A grieving son finds no justice on Rev. Maury Davis' path to redemption

A compelling, well written story. Too bad the victim's family can't sue the b*ast*rd into poverty. Sociopathic behavior can take many forms. Too bad there are so many gullible people in our state that attend a church led by a stone cold killer.

Redemption is something Christian believers affirm. Regarding Nashville Scene anti-redemption piece about Rev. Davis, it's par for the course for the Scene's campaign against traditional religion. Davis was a bad teenager on hard drugs when he murdered in Texas. Now he is good. He has redeemed himself in the biblical sense and in the secular sense. In the almost 35 years since his offense, he has been born again. He has turned his drug-crazed youth years around and helped others do the same. Many of the folks attending his church are ex-cons and ex-prostitutes and have been helped by Rev. Davis. He and his members erect buildings in Kenya and do building maintenance for local public school. The Nashville Scene's hate campaign in the Pith column and in articles is consistent in its distain for born again believers. That is politically correct. If the Scene's hate was directed toward p.c. issues, there would be a media backlash. It's considered okay to bash conservative Christians. It's great that the Scene has promoted forgiveness and reconciliation with death row felons.It's hypocritical that your left-wing liberal politics inspire you to a double standard on this particular conservative felon, whose politics you don't agree. Rev. Maury Davis is today "known for his brash style ad conservative theology" you say in the article. At least you give a clue in mentioning that, of your agenda against traditional Christianity. Bless you.

Although seemingly one sided, this was a well written and informative story. I was horrified at to learn the events of the murder. While I was a little concerned that the story seemed to be aimed against Mr. Davis from the beginning, I also had to wonder why he was unwilling to speak with the reporter. As a conservative Christian I believe true redemption/forgiveness comes with open honesty. Open honesty comes with versions from all sides not just one (as in Mr. Davis' CDs). I'm sure he does much good in his current ministries and has changed many lives. But, wouldn't it be great if he would offer up an honest apology or an honest explanation to the family whose lives he really changed forever?

This report seems a bit one sided against Maury. Nothing is posted about the good that he does. I would expect that an editor would repuire the reporter to research the topic prior to providing a one sided story. Research does not mean a megar attempt to interview the person that is on the media chopping block. I guess there is nothing to report on more important than a crime that was commited 35 years ago. This man served his time. What gives you the right to judge. How about one on how our President is doing with his empty promises.

Im with Maury, I would not talk to any reporter on a case that is 35 years old for some good old media slamming. The editor has received my letter as well. Is there nothing this paper can do but look back 35 years to slam someone who has done only good for the last years. I am on the other side of the story and know for a fact he saved my brothers life. This is just one example of the good works this man is responsible for. We all may be his flock but none are simply sheep that follow blindly.I am pretty new to the area, but not new to Maury Davis. I wonder how those in your paper would fair under the microscope you put this man under. I can understand why I have not seen this paper anywhere. Good luck on future stories. I can see you will need it with the reporters that are on staff.

I am a Christian and I do believe that if you sin and you ask God for forgiveness, whole heartedly, that God will forgive you. I do NOT believe, that this makes you an example to follow. In no way should Rev. Davis be in a position to influence so many souls. God is not suppose to be "big business". There is no reason that he should be living in a million dollar home. Obviously, someone has been holding out during the offerings. With the way that his story turned out and his luck, I wouldn't doubt if he sold his soul to the devil. He is, after all, a murderer.

my family went to this church for a while when i was a teenager, and though they consider themselves very conservative christians, they are not hateful people and had no interest in raising children in a hateful church. maury's venom proved too much and they sought congregation elsewhere. good for them. maury has done quite well for himself building a church almost solely on his redemption story and a virulent steam of invective, especially against homosexuals. his cleanliness in the eyes of the lord aside, i'm glad the real-world consequences of his actions are finally being laid out for all to see. good work, brantley.

Brandi, you are speaking out of ignorance here. Pastor Davis' brother is a homebuilder and built his home for the cost of materials. I believe the article even states his home is worth around $1 million--he didn't pay that. Should he live in a mobile home? He is the pastor of a large church, after all. He gets no money from either the offering or the CD, DVD, or subscription service to access sermons through Maury Davis Ministries. It funds ministry with 100% of it's profits. His income is from a set salary and isnt based on what the church collects. What a sad, sad piece of trash the Nashville Scene is to try to discredit someone who has done so much good after such a horrible past. What good has the Scene ever done? Any community service or just publishing ads for "adult services" and the like. I hope people can see through the slanted tone of the article and realize that the true focus should be on what has happened in Maury Davis' life since he was 18 and not just the sensational facts of the crime committed. That's why he never elaborated on it--he knew people would focus on the crime and not the miracle of grace, forgiveness and restoration that occurred after it. I hope I'm not ever summarily judged on my actions as an 18-year-old--would you want to be?

Havethefacts,
I don't believe it is Brandi speaking out of ignorance but you! No matter who built the home, it still cost a lot of money. Just think of the upkeep of such a house.

I am so thankful to the Scene for finally telling the rest of the story. I have heard Maury's testimony and boy does he paint a different picture. I always wondered about the person (and who would have ever known it was a 54 yr old Sunday School teacher!) and how their poor family felt knowing the killer was leading 3000 people in Nashville. Maury never elaborated on it because he didn't want people to know he was such a cold blooded killer. You reference the miracle of grace. I don't consider having an insider on the jury a miracle of grace. Too bad the attorney from his church didn't get to go to jail with Maury. I wonder if McDaniel got any money from the Davis family? I believe pastors should be held to a higher standard and he certainly doesn't meet it. It is awesome that he has asked for forgiveness and received it because we have a loving GOD. But in NO way, should he ever prosper from the crime he has committed and that is exactly what he is doing. I feel sorry for all those people who listen to him each week and pray at some point, they will see the light.

My family began attending Cornerstone when I was only in 6th grade. Our first service was one in which the attendance jumped from 400 to 800, or so I heard. That's when services were held in what is now the youth room, or it was the last time I was there anyway. Apparently at the time though, in 1996, the church was in revival, and we as a family were drawn in. We had not attended church of any kind since I had been a very small child. And since then, our family had undergone several various traumatic experiences. Cornerstone Church offered a place for God to heal and prosper our broken family. My parents joined the choir and my brother and I were active in the youth group. And somehow, if only for a short time, our family was far less disfunctional. I have no doubt in my mind that at that time, the presence of Cornerstone Church and the ministries therein provided much stability and hope for mine and my family's life. We as a family attended church there, and were very active, until my parent's divorce my senior year. However, even when my family began slowing in attendance, I stayed very involved. After high school, I moved away and ended up going to an intense Christian discipleship program called Master's Commission, without which, I wouldn't be who and where I am today. All of this would've never been possible without the influence of Cornerstone and the generosity the leadership provided to me. Going there as a teenager really did change the course of my life. And for that I will always be grateful.
Since I've grown up, I no longer attend Cornerstone, nor do any of my family members. While I agree with some of his messages, Pastor Davis is more conservative and brash than I can really stand to listen to for any length of time. Not that God doesn't continue to work through him, it's just not the place for me anymore.
I do believe that Pastor Davis is a very influential figure in the Nashville area. And I believe that because of his faithfulness to the furthering of God's kingdom, that many souls, thousands I'm sure, have come to know the Lord as their personal Savior. But saying that because of the murder he committed at 18, he shouldn't be in a position of such influence at 53, well I'd rather leave that judgement to God. And while as an adult now I may find myself disagreeing with many of the internal activities of Cornerstone, involving money especially, I would in no way would downplay the difference God has made through Cornerstone and Pastor Davis in so many people's lives throughout the world, including my own.
I can sympathize with the still grieving Liles family. I can't imagine the pain of such a horrific tragedy. It is definitely not one of those things you can ever really get over. And the unfortunate death was in no way an exchange for the salvation of Pastor Davis. However, I can't deny that God has made what was meant for evil and turned it for good. I sit here today, knowing full and well that I probably would not be alive right now had it not been for this church's ministry to me personally. And I know I'm far from the extreme of broken lives that have walked in those doors, only to come out a new person. While living in Texas and only hearing about lives being changed in Tennessee doesn't necessarily make up for the loss the Liles family endured, I hope it can at least bring some sort of peace from God, in spite of the pain, and I pray that it does.

My family began attending Cornerstone when I was only in 6th grade. Our first service was one in which the attendance jumped from 400 to 800, or so I heard. That's when services were held in what is now the youth room, or it was the last time I was there anyway. Apparently at the time though, in 1996, the church was in revival, and we as a family were drawn in. We had not attended church of any kind since I had been a very small child. And since then, our family had undergone several various traumatic experiences. Cornerstone Church offered a place for God to heal and prosper our broken family. My parents joined the choir and my brother and I were active in the youth group. And somehow, if only for a short time, our family was far less disfunctional. I have no doubt in my mind that at that time, the presence of Cornerstone Church and the ministries therein provided much stability and hope for mine and my family's life. We as a family attended church there, and were very active, until my parent's divorce my senior year. However, even when my family began slowing in attendance, I stayed very involved. After high school, I moved away and ended up going to an intense Christian discipleship program called Master's Commission, without which, I wouldn't be who and where I am today. All of this would've never been possible without the influence of Cornerstone and the generosity the leadership provided to me. Going there as a teenager really did change the course of my life. And for that I will always be grateful.
Since I've grown up, I no longer attend Cornerstone, nor do any of my family members. While I agree with some of his messages, Pastor Davis is more conservative and brash than I can really stand to listen to for any length of time. Not that God doesn't continue to work through him, it's just not the place for me anymore.
I do believe that Pastor Davis is a very influential figure in the Nashville area. And I believe that because of his faithfulness to the furthering of God's kingdom, that many souls, thousands I'm sure, have come to know the Lord as their personal Savior. But saying that because of the murder he committed at 18, he shouldn't be in a position of such influence at 53, well I'd rather leave that judgement to God. And while as an adult now I may find myself disagreeing with many of the internal activities of Cornerstone, involving money especially, I would in no way would downplay the difference God has made through Cornerstone and Pastor Davis in so many people's lives throughout the world, including my own.
I can sympathize with the still grieving Liles family. I can't imagine the pain of such a horrific tragedy. It is definitely not one of those things you can ever really get over. And the unfortunate death was in no way an exchange for the salvation of Pastor Davis. However, I can't deny that God has made what was meant for evil and turned it for good. I sit here today, knowing full and well that I probably would not be alive right now had it not been for this church's ministry to me personally. And I know I'm far from the extreme of broken lives that have walked in those doors, only to come out a new person. While living in Texas and only hearing about lives being changed in Tennessee doesn't necessarily make up for the loss the Liles family endured, I hope it can at least bring some sort of peace from God, in spite of the pain, and I pray that it does.

Pastor Davis committed a horrible crime. This he has never denied. He has asked for forgiveness and done the time required by the State of Texas. The "Scene" has given not evidence that he has committed any crimes or acts since his release that would indicate that Pastor Davis is not in-fact a model citizen. Additionally, The "Scene" has chosen to omit from their story any mention of the many good works he is responsible for through his ministry.

