Pipe down, Art

Re: "Ban on preacher’s loudspeaker upheld," May 1.

Art Pawlowski claims: "Feeding the people and giving them hope is not an option for me — it’s a commandment." That’s a commandment for all of us, but so is Romans 13:1: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."

Pawlowski’s persistence is an admirable trait when it comes to feeding the poor and homeless, but his defiance does not impress those who are trying to shut him down or those following his case. He is not gaining favour with God or man. Spending thousands of dollars on legal fighting is irresponsible when he knows he is forbidden from using amplified sound in public places. The ban may be harsh and unreasonable, but he must comply with municipal bylaws.

Perhaps he could do what Jesus did. He never used amplified sound. In Matthew 13:1,2 and Mark 4:1, Jesus taught large crowds beside a lake. When the crowds got too large, He got into a boat. The crowds were much larger than Pawlowski will ever have, yet they must have heard Him. It is possible that sound intensifies near water. Art, go find a spot near some water and see what happens. Let the love of God control you (2 Corinthians 5:14), not your ego.

Wes Epp, Calgary