Qu’es ce que T’as Dit Madame Rouse?

‘Mais vous êtes fou Voltaire?’

 In today’s Fiji Times Letters to the Editor, Prue Rouse of Vuda Point had the following to say:

Voltaire’s quotes

YES, it is reported that Francois-Marie Arouet (called Voltaire 1694-177 said: “I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

He also said: “On dit que dieu est toujours pour les gros bataillons.”

I use the French quotation because French is a language of the Pacific.

Translated to English, it is: “It is said that God is always on the side of the big battalions.”

Now one must make of this what one chooses.  St Michael the Archangel must have a view.

Prue Rouse
Vuda Point

French may very well be a language of the Pacific (in countries such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Tahiti) ,as well as being spoken by many citizens of this country, and if Mrs Rouse’s intention was to share her knowledge of French then “Merci Beaucoup. C’est très gentile.” 

However if the point of the letter is to make up our own mind on “Voltaire’s/Arouet’s” statement then thanks but Voltaire should have paid a bit more attention in Sunday School.

The Bible is replete with examples of God not being impressed by a show of force, or strength in numbers. From Noah, to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to Joseph, to Moses, to Joshua, to Deborah, to Gideon….to Samson…., to Saul, to David……to John the Baptist, to John, to Peter,to Paul, to Thomas…….the list is endless.

The biblical record consistently demonstrates God beginning with one person willing to humbly submit, and graciously allowing that person the privilege in being a willing instrument in fulfilling His mission.

May I suggest to Mrs Prue Rouse rather than taking the word of a dead French Author who was unreservedly anti Chrisitan and racist towards Africans and Jews; take heed of the words of a Jewish Carpenter from an undistinguished backwater town of Israel over two thousand years ago.

“….In fact for this reason I was born, and for this I came into this world, to testify to the truth. Everybody who is on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:37

He lived an unblemished life and began to fulfill his mission transforming indivduals internally one at a time. Drawing followers by his miraculous deeds, inherent truths, exemplary kindness, and concern for good and bad alike. Although innocent he was executed for who he was rather than for any real crimes against the state. A testimony to his true identity was celebrated in an anniversarial celebration of his resurrection just over a month ago followed by the observation of his ascendancy just last Thursday.

And in the words of one of his greatest antagonists turned ardent follower:

” Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authorities is rebelling against what God has instituted and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong…..” Romans 13: 1 -3

I believe Paul’s words written to the early Roman church directly bear upon the actions of any Military that fosters a blatant disregard for the authority of it’s elected Government and seeks to overthrow it.

As to the truth spoken about by Jesus remember God’s words to the prophet Samuel in choosing Saul’s successor.

“…The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Samuel 16:7

Truth is a valuable commodity that the Interim Government possesses in microscopic quantities and our hapless population is forced to “equitably share the burden and pain.”   Vinaka BainiMahendra you should be giving advice to Tony Robbins on motivational speaking. I don’t seem to recall being in league with the perpetrators of the 2006 coup that I should have to carry the burden with that lot?

I’m sure that if St. Michael spoke he would agree with the popular sentiment that “Voltaire” and the “Interim Government” backed the wrong horse. 

Mais ca c’est mon avis…..La force dans le nombres? Voltaire, Dieu a indiqué que, vous êtes fou!!

Translated as: But that’s my opinion…..Strength in numbers? Voltaire, God said fuggedaboutit u crazy!!