A responsible reporter would have covered both have of the story. It appears the "Scene" is looking to bash someone that doesn't agree with their views.

Hello Mr. Hargrove…..
Let me say, at the outset that I am not a member of Cornerstone Church; have never attended there; don’t know Pastor Davis personally although I have seen him preach and heard his testimony and most important of all, I am a Disciple of Christ or what some may refer to as….. a Christian. I read your article with great interest, concern and curiosity and write in response to those points.

While it is my understanding that the Nashville Scene is considered by many to be a liberal media news source, I pick it up when the opportunity presents itself although I am not a liberal nor am I a republican or Democrat. I read your paper because it adds a unique flavor to life in Nashville; I read your paper even though I disagree with much of what is published and I read your paper because I gain a better understanding of some of what I see in the world. The flavor of this article however is mysterious and bitter, very bitter and it is for this reason that I write as I’d like to know why.

The 1st point that I would like to address comes from my concern for you based on the written word of God found in Psalms 105:15 & 1 Chronicles 16:22 where both statements admonish the reader not to touch God’s anointed. I challenge you to consider that warning & not ignore it. There are several statements in your article that clearly show that you have an issue with Pastor Davis; have challenges with God’s forgiveness of him and likely have issues with the place that he is now in. This perspective is expressed in your comment that begins with “Yet in the eyes of the few who know the whole story…”. While it may be an aspect of the human condition to doubt, question and even envy others it is a dangerous line to cross and remain when it comes to those that God has selected. It is dangerous because the defamation of those that God justifies says God did something wrong and that leads down a path that no human needs to travel.

The 2nd point I’d like to address is actually a question… What More Do You Want? The man did his time, for his crime but it does not appear that you are satisfied with the outcome. Should the rest of his life be relegated to a state of destitution, poverty and continual recollection of the crime he committed? Should he not be able to advance beyond the status in life that Mr. Liles or you agree to? I refer you to Mr. Liles statement that begins with “Had he gone to a small town and a small farming community,” where he makes his envy clear however the statement is very inaccurate. If I understand Mr. Liles position, he’s OK with Pastor Davis serving as a minister, but not with wealth. Being one that does not believe in coincidences I recommend that you consider the circumstances that lead to Maury Davis being released and when you do you will quickly see that it was God who set him free, even after man locked him up. Pastor Davis is not the 1st person from Nashville that has been locked up for murder then set free and written about in a national publication. That being the case, what irks you so in this instance?

The 3rd and last point that I would like to share with you is WHY? What prompted you to pen this article and what pushed the leadership of your paper to publish it because this is clearly a concerted effort to go after this man? Yes he killed a person and for that society punished him and released him however God has used him to reduce the number of people to follow the path he took; aid those who have suffered the loss of murder and death and far much more. While we cannot justify the taking of one human life by the number of others that continuation, God can and you referred to this at the beginning of your article where you state, and I quote “Pastor Davis says he's been forgiven for his sins. Washed in the blood, you might say. After all, who can argue with God?”. After reading the rest of the article I have to wonder if you penned those words out of Sincerity and Truth or Sarcasms and Sinicism. Having acknowledged the sovereignty of God I am left with the question of WHY you continued with the article in the fashion and direction you took. Did Pastor Davis say something you did not like, take a position against something you believe in or do something so unfair to you that you found the need to swing at him in this fashion? One of the things I understood to be an aspect of liberalism is the acceptance of all, i.e. live and let live however this article seems to seek a jail cell for someone who overcome the cell he was in, at the hands of God. That being the case, which it is, I quote you, who can argue God? As I read your article I guess you can and that my friend is not a wise move.

Hello Mr. Hargrove…..
Let me say, at the outset that I am not a member of Cornerstone Church; have never attended there; don’t know Pastor Davis personally although I have seen him preach and heard his testimony and most important of all, I am a Disciple of Christ or what some may refer to as….. a Christian. I read your article with great interest, concern and curiosity and write in response to those points.

While it is my understanding that the Nashville Scene is considered by many to be a liberal media news source, I pick it up when the opportunity presents itself although I am not a liberal nor am I a republican or Democrat. I read your paper because it adds a unique flavor to life in Nashville; I read your paper even though I disagree with much of what is published and I read your paper because I gain a better understanding of some of what I see in the world. The flavor of this article however is mysterious and bitter, very bitter and it is for this reason that I write as I’d like to know why.

The 1st point that I would like to address comes from my concern for you based on the written word of God found in Psalms 105:15 & 1 Chronicles 16:22 where both statements admonish the reader not to touch God’s anointed. I challenge you to consider that warning & not ignore it. There are several statements in your article that clearly show that you have an issue with Pastor Davis; have challenges with God’s forgiveness of him and likely have issues with the place that he is now in. This perspective is expressed in your comment that begins with “Yet in the eyes of the few who know the whole story…”. While it may be an aspect of the human condition to doubt, question and even envy others it is a dangerous line to cross and remain when it comes to those that God has selected. It is dangerous because the defamation of those that God justifies says God did something wrong and that leads down a path that no human needs to travel.

The 2nd point I’d like to address is actually a question… What More Do You Want? The man did his time, for his crime but it does not appear that you are satisfied with the outcome. Should the rest of his life be relegated to a state of destitution, poverty and continual recollection of the crime he committed? Should he not be able to advance beyond the status in life that Mr. Liles or you agree to? I refer you to Mr. Liles statement that begins with “Had he gone to a small town and a small farming community,” where he makes his envy clear however the statement is very inaccurate. If I understand Mr. Liles position, he’s OK with Pastor Davis serving as a minister, but not with wealth. Being one that does not believe in coincidences I recommend that you consider the circumstances that lead to Maury Davis being released and when you do you will quickly see that it was God who set him free, even after man locked him up. Pastor Davis is not the 1st person from Nashville that has been locked up for murder then set free and written about in a national publication. That being the case, what irks you so in this instance?

The 3rd and last point that I would like to share with you is WHY? What prompted you to pen this article and what pushed the leadership of your paper to publish it because this is clearly a concerted effort to go after this man? Yes he killed a person and for that society punished him and released him however God has used him to reduce the number of people to follow the path he took; aid those who have suffered the loss of murder and death and far much more. While we cannot justify the taking of one human life by the number of others that continuation, God can and you referred to this at the beginning of your article where you state, and I quote “Pastor Davis says he's been forgiven for his sins. Washed in the blood, you might say. After all, who can argue with God?”. After reading the rest of the article I have to wonder if you penned those words out of Sincerity and Truth or Sarcasms and Sinicism. Having acknowledged the sovereignty of God I am left with the question of WHY you continued with the article in the fashion and direction you took. Did Pastor Davis say something you did not like, take a position against something you believe in or do something so unfair to you that you found the need to swing at him in this fashion? One of the things I understood to be an aspect of liberalism is the acceptance of all, i.e. live and let live however this article seems to seek a jail cell for someone who overcome the cell he was in, at the hands of God. That being the case, which it is, I quote you, who can argue God? As I read your article I guess you can and that my friend is not a wise move.

People who reject Christ can't understand the forgiveness that would set a killer free from what he's done. In truth, we're all guilty in Sin and enemies of a Holy God until we repent and believe. If you think you're better in God's eyes than a killer on death row then you're basing that judgement more on a contrived human scale than the way God really looks at man. It's very humbling when you understand His Law and your own condition.

I wish you had explained what attempts Maury Davis has made to reconcile with the victim's son. That would paint a more accurate view of where his heart really is.

The article is definitely agenda driven and one sided. I've read more nuanced features in your pages.

Why does the Nashville Scene and this reporter choose to drag up an incident that occurred 35 years ago? What do you have against Pastor Davis? Is it because he and Cornerstone Church actually stand up for what the Bible says and dare to oppose the ideals and positions of today's sick and twisted society? I'm sure that everyone has done things that they are not proud of in their lifetime and that we all prefer not to have the details spread across the media.

Pastor Davis has not tried to hide his past. He remains truly repentant and realizes that in spite of his actions, God still loves him and has given him full forgiveness. Apparently, Mr. Liles has chosen not to forgive, which, should he decide to never waiver from that choice, will prevent him from being forgiven by God for his own sins. If you don't believe that people, try reading your Bible--it's in there!

By the way, Mr. Hargrove, God knows your heart and what your motives are in writing this article. It doesn't matter if you ever reveal that to anyone else--you will have to answer to Him for that on Judgement Day. But just my opinion, I would suggest that you seek forgiveness, too. Because the way I interpret your article, you are guilty of judging someone yourself.

One word: disgusting. If this story is correct, it appears that Murray Davis, has and continues to, exploit the gruesome murder he committed. He understands that the road to success is paved by religion. He's profited hugely from that murder. And he claims God has forgiven him? Who is he to make such a claim? And how does God's forgiveness justify his message of hate and intolerance? Who is he to cast such stones? Seriously people this is insane. If someone chopped off your mother's head,then claimed to have received God's forgiveness and made millions by exploiting it, would you give him your devotion and your money?

wow, what is the point of all of this? I don't understand how some people can admittedly state that they are Christians in their comments and lash out at this man. Do you not read your Bible at all? Because if you did then you would realize that Paul, the writer of 13 epistles in the New Testament and possibly even Hebrews (from which I'm sure almost everyone has heard a sermon from), was a terrible persecutor of early followers of Jesus. Paul was once called Saul of Tarsus, a man that killed Christians on a daily basis and was converted and redeemed on the road to Damascus where he was on his way to kill more Christians. Don't believe me, open your Bible! Acts 9... Tell me why this man Davis can't take his testament and minister to others. If he was a false minister and teaching the children of God wrongly then persecute him, but not because he is a redeemed murderer. Paul was a redeemed murderer as well but somehow since he's in the Bible we somehow look past those details. This article and these comments are not the point! Get real, the time it took to write the article and the many comments, including mine, could have been better spent furthering the kingdom of heaven in better ways other than discussing this man.

When I saw the knife in the Bible cover of the Scene today my first thought was 'why on earth would any business want to advertise in this hate filled paper'. Read the story and did about 50 seconds o google to discover the reason the writer of this story, Brantley Hargrove, didn't have any direct quotes from Rev. Davis. He DID NOT do his own research. Why Not? Because he STOLE this story from the Dallas Morning News written April 22, 2009 by Diane Jennings. djennings@dallasnews.com. Now he didn't steal the whole story because it wouldn't have met with his hateful Christian bashing agenda. (There's a lot of joy in hate). Diane Jennings story doesn't paint the best picture of Davis either but it isn't sensational and does allow some perspective... AND actually has direct quotes from Davis' audio testimony that can found on his website; "I did something heinous, not just awful," says Davis, who slit the throat of 54-year-old Jo Ella Liles in broad daylight in a peaceful middle-class Irving neighborhood in 1975. "Unless you go to a Charles Manson level, it's out there." Link: Maury Davis Ministries. There is also a little insight on how Davis did reach out to the Lileses in Diane Jenning's ORIGINAL story; http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/047909dnmetkillerpastor.3d02476.html

I have no desire to go to this church, never met this Pastor but I've known for years that he is an ex-con who murdered via some transformed souls (needing a lot of grace) who do attend Cornerstone and love the man. This kind of one sided writing is so common and one sided (typical of the Scene). It is obviously lacking the whole truth but it tells an ugly delicious story about a conservative, ex-con that grew a mega church and lives in an expensive house. After reading this crap of a story I looked at the Scene's cover and it reminds me of what my liberal friends love to say about conservatives - 'Brantley Hargrove and the Scene have no soul.'

