Sporting News: A number of former Test match rugby players have responded to Israel Folau’s shocking comments regarding the Australian bushfires.
Footage emerged over the weekend of Folau claiming the drought and devastating bushfires that are wreaking havoc around Australia is God’s punishment for the legalization of same-sex marriage and abortion.
The comments, made during a 12-minute sermon at his church, have drawn serious criticisms from around the world.
Even staunch Folau ally Alan Jones called on the sacked Wallaby to “button up.”
The bushfires, which continue to rage around the country, have claimed four lives and have done untold millions of dollars of damage.
“You have changed the law and changed the ordinance of these things, look how rampant these bush fires, these droughts . . . all these things have come in a short period of time. Do you think it’s a coincidence or not?” Folau asked in his speech.
“God is speaking to you guys, Australia. You need to repent.”
Former Irish back-rower Alan Quinlan was a vocal critic, telling Off The Ball that Folau’s schtick has gone too far and that his ongoing case against Rugby Australia could be placed in jeopardy.
“It’s becoming sad at this stage,” he said.
“This guy is obviously completely deluded.
“It’s shocking . . . that he is continuously preaching to people. Some will argue that it is just him preaching in his church, but he knows it is going to get out.
“I’d say now, aside from believing any of this stuff, he’s damaging his case against Rugby Australia even more so, and I don’t think he’ll ever win that case.
“People talk about free speech, but this is crazy speech.
“He’s saying it is out of love, but people have died here—Jesus, did you ever hear such crap in all your life?! There’s no way back for this guy now.”
Meanwhile, ex-Wallabies hooker Phil Kearns told Fox Sports that Folau “seems brainwashed.”
“It’s got to the point where I actually just feel sorry for him,” Kearns told foxsports.com.au.
“It’s just really sad now.”
Our Comment:
Many more will soon begin to view natural disasters in the same way. However, when a “return to God” does not result in the lessening of these catastrophes, people will turn and blame Sabbath keepers.
Prophetic Link:
“The assertion that God’s judgments are visited upon men for their violation of the Sunday-sabbath, will be repeated; already it is beginning to be urged. And a movement to enforce Sunday observance is fast gaining ground.” Great Controversy, page 579.
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