Winning Words 12/20/10
“You don’t have to be an angel in order to be a saint.” (Albert Schweitzer) If anyone would have qualifications for sainthood, it would seem to be A.S.: theologian, physician, musician, missionary. But some “traditional” Christians have criticized him for his humanistic views. It only goes to show that it’s hard for an angel to be regarded as a saint. I don’t think that Albert wasted much sleep over it. ;-) Jack

FROM YOOPER PO: I hope not! FROM JACK: He probably went to the hospital in Lambarene to treat some sick people.

FROM RI IN BOSTON: I've been a long-time admirer of the man you quoted today. Schweitzer's altruism until his death, serving the sick and hungry in Africa, got little attention compared to the many "personalities" who are continuing such work today. I can only imagine what it was like with him sitting at the organ in his primitive hut, with stirring music wafting through the tangled jungle. FROM JACK: In today's world, some might call him paternalistic toward the Africans. Some might say that he was not "Christian" enough. But like the Good Samaritan, he offered help when it was needed and where it was needed.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Schweitzer was truly a man of God! FROM JACK: "Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3;18

FROM MOLINER CF: With all of his accomplishments, I don't think Al slept. FROM JACK: Maybe he practiced polyphasic sleep. Einstein and Edison did.

FROM PRPH IN MINNESOTA: its also hard to be a prophet in a non-profit organization! FROM JACK: It works, if you don't care about potential negative consequences...as in the case of Amos.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Neither do his supporters.... FROM JACK: People who are really committed to a cause don't seem to be worry-warts.

FROM LIZ IN ILLINOIS: Saints are human. Angels aren't. Humans make mistakes. Am I correct in this? A.S. gets my vote, too... FROM JACK: It is what you want it to be. As far as definitions go: When St. Paul writes to the early Christians, he addresses the, as, "saints." In his thinking, a saint is a believer that Jesus is God, who came to earth in human form. The word, angel, is from the Greek, and means, a messenger. Anyone who relays the message of God by word or by action can be called an angel. It's as simple as that. At least it is, in my mind. Liz can then be both a saint and an angel.