I went to Cornerstone. I went for several years and I believe that it acts like a cult. Case in point...There was a guy that went there that had brain cancer. He was terminal and was given a few months to live. His doctor knew that in his day, we smoked pot, and told him that if he wanted to smoke pot to help with the headaches, that he didn't see a problem with that. So the man with cancer went home and smoked pot. One day, while doing so, a woman from the church came over and saw him. She told people at the church what she saw him doing. THEY KICKED THIS MAN OUT OF CHURCH. They told a dying man not to come back. I know this to be fact. My question is this - why was it not ok for this man to continue going to church because he smoked pot but it is ok for a self professed killer to lead these people in worship? I also know from experience that they have asked older people in the church with little to no family to leave their homes to the church in their wills and I know of one lady that did so. I dare anyone to tell me that these things didn't happen. I know that they did. I WAS THERE!

Havethefacts... I do not believe I am the ignorant one. I went to Cornerstone for a long time and I have heard Rev. Davis story (over and over because it is the only one he has). I speak from first hand experience. When I was in high school, I went to a private Christian school and we went to Cornerstone on Wednesday nights for service. Once church members found out where my little group was from, we started being treated differently. They tried show us the oohs and aahs that are Cornerstone. THEY ARE ABOUT MONEY. Everyone wants to slam the writer and the Nashville Scene for the story. If you don't like it, don't read it. At least they filled people in on what Rev. Davis left out. In case you missed it HE LIED!!! There were no drugs found. Where were all these hard drugs? Someone on drugs doesn't try to cover their tracks as well. I have done my research on this case (that means used references other than the Scene)Oh, and havethefacts, I would have made up a fact name too. I wouldn't want people knowing that I go there.

WOW!!!! NOW I KNOW WHY YOU HAVE TO GIVE YOUR PAPER AWAY, BECAUSE I DON"T THINK YOU WOULD SELL VERY MANY, MAYBE YOUR ADVERTISERS SHOULD TAKE A CLOSER LOOK WHERE THEY SPEND THERE MONEY.

How can anyone be ok with this man? Just because he has done good now doesn't mean his past should be erased! He slit the woman's throat! And, unless they are lying, the son says he never even apologized to him..even AFTER he supposedly found God. And he has at least 2 homes, one here and one on the beach somewhere...and those 3000 people from his church are paying for them! I wonder if the statutes has ran out for the family to sue him in a civil suit! Disgusting.

In response to Appalled:
Mr. Liles did lie! Pastor Davis has made numerous attempts to apologize and has the physical proof to back this up. He has copies of emails and letters he has sent, asking to meet with the Liles family so that he can apologize to them personally, and this can be documented if anyone chooses to truly do their homework.
And if you check the original police report, you can find proof of what was actually found in the investigation. Don't rely on the memory of some police officer who is now in his 70's. Can any of you remember every detail correctly of something that happened 35 years ago? I'll bet you can't!
I, for one, am a very proud member of Cornerstone and have been for the last 18 years. Please don't call me misguided or say you feel sorry for me. Just remember that Jesus himself said, "Judge not, lest you be judged."
As a Christian, I will pray for those of you who choose to criticize and make comments based out of ignorance, especially you, Mr. Hargrove. There are several incorrect facts in your article-my advice is next time, really do your homework and write your own material. Copying someone else's work is like cheating in school!

The question of forgiveness and God's grace is a separate question from leadership in the Church. If Mr. Davis was truly repentant, then I've no doubt that God would grant forgiveness for his crime. At the same time, I have to wonder at the state of someone's soul who would pursue a very public ministry, founded upon a redemption story that pours acid in the wounds of the very people he claims he's tried to apologize to. The best apology would be to remove oneself from such public ministry. Prison ministry might be appropriate.

As a Christian first and also a retired police officer who served 30 years on the Metro Nashville Police Department, I want everyone to know that I have been a member of Cornerstone Church for 15 years. I am blessed to be able to call Pastor Davis my pastor and spiritual leader. I knew his entire story before ever stepping through the doors of the church, but that did not cause me to question his salvation or God's forgiveness for what he did. And I can personally testify how his ministry truly changes lives, because it changed mine.

In my years on the police force, I saw the results of many brutal crimes, some of which were far too graphic to detail here, which is the approach Mr. Hargrove should have taken. What good has it done anyone today to relive this horrible crime? But then, Satan, who the Bible calls "the accuser of the brethren" never passes up an opportunity to strike a blow against God's kingdom and His children. And this paper is obviously one of Satan's tools, because of all the ungodly lifestyles and political agendas that it supports.

The details of the police investigation indicate that this was not a pre-meditated crime. If this is true, then how is it any more heinous than a woman who make a pre-meditated decision to abort a baby? If left to grow to full term and complete the birth process, that baby becomes a human life and a child of God. If aborted, that God-given life has no opportunity to become the person that God intended it to be. And just so you know, God also extends forgiveness for that sin, as well--you just have to ask Him.

I am really not concerned with those who decided Cornerstone is not the place for them; everyone should go where the Holy Spirit calls them, but you don't need to harbor bitterness or pass judgment on others. I know in my heart that God called me and my wife to Cornerstone, and again, I say that I am proud to have Pastor Maury Davis as my pastor.

To Jody:

If you are a Christian, then you would probably believe that God is sovereign and knows all. He knows the past, present and future. So don't you think that He knew and planned Pastor Davis's future and destiny when He forgave him? If God ordains a ministry, then it will prosper, no matter what the world tries to do to squelch it. If He didn't want Pastor Davis to become the leader and man of God he is today, then please explain how our church just keeps growing.

The Bible speaks clearly about what happens to those who come against God's anointed--you might want to read up on that.

The southern gothic spookiness in here is damn near suffocating.

Kathy - Islam is growing and growing too; does that mean God has ordained Islam to prosper? Just because someone has followers doesn't mean that they have favor with God. I don't know Pastor Davis's heart, but prosperity doesn't always mean one is doing right. God causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

BTW, Jody is also one of God's anointed, ordained to preach the Gospel. I think you will find he is well-read when it comes to the Bible. Perhaps you should heed your own advice?

Kathy,

I make no assumptions about Mr. Davis' salvation or standing before God. In fact, I said I was certain God would forgive someone who's truly repentant. I however, would say that success is no guarantor of faithfulness; you direct me to "read up on that," I'm familiar with the scriptures. I might suggest that a look at recent headlines and the history of charismatic religious figures would be instructive. Many have had great numerical success only to be exposed as unfaithful or fraudulent in some way--there are plenty of examples over the past year alone. I have no idea whether Mr. Davis fits into this category and don't pretend to, but pointing to numbers is, if anything, begging the question of whether people are having their ears tickled (that's in the Bible too by the way). Pointing to numerical success to prove faithfulness has some negative consequences. For example, the largest Christian Church in the world today, by numbers, is the Roman Catholic Church--and while I'm guessing, I'd say that Mr. Davis doesn't believe them to be faithful in all particulars of the faith. Likewise with Mormonism. From what I know of Mr. Davis, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t agree with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and yet, theirs is one of the most rapidly growing flocks at present. And, while the Christian faith is still the largest single religion in the world, Islam is not far behind--do numbers prove the truth of Islam? I'm afraid it will take more than pointing to "success"(whatever is meant by that) to demonstrate faithfulness. To emphasize numbers as a determiner of faithfulness is, I think, to be sucked into the error of the prosperity gospel, which is of course, no gospel at all.

But I was not attempting to deal directly with the question of faithfulness, but something else. Call it charity or humility. To the extent that my point had anything to do with the success of Cornerstone Church or Mr. Davis, it does so only in reference to the pain such a public ministry must cause to the family of Mr. Davis' victim. God certainly forgives, but forgiveness requires repentance and true repentance leads to restitution for ones actions, not to society only, but as far as possible to those one has wronged. From my perspective, however flawed, the pursuit of such celebrity is nothing less than a furthering of the violent act against this family perpetrated all those years ago. It is, you see, not so much about Mr. Davis, as it is about his victim's family, in particular her son, Mr. Liles. While we might claim and hope that, as Christians, we would be happy to see the murderer of one of our relatives reformed and preaching the Gospel, should we not also, as Christians, ask ourselves what the charitable and loving thing for the family is in this situation? As a Christian, would it be loving for me to pursue any career that placed the fact of my success continually in front of those I had wronged? Consider how much worse it would be to have such success based upon the very evil I had perpetrated, even on the fact of its forgiveness? The example of John Newton might be illustrative here. Newton came to repent of his involvement in the slave trade and was ordained. He, however, pursued humility and poverty in the midst of his ministry in order to make restitution.

To flaunt the forgiveness of God in a way that causes such pain to another human being is, I think, to beg the question about the appropriateness of such a ministry, since it seems that the ministry is at a basic level, based upon what amounts to a constant emotional assault rather than the love of neighbor.

The Apostle Paul once counseled Christians to refrain from eating meat offered to idols to avoid making others stumble. I wonder what salutatory effect Mr. Davis’ ministry has had for Mr. Liles?

I want to reiterate, that I am in no way suggesting that there is no room for Mr. Davis to function in ministry, but rather that it is the manner and foundation of that ministry that seems to call it into question—it is not my place to answer that question, but to ask it. The only people who can answer it (especially in a congregational polity) will be the people of God when properly informed and exercising spiritual discernment. To that end, I want to thank the Nashville Scene for this article.

