Actually, I find (as did Jesus) that Vernon's legalistic, Pharisaic
rigidity of belief, followed by denigration of those who do not share his
rigidity, is the bigger "cancer that weakens...roots of...faith." It also
admits a constricted view of God's abilities. As an antidote to this hard
heartedness, I would like to recommend a wonderful new book by Dallas
Williard, The Divine Conspiracy. I particularly recommend the second
section of the book that deals with Jesus' sermon on the mount and the
beatitudes.
Cheers,
Steve