Berkeley, CA — Parishioners in a local church have formed a group to petition the pastor and have him refrain from using certain scripture verses when bringing his sermon. The group, led by Pilas J. Rockport, has met together on several occasions to discuss these words in certain scriptures that have made the church people feel condemnation, shame and at times, suffer ridicule from other parishioners. Mr. Rockport has claimed that when using these trigger verses, the group feels as if they are being singled out by the pastor. “The Bible”, Rockport says, “is not to be used as a tool to be used by the preacher to ridicule the people.”
We had the opportunity to meet with Pastor Vern McBride, who shared some of the verses and words in the scriptures that were causing this group such displeasure.
It seems in the book of James, chapter 1 verse 5, is the number one harmful scripture. The next scripture that triggers problems is in regards to gossip, found in the book of James, chapter 3 verse 5 and also 2 Timothy 2:16.
Also, little words like sin, abomination, fornication, and covetousness That verse over in Luke 12:15 causes some major reactions.
We asked Pastor McBride what he would do to ease the minds and feelings of these people who are having these issues. Curiously, the pastor quoted Hebrews 12:6-7, stating that this is the shortest and most concise answer to this behavior, according to what he is experiencing.