Cody,

Amen to that. Too bad there isn't an O'Connor or Percy around when you need one.

we n9nashville are soo tired of hearing the same story over and over. whoever wrote this get a clue,its like retelling the cinderella story for years and years.honestly,i'd rather be entertained by tom and jerry!or mickey mouse heck maybe the saw series!lol but you obviously have a disperate attempt to save your job,so you tell the same story every other reporter has told. what person you know has commeted crimes?exactly!lol who cares,no pastor likes the idea of homosexuality,but how can you stoop to this level and in return judge a man who commeted a crime almost 40 years ago?lololololol you are so back in the day! you need help lol.hey i got a new story for you.why dont you write about tupac or biggie,or laranna bobbit who castrated her husband? at least it was more trecent. hey i say get off maury davis,he does more for nashville than nashville scene.or any other nashville church heck you know so much about him ,you too must have been real close?who knows anyway.why dont you and your family go to their 4th ofjuly service.we are at least they offer something free besides slander and advice! well would love to keep chatting but i gotta get my sleep on!.ttyl doll face!or chucky lol

maurydavisministries.com

I WILL NOT ETERTAIN THIS FOOLISHNESS MUCH LONGER! OPIONS ARE LIKE BUTTHOLES EVERYONE HAS ONE! SO WHAT THE MAN HAD SKELITONS IN HIS CLOSET SO DOES EMINIM LOL AND ALL THE REST OF THE WORLD THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK ON MAURY DAVIS THIS IS ANOTHER ATTACK ON CHRISTIANS AND DAVIS IS THE PIECE YOU TRYING TO USE ,WATCH IT BUDDY BECAUSE A CHECK MATE COULD KNOCK YOU OUT THE BOX! NOT TO MENTION I WOULDNT MEET WITH A REPORTER WHO SLANDERS FOR A LIVING,THATS LIKE A DOG WALKING INTO A POUND TO GET SLAUGHTERED,EXECT THIS MAN IS A AWESOME GUY WHO MADE MISTAKES AS A YOUNGIN. HE PAID DEBT TO SOCIETY .SO DONT ATTACK HIM! JUST BECAUSE YOU IN YOUR TREACHEROUS HEART WOULD LOVE TO KILL HIM.FINANCIALLY,MENTALLY,EMOTIONALL AND PHYSICALLY,DANG WHAT DO YOU KNOW YOURE BEHAVIOR PORTRAYS A MURDERER,TRYING TO DESTROY SOMEONE ELSES LIFE.THIS MAN DOESNT OWE YOU AN EXPLANATION AND TALKING ABOUT IT WILL NOT GIVE YOU OR HIM CONSTILLATION. THIS SUBJUCT IS ABOUT FORGIVENESS. AND IF THAT FAMILY CANT FIND FORGIVENESS IN THEIR HEART THEN THEY DONT HAVE A HEART. I LOST SOMEONE AND COULD SIT AND BLAME BUT YOU CAUSE PAIN ON YOUR OWN HEART! THAT PERSON IS NOT COMING BACK YOU HAVE TO MOVE ON AND ALLOW THEM TO HEAL FROM A BROKEN PAST .SO I WILL SAY THIS NONE OF US IS ANY BETTER THAN REV.DAVIS. THEY LET HIM OUT OF PRISON EVEN WHEN HE FACED THE REALITY HE WOULD NEVER GET OUT THE GRACE OF GOD GOT HIM OUT NO DOUBT!OH AND HE NEVER LIED AND SAID HE DIDNT DO IT.THE FAMILY REFUSES TO PERSONALLY TALK WITH THEM SO OH WELL.WHAT ARE YOU ALL TRYING TO DO MAKE THAT FAMILY CELBS OR SOMETHING?IF THEY CHOOSE TO GRIEVE LET THEM DO IT IN PIECE BECAUSE YOU ARE HURTING THE VICTIMS FAMILY EVERYTIME YOU BRING THIS UP AND THAT,MY DEAR, IS JUST WRONG TO MAKE THEM RE-LIVE THAT OVER AND OVER AT YOUR EXPENSE/ATTENTION.SO MY ADVICE DROP IT HUN!

W O W ! IT DOESNT TAKE ROCKET SCIENCE TO SEE WHAT THIS FAIRY TALES ABOUT.ONCE I SAW THE STABBED BIBLE I KNEW IMMEDIATELY! WHY ELSE WOULD YOU CHOOSE THAT PIC???????????
BESIDES I SAW A WELL KNOWN PASTORS NAME! YEAH IT WAS OBVIOUS ANOTHER DESPERATE CRY AGAINST CHRISTIANS,WORD OF GOD,AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS! YOU KNOW THIS MAN ALMOST NEVER TELLS HIS TESTIMONY ONLY EVERY OTHER YEAR SO HOW CAN ANYONE,ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO DO NOT ATTEND HIS CHURCH SAY HIS TEACHING ON HIS PAST IS HIS WAY TO FAME? YOU ALL ARE WAYYYY OFF!HE TEACH TH WORD! PERIOD! AND HAS SCRIPTURES TO BACK EVERYTHING HE TEACHES UP!YOU ALL ARE JEALOUS HATERS,THATS ALL!STABBING A BIBLE YOU REALLY THOUGHT YOU WOULD GET BACK TONS OF FEED BACK ID READ THE COMMICS BEFOR I WILL ANOTHER STORY FROM THIS AUTHOR OH WAT IF YOU WERE SLANDERED? TO THE SMART MOUTHS ALL ARE CALLED !NOT ALL ANSWER!ISLAM IS GROWING BECAUSE SELFISH PEOPLE ARE TO BUSY WORRING ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS MORE SO THAN LIFE NOW,SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND IDOTS WHO EMBRASS EVERYTHING.THEY KNOW WAT THEY BELIEVE IN AND WAT GOD.WHILE AMERICA IS CONFUSE CURIOUS,SINFUL ,JOKING,PARTING,AND DONT EVEN KNOW IF THEY BELIEVE IN A GOD!PS THE MAN HAS A GREAT WIFE AND CHILDREN SO WHO ARE YOU REALLY ATTACKING? INNOCENT PEOPLE. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED.BY THE WAY DIN THE BIBLE DAVID AND PAUL COMMETED MURDERS AND GOD USED THEM MIGHTYLY.ARGUE WITH THAT ALL YOU WANT!YOUR NO DIFFERENT BESIDES YOU DONT BELIVE IN ANYTHING SO YOU ATTACK OTHERS TO FILL YOUR HOLE THAT CAN ONLY BE FILLED WITH JESUS CHRIST THAT NAME THAT WHEN YOU SAY IT OR HEAR IT KEEPS YOU,MR.AUTHOR,QUIVERING! SO WE WILL LIFT YOU UP IN PRAYER AND HOPE FOR YOUR REDEMPYION!

I read this story and I read the story that the Scene "borrowed from" in the Dallas Morning News. I regularly attended Cornerstone for years. I know the good that the people of the church do for their community. The attack on Maury Davis is a blatant attempt by a liberal rag to make committed Christians look naive and hypocritical.
I don't know why so many Christians are taken back by the article. What would you expect the Scene to write? On the other hand, there are still some questions. If Davis is repentant and forgiven (and I have no reason to think that he is not), then why isn't grace extended to those who challenge his insecurities? I know of far too many good people who have been burned by David simply because they asked one too many questions.
As for Kathy’s comment equating "success" with God's favor, the people of Cornerstone are TOLD to gauge God's favor that way. This is why it takes a good 15 minutes to take the offering.
I believe that Maury loves the Lord. He has been blessed with a wonderful family. But he also knows how to get people to do what he wants by telling people what they want to hear when they want to hear it only to leave a trail of hurt when he doesn't follow through. He also uses his "authority" to get what he wants. I don't expect him to change.
If you attend Cornerstone, pray for your pastor and reach people with the loving arms of Christ. Contrary to what you have been taught, God doesn't love the "big" churches more than the "small" ones and money is not a measure of God's blessing. If you go to another church, pray for your pastor and reach people with the loving arms of Christ. Don't get entwined with the gossip. If you don't go to church, I can understand why. BUT don't base your opinion of God on the misadventures of His followers. Church is STILL a great place! Rediscover it!
Pray and ask God to do in the lives of the Liles family and the Davis family the things that only God can do. Healing and restoration are needed for BOTH parties!

PS. To the Christians who are posting comments...PLEASE spell check and grammar check what you write. You make the rest of us look stupid.

Well I have read enough, really was not going to make a comment, however as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I know I must. This story to the Spiritual Ear is not about Pastor Davis, it s truly a forum on God's Grace and Mercy. The real issue is not the facts of the crime, but the outcome of his crime. So in the light of truth this article is possibly one of the greatest sermons I have read in the Print Media. Man commits an awful murder and an all seeing all knowing all forgiving God forgives him and puts the message of Jesus on his lips to spread all over the world, and causes him to prosper and lead such a congregation. I say God Is Awesome, and I know then that I serve a God that is worth me giving my entire Life to, and can trust him with it. "Who Would Not Want To Serve A God Like That"

Matthew 5:P11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

It is obvious to me that no one would have a problem with Maury Davis were he not a Pastor to a mega-church. Ron Liles himself was quoted as saying, “Had he gone to a small town and a small farming community, and opened up a church and ministered to people in the backwoods, I might could buy that. But I don’t know very many ministers who live in million-dollar homes in gated communities.” He doesn’t care that Maury Davis is a minister, he just doesn’t like the fact that Maury Davis is prospering and lives in a nice home. The point being made over and over is about how much money Maury Davis has and what kind of house he lives in. Does it matter? Would it be better if he were poor? Would it help anyone? Would it comfort the Liles family? Somehow, I don’t think it would help them to have peace.

Bringing up this story now, so many years later, is just hurting the Liles family. Why do they continuously feel the need to re-live this tragedy? Ron Liles does not live in Nashville where he is bombarded with advertisements of Cornerstone Church. He chooses to watch. The article states, “Ron Liles watches him gesticulate and stroll across a stage, not from a pew, but on his computer screen in suburban Dallas, some 700 miles away from the church in Madison, Tenn., where the preacher tells this story of profound redemption”. Why does Ron Liles feel the need to watch Maury Davis online? The Liles family needs to heal, but how can they heal when they continuously re-open the wound? My advice to Ron Liles would be to stop watching Maury Davis on the internet, and try to find forgiveness in his heart, not for the benefit of Maury Davis, but for his own inner peace. Forgiving a person doesn’t help the person who wronged you, it helps YOU. Harboring unforgiveness hurts the person who carries it around, not the person who is unforgiven. Hating someone doesn’t hurt the person you hate. It hurts YOU. This family needs to try to accept what happened and ask God for healing and peace. There is nothing that can be done to bring back Jo Ella. What is done, is done. But the aftermath is that Ron Liles is not enjoying the life he has left, because he believes that justice was not served. Unfortunately life isn’t always fair. Lots of murderers get out of jail. I am sure that the families of those victims would prefer that the murderers never see the light of day, but the fact is, they do get out and go on to live their lives out in the world. Even with God’s forgiveness, Maury Davis will have to live with what he did for his entire life. If no one ever brought it up again, he would still remember it. The Liles family will not forget it either. But why not move on with the lives they have left. Life is short, too short to go around hurt and in pain over something that can’t be changed. Maybe they believe they could have peace if Maury Davis was executed or spent his whole life in jail. But why not reflect on the point that God took a horrific tragedy and made something good with it. If Maury Davis had spent his life in jail, there would be no Cornerstone Church. The lives that have been changed there and the lost souls that have found God there may have been lost forever. Which of theses do you think God would prefer, Maury spending his life in jail/being executed, or Maury saving people’s souls and doing God’s work?

I lost my parents to Cancer, but I can’t put Cancer in jail and watch it suffer for taking away my loved ones, but if I could, it would not take away any of the pain of my loss. A loss is a loss and nothing will take away that pain. But life goes on anyway, and we must find peace and keep living, or else we died along with them.

