Spell and Sherwin

In June of this year, Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church in Central, Louisiana was arrested, charged with 2nd-degree battery, posted bond, and then went home. It was reported that Pastor Spell is supposed to be back in court on September 15. It will be interesting to see what is the outcome. Many Christians have sided with Pastor Spell, but it is unclear that all that he has claimed can be established.

If you choose to, you can watch the video of the altercation between Pastor Tony Spell and the Sherwin man who lives across the road from the church. Pastor Spell runs across the street, looks angry. The Sherwin man has probably shouted something at him. Sherwin has a phone in his hands, but he does not have a weapon. The reports indicate the Sherwin family and Pastor Tony Spell have been involved in an ongoing feud. As the pastor comes close, Sherwin hits at or tries to hit Pastor Spell. Spell quickly takes him down and is striking him repeatedly. It is obvious from the video that within seconds Sherwin is subdued and then there is no threat. If one existed, it is over. It is not continuing. After that point Pastor Spell is not protecting (and the video shows no one there for him to protect); he is not neutralizing; he is not stopping a threat. He is just pounding on Sherwin. This appears to be angry retaliation or revenge. That distinction must be recognized. Pastor Spell even adds a kick to the head in conclusion. I do not know all the facts, and I have an initial tendency to root for the guy who is older and a preacher. Strength and protection are good traits. However, strength must be tempered with wisdom and know when how to stop.

The protection of others is a biblically justified response. Revenge is not. The neutralizing of a threat can be justified biblically. Continuing to inflict unnecessary harm to a subdued foe cannot. I think what is seen in the video goes beyond what is biblically justified. Perhaps more facts will come out in court.