is to give his life for her.  

As loud and opinionated as I can be, I have no problem being submissive to a strong and godly man. I actually resent the Women’s Liberation Movement and see it as a turning point for the degeneration of families, (Satan’s great plan), and subsequently, the collapse of a 10-Commandment based Christian value system that has guided mankind since the dawn of time.

Left to our own devices, well, just look around you — a crumbling and fallen world rife with spiritual orphans flailing about lost, angry and scared.

I do not worship the same God that the Muslims do: my God would never order me to murder anyone, in fact, I love and pray for my enemies. (A daily affair, as the list seems to increase exponentially.)

I will defend our Lord Jesus Christ and his word until he returns to reign in truth and glory.

Shame on you, Carl.

Connie Phillipakis

Astoria