The only reason for writing a story like this is to hurt people. It hurts everyone involved, by forcing them to re-live something that was painful. It makes me wonder why the writer would choose to write such a hurtful story.

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Cornerstone Church changes lives for the better. The church is growing because of the testimonies of the members. Maury Davis has received forgiveness from God. Our awesome God took something bad and made something good out of it. Why is that such a problem? It is a perfect example of how good God is. God will even forgive YOU for what you have done in your past. Isn’t that wonderful? But can you forgive yourself? You may not be a murderer, but maybe you have something you need forgiveness for. Isn’t it awesome that God will forgive you? Whatever it is, God will wipe the slate clean and let you start over. That is why Pastor Davis’ testimony has power. He did change, and it is apparent. He got that second chance that some of us don’t even know is available. Well, it is available, to anyone. Just ask. Is anything too hard for God? Maury Davis is not the same person he was when he committed this crime, he is a new creature. He is “washed in the blood”. I pray that the Liles family can start the journey to peace in their lives and move away from the bitterness that unforgiveness creates.

Luke 6:36 – Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Scribes & Pharisees how you still tread a misconstrewed clay path. Who are you to question Christ's divinity? What about the woman at the well? A woman of many husbands going home to a man who wasn't even her husband, sat with Christ & in the purity of her honest heart admitting she was not married & gave Christ water to drink, Christ forgave her. The young woman to be stoned for fornication? Christ himself said (paraphrase) Anyone who hasn't sinned, go ahead and throw the first stone. NONE could proceed. Her sins forgiven. Rahab a Jericho harlot. Christ used her to hide two hebrew spies. She knew the power of their(our god) & agreed to hide them if they made sure her house was spared. Her sins forgiven. Christ ate, witnessed & associated with the sinner, the out cast, the prostitute, the murderer, the publican(TODAY WE CALL YOU GUYS TAX COLLECTORS), the sick, the deformed, the demon possessed.

You Scribes & Pharisees of our modern world DARE question the logic of Christ? You tell me who's the hypocrite, to say this man doesn't deserve his redemptive salvation, yet you do? There is no sin greater than the other. Christ didn't use the scribes or pharisees, the scholars, the clean in appearance. Why? Their hearts were not right as Christ examines the heart.

At The age of 23 I am a man who has visited jail twice, been a constant visitor to the criminal courts downtown nashville, divorced with a 2 1/2 yr old daughter. I have been involved in domestic disputes, had alcohol & drug addictions. MY GOD has forgiven me & has set me on my very own path of redemption. But judging from how you scribes & pharisees who post your nauseating audacities, you mean to tell me the things ive done that I WONT EVEN DISCUSS, much like pastor Davis, i'm still going to hell? Well, we'll see when we get there won't we? Just my wordz

Since I quit taking the Tennessean because it became too expensive, I just wanted to thank you for a free Nashville Scene. I can pick up a handful and use them for my cat litter. That is about all this paper is good for.

i was part of cornerstone when pastor davis and gail first came.i know the pastor used his money to invest in cornerstone.i remember his 2nd message was on mercy.A great illustration on how mercy appealed to judgement.i remember his call for excellence and still remains.i remember going on a kids fishing trip and him taking his son.i remember thinking what a humble person and him always answering even me with sir. i remember many times the pastor saying how hard it was to give his testimony due to how ashamed he was.None of it really moved me till he came to the part that saids (for the first time,jesus came off of the pages and into my heart).When he said that i remembered on board a navy destroyer the same happening to me.And the forgiveness i needed also.If we can't believe that God forgives, then we have very little hope.
I, like many other understand and grieve for the family of this innocent woman.I also grieve for the families of raped or murdered children but see no remarks from the scene on the light sentences giving to the people today that do these things. i would love for the scene to comment on the one year sentence for raping a 5 y/o in oklahoma,or join the jessica law which some states hasn't adopted.
Also i would like to remind all that when Jesus comes back the bible saids,he's going to sit on the throne of his father david.(a man after after God's own heart) who committed such horrible crimes.Which tells me that when Jesus died on the cross he made forgiveness possible for us all.
With all my symphany and understanding for the family of this innocent woman i do believe this is a attack on the church of Jesus Christ and not a means to collect justice for 35 years ago.

Everyone will have to give their own account. "Pay day, some day" as the one old sermon went. The whole concept of justice comes from God, and will never be reached through humanism to our liking. Our attempts to bring justice are a mere shadow.

The Grace of God extends to anyone the Holy Spirit moves to repent and turn from their past. Folks, we are all born into brokenness and rebellion. In God's Law, translated from Hebrew, if you have harbored anger towards your brother then you are guilty of Murder already. Your own thoughts bear witness to your nature. We're depraved without a substitutianary atonement. So you either keep the Laws or you turn to the One who fullfilled the Law, the great I AM.

If you sneer down your nose at Maury Davis then you don't know forgiveness in your heart and that should keep you awake at night. It's a great attribute to want justice and to seek justice, but without settling your own heart then it becomes an exercise in futility.

This was a satisfying exposure of a truly evil man. But the amount of unattributed lifting from the Dallas Morning News is embarrassing to behold. See URL below. This piece could have done readers more of a service by linking to that story and citing what Davis had to say for himself in it.

Still more embarrassing is the fact that neither Hargrove nor the Dallas reporter from whom he cribbed knew that there was a nationwide moratorium on the death penalty, imposed by the Supreme Court in 1972, in effect at the time Davis killed the woman. No murder committed in 1975 could have resulted in a death sentence.

Lines here like "the DA is dead-set on sending him to the chair" and "the rest of the jury want to execute Davis" cannot be accurate.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/047909dnmetkillerpastor.3d02476.html

Kathy - the quote in the Dallas paper from Rev. Davis says that because God forgave him, he has no one else to apologize to. Also, Maury lied when he talked about all the hard drugs he was on. The police found no evidence of this. No one is doubting that we have a loving and forgiving God. The issue is, should this man be able to profit from telling and retelling his story about him murdering an inncent woman, mother, widower, Sunday School teacher. Should he be able to lead people's souls? I don't want someone like him leading my soul. My cousin is a Pastor and whatever he makes, goes back into the ministry. He lives in a modest house, has foster kids and also works a normal 9-5 every day a week job. He is the example that God should not be big business.

This story is not about forgiveness or Christianity. It is about a man, who has profited and continues to profit off of a murder that he committed.

I am a Christian and I do believe in salvation. This is about Mr. Davis becoming very wealthy from his actions that every one talks about being "so long ago". If it was so long ago, then why does he talk about it at Cornerstone ALL THE TIME. I know, I went there.

I can't help but be reminded of a something someone very wise once said “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:1-3 I am also reminded of the story of the woman caught in adultry who the pharisees drug to Jesus to be stoned in John 8. Trying to trap him they asked Jesus what they should do to the women and this is what transpired: So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up[b] and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

I think we should be worried about the plank in our own eye before jumping on the feeding frenzy of one loan, deceived, and desperate reporter's attempt at discrediting not just an individual, or a church that has done so much good for a community, but against Christainity as a whole.

I know that I have more than a few skeletons in my closet and still far from perfection but I thank God for His amazing grace and don't have to depend on a lot of you folks on this page for my salvation. For I am certain that you would gladly disqualify me from it.

To Brandi:

Unless you have personally read the police investigation report first hand and talked to Pastor Davis face to face about this incident, then you cannot validly make those statements. Most testimony in courts that is based on heresay is usually thrown out, which would be the same category as what you have said.

I would still recommend that you not judge or condemn others unless you are prepared to be judged by the same standards. Whether you like it or not, Pastor Davis has dedicated himself to serving God and has positively influenced countless lives. And he only has to answer to God, not to the rest of this evil and worldly society.

I would encourage those interested in accurate, honest, and fair journalism to read the original article on this discussion as printed in The Dallas Morning News on April 22 of this year. Diane Jennings, writer for the DMN, penned a credible piece of journalism in which all parties and many additional sources on both sides of the story are quoted. The sensationalism, cynicism, and sweeping judgment calls made by Brantley Hargrove and the Nashville Scene may entertain those interested in narrow mindedness and shallow reporting who require only a gross understanding of context; however, for those readers who search for some substance and legitimacy in this story particularly here is a link to Jennings' report. I challenge you to consider a credible source before passing judgments of your own, whatever you believe.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/047909dnmetkillerpastor.3d02476.html

Okay... I was the 38th person to post & ive followed this discussion far enough. The underlined issue at hand is simple. Bitterness, inability to let go, and JEALOUSY. Individuals in general always want what they dont have, what others have, what they feel they deserve. So what pastor Davis lives in a house worth about a million. If you dont like it, swallow that pill of jealous and be angered at God.Ha! After all, God's the one who allowed such blessings to be bestowed on Pastor Davis. The constant bickering, the why nots, the how comes; NONE of it is going to stop the fact that Gods grace and mercy is triumphant and being displayed through pastor Davis. as I fore stated in my original post, Christ used those whom we wouldn't expect, to deliver his message. Some of YOU would call me an alocholic, a drug attict, a drug dealer, a convict, a societal monster, a statistic, a low life undeserving morsel. BUT GOD calls me his child, GOD says Im forgiven, GOD restores my feet. Ive come out of a hellstorm of addictions, domestic violence & outright destructive living and it's because of GODS GRACE.

If Pastor Davis cant be redeemed because of his crime & blessed with the gifts Gods allowed him, then NOR DO YOU.
Scribes & Pharisees.
Just my wordz

Simply stated: As I read this whole article. Though this excerpt attempts to thwart the power of God, we have seen nothing but the accomplishment of the very power you all are trying to smear. Im not looking at what he did, nor what he now possesses. I see one of the best redemption sermons ever preached by a newspaper who undoubtedly didn't mean to nor realized theyve just executed

I grew up in Mid Tn. I thought it strange when a bunch of kids I knew started going to some church 3 or more times a week, recruiting others in fairly large numbers to join them. I attended services. What I witnessed was more spectacle and less pastoring. You people can debate the merits of this man's salvation till the day is through. You can debate how much good the church has done for its community and abroad. You can debate the merits of this article's 'journalistic integrity'. Unfortunately, this in no way, in my opinion, makes up for the intolerance I have personally heard preached there as well as the obvious political posturing this pastor/institution has increasingly displayed. Reading the venom in some of these people's comments exemplifies precisely what bothers me about this church. These folks genuinely believe there's some sort of "agenda" being perpetrated by some 'satanic immoral LIBERAL MEDIA'. Give me a break. Get some new material! If your pastor is going to have his mug on billboards all over the damn place and have his sermons on tv you better get used to a LOCAL PAPER calling him out. You all act like you 'own' Cornerstone or Pastor Davis but guess what... when you go to a church that CHOOSES to subject its message/image outside of its doors, you better get used to the rest of the world having an opinion.
I'd like to go one step further and express that this very church had a lot to do with why I basically renounced my Christian faith for a number of years. I absolutely could not believe why friends of mine could so whole heartedly follow such a charlatan. It is my understanding that none of these folks go there any more. I'm sorry if I offend the 'flock'. I'm all for your fellowship and helping one another. That's not at all what I have a problem with.

i was wondering why i got cornered by a group of old guys asking where i had picked up a Nash scene yesterday while walking downtown. walking away i heard them say "ok lets go!! we didnt get all of them!" i later figured out when i saw the cover that they were taking them so no one would read this article. must have been davis' "followers". hey old guys he killed someone!

