INCREASING REPORTS OF 'CHRISTIAN' EXPLOITATION OF TSUNAMI. WashPost has an article in today's edition of a "Christian" outfit out of Forest, Va., that recently snatched 300 Indonesian orphans out of Aceh province to raise as "Christians." The article concludes with a single paragraph referencing Samaritan's Purse out of Boone, N.C.: "It sparked international controversy by openly mixing evangelization with its relief work after Hurricane Mitch in Central America in 1998 and the U.S. invasion of Iraq last year." Adding that Franklin Graham is denying any such lack of "mutuality" this time in Indonesia.

"Mutuality" is a term being bandied about these days in describing the respect -- or lack of same -- being shown by "missioners" like Samaritan's Purse in an exploitable "mission field" (think harvest-ready grain there for the taking). This blog by United Church of Christ seminarian Chuck Currie criticizes Franklin Graham for lacking any sense of mutuality.

But hey! God sends you the blessing of a major disaster, and whaddya gonna do? Say no to reaping the proceeds?