In order to do that, I must be willing to overlook that black mark myself. When I hear a man tell me that he committed 28 armed robberies in 32 days and was one of DFW’s Most Wanted, I wonder why I’m even working with him. Then he tells me about the events in his life before the robberies. And he tells me about his newfound faith. No, I don’t believe this man needs to be on the streets any time soon, but I do believe every soul is worth loving – regardless of that soul’s past.

Clark Adams is no different. He may have been one of Christianity’s most vocal critics, but so was Saul of Tarsus.

i feel awful for any contribution those who are supposed to live a life of love might have had in his depression and death…

Anne, I appreciate your thoughtful commentary on Clark’s death. It’s a nice contrast to the type of response I expected, which is exemplified by Patrick Trotter:

“This is what happens when someone has no hope or faith. Nothing to Believe in…Nothing or No one to turn to. It’s a shame that a life this young was wasted. It’s also a shame that he spent his whole life, dedicated to waging war against God.

I hope he found peace and salvation before he went…..but with his resume, I doubt it.”

Patrick, who never met Clark, apparently feels confident in attributing his death to a lack of support, and asserting that Clark’s life was “wasted.” Clark’s life was not wasted–he lived a productive, happy, and full life, though I am saddened that he chose to end it at such a young age.

“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”