Render unto Maury…

When King David arranged for Uriah’s murder, God punished David by extinguishing the life of his child. David was penitent; however, he did not establish the King David Ministries that grew and profited from Uriah’s homicide.

Motive distinguishes ministry from rhetoric. Davis embellishes his testimonies with claims of addictions to harder drugs and a dramatic police chase while he negates the brutality of his crime. A more theatrical testimony that dilutes the graphic violence sells better to a church marketed as “family-oriented.” One wonders if Davis could take back the heinous act, would he forfeit his career, audiences, and earthly possessions?

Did Jonestown not teach us a lesson against following a personality? Jim Jones’ power was measured by the number of people in line for Kool-Aid. Davis’ testimony is not founded on grace; his “spiritual journey” is the consequence of a jury stratagem, overcrowded prison systems, and a convenient insanity plea. Is the shattering of inmates’ teeth a homiletic technique or an act of pastoral care? Davis may be absolved before God, but ministries should not profit from melodramatic testimony originating from a grotesque slaughter.

When is Ron Liles scheduled to be released from his prison of memory?

To comment number 52, I see you are associated with the Vanderbilt school of Divinity, however your words far from associate you with Jesus, no I am not calling you on your salvation, however the word says "You can tell a tree by the fruit it bears". And by the way to answer your question "When will Mr. Liles be free from the prison of his mind"? Answer when he surrenders it all to the only one that can fix it (JESUS)

To: Charles Owens; Vanderbilt Divinity '09
Oh come off the self righteous indignation. Do just a little research if you are in school to 'learn how to learn' instead of drinking the pharisaical cool aide. Many of us on this blog invested the seconds it took to find the Dallas Morning News story Hargrove ripped off to paint his melodramatic hit piece and there's much more information online. But as usual the Scene prints a story full of holes, half truths and innuendos (no direct quotes from Davis) with the sole purpose to 'paint' conservative evangelicals as being too stupid to discern what is the truth or right or wrong. This church doesn't represent my idea of Christianity and what Davis did creeps me out to my core but I've met dozens out of the 1000's of people who's lives have been transformed through his preaching drama and all. It's a church so at least 25% of the people get pissed off about something, leave mad and air their dirty laundry on a silly blog. Be assured that you, Charles, will experience your share of scorn and more if you ever pastor a church. Your lazy and ignorant speculation of Davis' heart is based on this sensational piece of crap when it should have broken yours. The Hebrew Scriptures are full of stories of how God has used crooked men to draw straight lines but you are to blind to see that truth in the very text you sited. What Davis did was despicable beyond approach but if you will actually do a tiny bit of real investigation yourself you will begin to find a very different story which raises far more questions than answers about the arrests, evidence, the trial and even the reported statements from Ron Liles. This pastor's story (with all of it's horror and injustice) could be one of the most compelling examples of redemption in modern times instead you and so many others lap up this slanderous plagiarized hack job on religion. Brantley Hargrove didn't do his own research - he stole the story from Diane Jennings. See the link on other posts. You have to be smart to get into Vanderbilt so use your elite education to be a seeker of truths instead of follower of deception from a rag that makes it money selling adult sex ads. How big are the Scene's owner's houses? Will Campbell would tell you the best thing about a seminary education is when you get over it. Jesus would bring up filthy rags to you. From what I've heard I bet you could easily have a personal discussion with Maury Davis then contact Ron Liles and get his story. Then write a compelling paper about the depths of grace religion professors talk about but don't understand though wish they did. Imagine how powerful it would be able to truly forgive a murderer and how it would affect your life. You ain't gonna hear this from a Vandy professors that relishes in teaching that Jesus' body was eaten by dogs - you know the ones the Scene loves to extol.

Charles from Vandy Divinity,
I really liked your comments and I totally agree with you. It is very easy to look through the comments and see who attends Cornerstone and who doesn't. It is very interesting that you reference Jim Jones because I have, for a very long time, referred to those who attend the church on OHB as kool aid drinkers. I do believe it to be that type of church. But, to each his own.

As for Maury, I again state (see my comments at #8) that as a Christ follower, he has been forgiven (if he sought forgiveness). I will state again however, that in no way should he prosper for his crime. He is doing exactly that and it is wrong. I personally would not want him as my spiritual leader. Although I know every man sins, I hold my spiritual leader to higher standard than being a cold blooded killer. That is a fact. He committed murder on an innocent 54 year old woman who had never caused anyone harm.
He is a killer. Nothing can change that. I don't care if it was 35 years ago or 35 minutes ago, it is still fact.

Maury could have commented for this article and he chose not to. That speaks volumes. I am sure he didn't want to answer some hard questions about his version of what happened vs. the real story. I very much lean toward believing the retired police officer myself.

I wish peace for the Liles family.

I know how Liles feels, my husband was murdered brutally in Hendersonville in 2007, buried him 10/07, trial 10/08 and then a parole hearing 4/09. At the trial the murderer claimed to be all sorry this and that then at the parole hearing when asked why he should be paroled, his comment was "Well, did not mean to do it, but afterall it was just another bar fight, they happen every day all over the world." Now he was not remorseful at the trial as he pretended to be nor now. Was justice served in this case NOPE!!! don't understand why someone who takes a life gets all the rights as we all do, does God forgive yes, but the baggage is yours because YOU SEE YOU PACKED YOUR OWN SUITCASE!! The person whose life was taken for no reason at all and in the case of my husband it was not a fight the man ambushed him from behind and killed with a choke hold to go on with massive head bashing. Liles case such a brutal murder, again these PACKED THEIR OWN BAGS, the deceased had no choice about their luggage. Nothing good comes out of a situation like this for either side but everytime someone metions Cornerstone to me it is always do you know the pastor killed someone, nothing like he is really a Godly man and his teachings are unbelievable, so yes has he built his empire on the cost of another's life or on the foundings of God's teachings and love. I think Pastor Davis wants people to know that God's forgiveness is real and can people really change, well I will let God be the judge of that not me, my place is to trust God for my healing for those that have sinned aganist me, for me to trust him that God knows best even though we will never understand murder that made no sense. May God have mercy on their souls as they will have to answer for their wrong.
Liles my prayer will be with you as I know it is hard to undersstand and some days I think I understand then I don't but I just keep on trusting my heavenly FATHER!
Thank You

All I can say is that I know Pastor Maury Davis, for who he is today and I am totally blessed to know such an awesome man of God who is an anointed pastor, preacher and teacher. God had a plan and purpose back in prison for Maury Davis and when Maury Davis asked god to forgive him well god did exactly that. He never brought pastor Maury Davis's past up again lie you ignorant satan fools are doing. Okay he comitted murder... he did wrong. He went to prison and Jesus forgave him and washed away his sins and gave him a new life. Today he is serving as Senior Pastor of the greatest church in the world in Nashville at Cornerstone Church. Praise God I am blessed to know him and could careless of his past its all about who he is today and what Pastor Maury Davis is doing for the Lord which is winning souls and being used by God to help the lost in his community. All of you ought to learn about Forgiveness and to let Jesus Christ show you a better way to live life for the Lord. Do not judge.. look at a person in who they are now not what they were yesterday. God forgives and so should you!

Lenette

Many of the commenters here, make the point that (I quote from one of them, "Carla"), "If Murray Davis had spent his life in jail, there would be no Cornerstone Church."

I'm not so sure that that would have been a bad thing. For one thing, it would mean that this man wouldn't have been able to use his vast public ministry to spread hateful, ignorant, DANGEROUS lies about people (homosexuals) who (as practically every other week yet another scientific study proves) made no "choice" to be what they are (as a mere MOMENT of thought would make clear -- is there any straight person out there who'd like to show me how, even for five minutes, they could "choose" to be attracted to the same gender?? ) --, people who were, in other words, made by God that way!

"Cornerstone Church changes lives for the better," Carla and others on here assert.

Well, I'm afraid it has most certainly NOT the lives of gay people better, especially young people praying with all their hearts to "change" because Davis tells them that what they feel and do are abominations (genetics be damned), and, not being able to do so no matter how hard they try and how much they pray, end up loathing themselves, and, statistics show, in fact quite often end up KILLING THEMSELVES (it's one of the very top reasons for teen suicide).

For a MURDERER -- Davis' vicious, ghastly murder of that innocent woman WAS a "choice" -- to be casting stones against people who only the willingly self-deluded cannot see would never have "CHOSEN" to be what they are -- which was, it needs repeating, was a decision made for them before they were even born -- isn't just the height of hypocrisy.

It's vile. It's despicable. And it's dangerous.

And, oh, wasn't there something about a rich man getting into heaven being compared to a camel passing through the eye of a needle? (I believe it was said by some guy by the name of Jesus.) Or has that been taken out of the Bible used at Crossroads?

Dennis Sheffield,
What a stupid comment. No one cares how big the Scene's owners homes are! Why is that? They aren't murderers who have prospered from their crime..............

Shame shame shame on Maury......

To Daniel,
It is always amazing how people like to really bash homosexuals (in church). Here is what I learned from my church. Sin is sin. So all those self righteous people out there aren't any better! I guess they can't really bash murderers at Cornerstone so they had to pick something else. They must really like murderers. It wasn't that long ago they were trying to get John Brown out of prison. Thankfully, that didn't work.

[In my previous comment I mistakenly called Cornerstone Church "Crossroads" in my final sentence -- although I did get it right in the previous paragraphs! :-) I apologize for the error.]

With regards to the sentiment many here have expressed -- here I use the words of commenter Isaac Young -- "God's the one who allowed such blessings to be bestowed upon Paster Davis."

Which also means, you would then agree, that God was the one who allowed not-yet-Pastor Davis to "stab Jo Ella Liles with a buck knife, cutting her throat and severing her carotid artery and windpipe, the blade penetrating so deeply that it bites into her spinal cord, nearly decapitating her," right?

Where was "God's grace" for Mrs. Liles, Sunday School teacher and mother?

Carla above said, "Whatever it is, God will wipe the slate clean and let you start over. That is why Pastor Davis’ testimony has power. He did change, and it is apparent. He got that second chance that some of us don’t even know is available. Well, it is available, to anyone."

It's "available to anyone," is it?

Um, Carla? Where was Mrs. Liles' second chance? Did God let HER start over? I must have missed where that happened. Could you show it to me?

Finally, to all the people talking about not casting the first stones and forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness -- where was the restraining from throwing stones, and forgiveness, for the member of Cornerstone Church referenced above who was dying of brain cancer whose doctor advised him to use marijuana to ease his suffering in his final days, and who was subsequently kicked out of the church when a fellow parishioner, in a loving, Christian act, snitched on him?

