You’ve been tearing people to pieces

When we call for violence – even retribution for martyrs – how do we justify it?

“Quit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games: 

Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings— meetings, meetings, meetings—I can’t stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. 

I hate them! 

You’ve worn me out! I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. 

When you put on your next prayer-performance, I’ll be looking the other way. 

No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I’ll not be listening. 

And do you know why? 

Because you’ve been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. 

Go home and wash up. 

Clean up your act. 

Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. 

Say no to wrong. 

Learn to do good. 

Work for justice. 

Help the down-and-out. 

Stand up for the homeless. 

Go to bat for the defenseless. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭13-17‬ MSG)