Dear Judy,
I don’t know if this is up your alley. One of the people in my church died recently. He was wealthy and had the best doctors but prostate cancer got him anyway in the end. He was also married, with 4 children, and slept with a number of women, including the church secretary. She has a broken heart, still, because he left her.
I think maybe he got prostate cancer because he was an adulterer, although I realize there’s no scientific proof of this.
Now some of the people in our church want to establish a scholarship in this man’s name (a religious scholarship! for college students who want to go on and become pastors…). So what do I do?
Do I inform our own pastor about this issue? In a way I don’t want to because the two men were friends. But in a way I feel I should do what’s right, no matter what. Also, I think the 11 members of our church who want to fund such a scholarship should be told so maybe the scholarship can be given another name. And maybe the man’s widow, who is a very nice woman, but none too smart.
Your view?
Celia
Dear Celia,
I too feel you should do what’s right, no matter what.
Keep your mouth closed and your mind on spiritual matters.
Thank you for writing
Judy
Don’t you just love people who think they know everyone’s dirty secrets, assume no one else does and believe they are the guardians of humanity’s morality. How does Celia know all this stuff, anyway?
Judy, I don’t agree with you. What happens when the truth comes out, including that Celia knew about the problem but said nothing? How will she feel then? And how will you feel for giving such shortsighted advice? Obviously, she shouldn’t spread rumors. But one discreet conversation with a well chosen individual in the community can prevent the impending debacle.
This is perfect. The universe is providing an opportunity for the adulterer to right the wrong he did in his life. In his name, fresh spiritual leaders will arise to lead people down a just path. It is no accident that 11 members of the church want to establish the fund. With the dead man, a dozen, which signifies completeness, perfection. as in the Tribes of Israel, the Disciples of Jesus, the months of the year, the signs of the zodiac. Celia should not do anything to undermine this spiritual correction.
I agreed with Celia until she suggested that she should maybe inform the widow. She maligns her intelligence but still believes she should be informed. From someone with legitimate concerns she immediately became a nuiscance. Judy, you are absolutely right to shrug her off in a short and somewhat cynical answer.
NIH should be informed of the scientific discovery linking prostate cancer to adultery. I wonder if Celia has made other connections, such as maybe stomach cancer with gluttony? Blood pressure to envy? I guess those fancy institutions with millions of dollars for research are wasting their time when the answer lies with a lady in church.
If no good can come from sharing this kind of information then what would be the point?? Let the widow grieve, and let the students obtain an education. Good answer Judy!!