With regards to the sentiment many here have expressed -- here I use the words of commenter Isaac Young -- "God's the one who allowed such blessings to be bestowed upon Paster Davis."

Which also means, you would then agree, that God was the one who allowed not-yet-Pastor Davis to "stab Jo Ella Liles with a buck knife, cutting her throat and severing her carotid artery and windpipe, the blade penetrating so deeply that it bites into her spinal cord, nearly decapitating her," right?

Where was "God's grace" for Mrs. Liles, Sunday School teacher and mother?Daniel...I cannot seem to put my hand on whether you are a scribe or a pharisee or a prototype of both...

Ever heard of Job? Perhaps you should educate yourself with the read of the old testiment chapter in its entirety.

God was there the entire time he ALLOWED satan to do everything to him that occurred. INFACT God pointed Job out to Satan... In a single day, his entire family, servants, livestock & vegitation was killed; his riches gone away & his body of sores & boils from head to toe.

As Christ even says in the new testiment to you scribe or pharisee which ever you may be, why do you try to stumble me with your words? You ask me this faciscious question to try & sound intelligent or enlightened as though youre going to stumble me but youre showing your own ignorance.

Christ was there when his mother was murdered, christ is there when women are raped & battered, hes there when useless fathers walk out on their kids, he was there each time i was put in jail, hes there no matter what. He is omnipotent.

See when everything goes bad mankind always blames God & asks where was he but i ask YOU where are YOU when things go right? Funny how you forget God when things are peachy.

If death, sorrow, war, fighting so on & so forth did not ooccur, what would be the point of a "savior?"

Things have to go wrong so that man can see his weakness & inability & witness & rely on God's strength.

As cold as this last statement is i stand by it.....
THE MANS MOTHER IS DEAD GET OVER IT BICKERING & BITTERNESS WILL NOT CHANGE SUCH A FACTOR.
MY COUSIN WHO WAS MURDERED IN 99 BY HIS OWN FRIENDS IS GONE HES NOT COMING BACK
MY GRANDPARENTS ARE DEAD THEYRE GONE
MY UNCLE IS DEAD HE ISNT GOING TO REAPPEAR

1Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

Daniel... Before you try to trip someone up, id advice you tie your own shoe laces first
Just my words

For all of you who appear to think the preacher has been forgiven. If he had been given a death sentence and executed, thereby denying him the chance to "redeem" himself, would you have supported that as well?

Also if the woman he stabbed to death was not saved is she now in hell, while your "forgiven" preacher gets to go to heaven?

To Frank

The simple answer to your question if she didnt accept christ YES shes in hell versus pastor davis accepting christ and going to heaven.

Hate my answer if you want but its biblically supported...
Are You aware Jefferey Dahmer converted to Christianity before he was killed in prison? Like it or not, hes going to heaven as well.

No matter what the Rev. has done since, he should be held to full account of his crime, because whilst he lives his good life, whilst he walks free and gets the best out of his life, there is one person who was denied that chance of living and those close to the victims have to suffer in knowing that this man's life is going great for him and is praised as a man of God. What he did was a terrible crime and I don't see how he can just walk away from it - he may have served his time by law, but by morality he hasn't. I don't see how anybody could defend him.

As for this article saying only bad things about him, it seems very much to counter balance all those they say good things about him. If he was sorry, and if he regretted what he had done, he would swallow his pride, he would try to make peace, not with God, but the victim's family. As he hasn't, this to me shows no remorse and as long as he hasn't made peace, it makes his preaching hypocritical.

Seppuku

Im not defending him i could care less about this entire topic.
what i address is christ, his ability and his will. WHO ARE YOU to try and "understand god" and what he allows? Bottom line, though your mind cant grasp WHY the answer is CHRIST...THATS WHY

Isaac, how do you know he's truly accepted Christ? Unfortunately, there are a lot of charlatan preachers out there who use their power's of charisma to profit from people. They fill the voids missing in people's lives. Ministry is one of the easiest ways for talented and charismatic people like Davis to profit. The things I hear him saying, targeting specific groups of people, i.e. Muslims, homosexuals, and people who think different than him politically, is despicable and not Christ-like. Jesus reserved his sharpest rhetoric not for prostitutes, tax-collectors, or yes, homosexuals, but for the religious leaders of his day, men who had reverent followings. What would Jesus say about someone like Davis, who seems to target people he doesn't like and vilify them? Be careful who you choose to follow.

Chris1974

How do I know IF you profess faith in Christ that YOUR SAVED?
Whether I believe youre saved or not means nothing. Thats between YOU and CHRIST. So I urge you to be careful not to look at the surface & check your contents. Just as Christ spoken of the scribes & pharisees who went according to the law of that day & washed LITERAL but were not CLEANSED SPIRITUAL. Christ is the the only one who can decipher the two. Not you nor myself. STOP TRYING TO PLAY GOD

Chris1974

How do I know IF you profess faith in Christ that YOUR SAVED?
Whether I believe youre saved or not means nothing. Thats between YOU and CHRIST. So I urge you to be careful not to look at the surface & check your contents. Just as Christ spoken of the scribes & pharisees who went according to the law of that day & washed LITERAL but were not CLEANSED SPIRITUAL. Christ is the the only one who can decipher the two. Not you nor myself. STOP TRYING TO PLAY GOD

Mr. Liles, I understand your mother was a Sunday School teacher. I don't presume to know anything about your mom or the anguish your heart must feel on an everyday basis.
However I did obviously know my own mom. Since her death over twenty years ago there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her with every fiber of my being. Although I didn't lose my mother through such hideously barbaric savagery, my loss is no less felt than yours. There is nothing like a mothers love.Please believe me when I say I'm not intending to come off as being patronizing in any way, shape or form. That's the Gods honest truth.
I just say this for you and all your families sake. Please let this rest in Gods hands. There has more than likely been many people throughout the years closer to you than I could ever be,who have given you the same advice.
I also know that sometimes inside you want to or may have just told these people to just shut-up. I know I did!
I used to be a member of his church for a number of years.
I cannot elaborate on his salvation. He'll have to work that with fear and trembling with God Almighty. But I can say with certainty that behind the proud strut, the mask of expensive clothing, the million dollar house luxury cars,the pride, arrogance and misinterpreted, twisted scriptures he spouts from the pulpit;there is a man in total conflict and turmoil with his own soul. He's just narcissistic and sociopathic enough to believe his own ideology even after he's been proven wrong. He tries to sanctify his own unholiness. That's like trying to sanctify heroin. He has dillusions of grandure. Strong dillusions!
He has a controlling spirit in him. And will do anything to get his way as long as it is not at the cost or loss to to himself. Just ask anyone whose marriages or spirits he trampled on. A shepherd doesn't have to beat his flock. The worse and best advice that I ever received from him was to never just accept what he preached without double checking with the Holy Scripture. I did. I just wish all too many of my brethren who practically worshipped him would have taken his advice. They called me crazy for leaving until they too saw and experienced what I did.
Mr.Liles, he lives in fear. He surrounds himself with law enforcement during church services. Carries a handgun with him,pretty much,everywhere he goes. The law may have changed, but the last i knew it was against the law for a convicted felon to carry or possess a firearm.
I've said this all to say forgive him so you don't have to live out the rest of your life in the same bondage.
Isn't that what your mom would want? I know mine would.
Jesus is Lord and Savior. No ones opinion can or will never change that FACT!!! Not even christians, atheists, agnostics or this paper. Let's face it Nashville Scene, if Davis would have told every detail fifteen years ago he wouldn't even be a blip on your radar. OH! That's right!! This was published and issued years ago. Talk about lack of originality. JESUS scares you senseless. When in reality he just wants to have a working relationship with. Just remember man is not God.
By the way I'm just as susceptable to anything and everything that Pastor Maury Davis has ever done or will ever do. Hey! GUESS WHAT?! So are all of you... Praise God.
They say practice makes perfect. So be careful what you practice... .

All these ramblings are at least an interesting read.
So much ignorance and stupidity demonstrated here that I'll likely come back and read other postings by and to the liberal left-sided publication. Entertainment.

{kicked once} you seem to have an axe to grind, your words are all over the place dealing with this subject. i say take your own advice "Let God Deal with it" You see whatever Pastor Davis is has nothing to do with who and what he preaches. That's the beauty of Gods message, it is real no matter who speaks it. God says "Vengeance is Mine saith the Lord"

I understand the hurt that the son is feeling. I understand that you never get over loosing someone especially in this way. I pray that he can find it in his heart to forgive. Not forget, but forgive. "You must forgive all, including your enemies, in order to be forgiven.

I don't think it is right for the Scene to bring this up 35 years later not only because you are reminding the family, in very brutal details, of the loss that they are already aware of.

I am not a member of Cornerstone, however, I know several people that are members of that church and it is amazing that GOD has given Pastor Davis the ability to speak his word and bring so many people that were once lost to know Christ!!

You all state that Pastor Davis is becoming rich off of this "MURDER" but no where in any of your comments that want to stone him do you mention any thing about the schools that he and his committee had restored completely to keep them from being closed and in turn punishing our children. No where in any of your comments do you mention any thing about the many churches that he and his committee have built so that others can attend and be in the place of GOD that do not have a church because one can not afford to be built. No where in any of your comments do you mention the fact that all of this "richness" that he is making pays for children to go to church camp that could not afford it.

Everyone is so quick to try to knock someone down for the excitement or the thrill of being able to do so. That is what is wrong with the world today. As soon as someone sees that something good is happening and they are not the main leader of it then it must be destroyed. I do not think that trying to destroy a preacher, a speaker for GOD, who has brought so many people to know GOD should be knocked down. This is obviously where he is to be. If this is not what he was suppossed to do for GOD don't you think he would have put an end to it 35 years ago.

Someone asked earlier what happened to the murdered mothers second chance. The story states that she was a widow. How do you not know that this is her chance? I know that it is very brutal and know one has the write to take anothers life but how do we not know that this was her chance to now go and be with her husband again that I am sure she truly missed? I am not saying that it is right but I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and GOD knew what he was doing. He has a purpose for everyone that believes in him and he has a reason for everything that happens to us. You may not understand it, exspecially if it is very hurtful at the time, but he has a reason for everything.

I pray for the son and hope that he can one day find forgiveness in his heart for Pastor Davis. It is hard but there is true relief once you are able to do so. You do not forget but you get a different kind of "PEACE" from it once you are truly able to do so.

I pray for the rest that feed into this article. The media is so quick to belittle someone. They are only going to put in the paper what you want to hear. They only state things that they know will draw up interest and cause anger between so many people just increase their readings. They always seem to leave out the details that balance the story. But if it is details that would crush someone or humilate them then you better believe that everyone of those are listed.

We all have dirty laundry, even the writter of this story, and I am sure that you would not like for your dirty laundry to be aired out for everyone to read, judge, and critisize on, so why would you do it to someone else?

The negative comments that are being left are exactly what the writer and this paper are looking for and boy are they winning. It is a shame that we get this much response about a murder that happpened 35 years ago but we can't get this much response about a church that is doing good for the community or for GOD. If it bothered so many people this badly then why would you wait so long to write about it? Is your article truly about the murder or is it a personal attack that you want to cover by this?

The word of God, the BIBLE gives a true understanding of the word Grace. Grace is something NONE of us deserve but God gives it to us anyway. Pastor Maury Davis is no different than anyone else, He also deserves Grace and Mercy. He may have had a past,but don't we all... The past is the past for a reason. We all become New Creatures in Christ. We have ALL sinned and come short of the glory of God. This is exactly the reason and purpose Jesus went to the cross in the first place FOR ALL SINNERS!!!!Pastor Maury Davis is covered the same way you and everyone else is when he repented. God is faithful in who HE is. I believe this is an attack of the ememy but he was defeated at Calvary. Time is coming for the Lord Jesus Christ who will return, who will have the backs of his followers.. and that is a fact..a true fact. read the word of God.

This is not the first time nor the last that Pastor Davis and Cornerstone Church has been attacked. It's nothing new. People love to hate Pastor Davis. Gods mighty hand is on him and his ministry and man cannot tear down what God has built. They may try but will not succeed. Jesus said this will happen. If your not being persecuted then your not doing anything. As far as him being anti-gay, anti-muslum, etc. Hate the sin not the sinner! That is what it's about. God loves these people, but not there sin. And that is what he preaches. Why rant and rave about how much money he has and how much his home is worth? Do we do this with athletes, political figures, strippers,etc.. So what. He didn't set out to be a pastor. He was cleaning toilets in his church in Texas. God has raised him up to where he is. He is a straight forward black and white pastor. We need more like that. Jesus was that way and to be a Christian means to be Christ like. Satan uses any tool he can to try and destroy. The writer of this article is the tool. Pastor Davis is well aware of how people feel about him and what people say and how much they hate him. He knows. His congregation knows. You can't destroy what God has put in place.

Christina, what you wrote was despicable. Even beginning to entertain the possibility that her brutal slaying could have been God's plan to allow her to see her dead husband is a total failure to show empathy. Is there anything that cannot be rationalised in this manner, no matter how sadistic, brutal and hurtful?

You also said that we all have "dirty laundry". He sliced open the throat of a 54 year-old woman. Do you think that this is typical dirty laundry, or even comparable to the little foibles most of us have? I suggest that you establish a sense of perspective.

The pastor tells us that God has forgiven him, which is rather convenient. The pastor has used the tried and tested God loophole. I don't believe that he should be further punished by law, but I question the morality who a man who leads his happy life, condemning minorities as immoral sinners, and all the while with the memory of what he did to that woman. He is a hypocrite hiding behind the Bible.

the past s only a passing through maury davis did a horrible thing as a teenager but he is a great man and does great things he changes lifes and me being a membr of his church says he changed my life in so many good ways and yall over exaggerated the story

Thank you Sean for your comments!

Austin, you are ignorant. How do you exaggerate this crime? He almost cut the woman's head off. It doesn't get any more brutal than that. I just love the posts from people from Cornerstone. There are very common themes. He has been forgiven, it was 35 years ago, leave it in the past, that isn't the whole story.

It is a pretty sick story and it is even more sickening that he is prospering from this crime. You want everyone to forget about it, then tell your preacher to stop making money on it. You people need to get a clue.

Sean, let me apologize first to you for you have read my comment differently then I intended for it to be read.

I am not saying that it is okay that this woman was murdered. It is very brutal and I am very aware that the woman was almost decapitated. What I am saying is that this lady is gone. Let her be in peace. If someone you loved was murdered do you think it would be easy for you or comfort you any more if it was brought up to you evertime you turn around? Let me assure you real quick that it does not feel good to continuisly be reminded of it.

Next, I am not saying that it is okay that Pastor Davis has murdered someone. It is not okay for anyone to take anothers life. What I am saying is that it seems as if he has asked for forgiveness and been forgiven by GOD. It does not matter if any of us forgive him or not. Yes it is wrong what he did, all of us do wrong things, maybe not to the extent of murder but we have done wrong things because we are human(not perfect) and we are so blessed to have such a forgiven GOD. Some of us feel that Pastor Davis is fake, some of us believe that he is true, but in the end it doesn't matter what ANY of US think, it lies in the hands of GOD.

Once again, I do apologize if you read my message wrong. I just think that we should let the woman be in peace.

(Isaac Young) - In case you didn't notice my comment wasn't directed nor intended for you. If you are going to make a comment, please do so with just a little bit of first hand knowledge about the topic that you obviously don't know the first thing about. Ever attended Cornerstone on a regular basis? Sunday morning church or Sunday school classes? Any Wednesday night church services? I don't mean just once, twice or even a couple months. No? I didn't think so.
Ever attend a board meeting? Any recreational church functions? Have you ever counseled any church member or attendee who had been held to open shame and ridicule from the pulpit about a delicate personal matter that was told in private? Yes? No? Have you been or are you a teenager who had ever attended a High School function where a pastor
(by proxy) uses a concealed video recording device to film
adolescents(that's under eighteen) possibly involved in a sexual act in a private vehicle on private property? No?!?
Ever been to a funeral of a beloved, christian family member and have your pastor(whom, by the way, was not the deceased persons pastor nor the pastor performing the ulogy) cause a scene during visitation by demanding and ridiculing a close friend to the deceased family, to leave
because Davis didn't think it right that this individual was going through a divorce and had a companion of the
opposite sex was in attendance? Can you even fathom the unwarranted humiliation, hurt, and added heartbreak that this vulgar display effected the hearts of grieving family and friends of the deceased? No?!!! I would have hoped you could. And maybe by now you can.
You know nothing about Pastor Maury Davis and what he's capable of. You sir are partly if not completely clueless.
I still pray for the man and I especially pray for the sheep that have put themselves under his care.
A pastor is called to a higher standard of responsibly and SERVITUDE, not to a higher position of power to be served. Don't believe it? In Revelations, Jesus calls upon the pastors(Angel,malach or messengers) of the church to instrut and correct them.
You really should read the scriptures concerning the difference between a shepherd and a hireling that watches over His flock.
My comments are not an indictment against Jesus Christ or His Bride, the Church. Simply against the heart of all men which seeks to do evil continually and justify without repentance.
Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.
I hope this is a little less " all over the place" for you.

P.S.- Wheather axes or knives; I think we've "ground" enough cutlery for anyones lifetime. Shalom.
cutlery

Kicked Once

Funny you ask... Yes I ATTEND Sunday School/Services REGULARLY... Wednesday night Classes/Services REGULARLY... Attend functions REGULARLY... As I have been a member for a year and a half... so save your loquacious breath attempting to mute my validity... Am I Maury Davis worshiper?.. I praise no man... I could care less about Maury Davis (the man) but the anointment God has on him is pointed... Obviously you along with the majority who ignorantly post their groundless two cents aren't as enlightened and biblically educated as you attempt to portray... You state opinion... I could as well... However your opinion means nothing... You nor anyone carry the ability to discern a man's salvation... No matter his sin... Christ can redeem him... False you say?.. If so, my heart mourns for your soul if you call yourself Christian... FACT: NO ONE deserves the saving grace of Jesus Christ... FACT: That's the unadulterated essence of GRACE... it is undeserved yet Christ gives it to us... So if Maury Davis is still going to hell as you all wish upon him...Guess what... SO ARE YOU... See you're not arguing with me, you're not battling Maury Davis... You're telling GOD how to do his job... What a contradiction.. A slight conundrum even... Ye Scribes & Pharisees

Kicked once

By the way... youre not very strategic savvy as your quick draw shows you're here to look intellectual yet you display ignorant tongue lashing... I wasn't the one speaking of cutlery nor you dancing around the place... that was a different person sparky...

Yes, indeed. It has been entertaining reading. Most comments appear to fail to recognize this is The Nashville Scene, and Ashley Hargrove, purely for entertainment and quite distant from anything resembling journalism.

1. If Maury Davis was repentant about the murder of Mrs. Liles, he would have already apportioned a percentage of his church’s income to the Liles family or perhaps a charity in her name.

2. Why do fundamentalist Christians flock to Mr. Davis’ church? Because they are obsessed with blood and violence. Mr. Davis is his own circus freak. What ignoramus wouldn’t love to see a real live killer in the flesh? Don’t believe me about the gore? How many of you Fundies watched and loved the movie “The Passion of the Christ?” You loved watching poor Jesus suffer and die. Admit it.

3. Anyone who, in this day and age, believes that “homosexuality” is any sort of a sin is a few bricks shy of a load. I would say that your IQ hovers around “mentally retarded,” but that would be an insult to the truly mentally handicapped folks. For those who still need “proof” that being gay isn’t an “abomination,” remember what Jesus said regarding it: “(nothing)”.

4. I do believe that most world religions recognize murder as some form of sin or violation of humanity. If an Islamic religious leader had killed someone, American Christian fundamentalists would be after his head.

5. Cornerstone Members: Admit it—if Mr. Davis had had a romantic relationship with another man, you’d be demanding his resignation from the pulpit. (But murder? That’s okay!)

Please stop being an embarassment to the city of Nashville.

Since my previous post, I have read some of the comments. A lot of folks seem to be concerned for Davis' side of the story. Maybe they should also hold out for Jo Ella's side of the story. I really feel like if I was viciously murdered I would really want everyone to know the murderers side of the story OF COURSE!

Great article! I often wonder about the church in my neighborhood. Madison has it's fair share of crime and pverty. I have searched thier website and apparently they don't do much for the community. Their idea of charity is "saving people".I can only imagine how much Mike Huckabee's appearance was. Wouldn't that money be better served going to feed the homeless that wander our streets? Oh and I certainly hope they preach against the death penalty!

I heard the man preach a sermon based on the time that his young son came crying to him with an overwhelming problem. Davis coldly told his son to quit his crying and be a man. I think this teaching alone disqualifies "God's annointed" from the ministry. I hope you understand why.

To Abby,

Your post just gave me the laugh of a lifetime. You obviously have done NO research whatsoever on Cornerstone, stating that the church does "nothing" for the community. Cornerstone has renovated schools, involved in the the schools system, has it's own legal head start program, countless outreach ministries & foreign country missionary ministries building churches in countries that are against christianity. Educate yourself before you display your lack of knowledge.

To the woman who said christ says "nothing" about homosexuality:

Ever venture to study Soddom & Gomorah?..
Ever read Chirst saying "it's an abomination for men to leave the natural use of a woman being man w/ man"
Ever read that man was created to leave his mother/father and cleave to his WIFE(now pardon the facetious tone but doesnt WIFE mean FEMALE? Or am I mistaken? SURELY NOT)

What bible do you read that omits homosexuality as an abomination? The author must've pulled a "King James" and chose to strike that from the book.

Murder:
You all are kicking at the air in stupidity trying to disqualify, NOT MUARY DAVIS but the ability of Christ. I laugh at you all.

Aware of the fact that when you lie on someone, you commit murder?
Aware that when you gossip/talk about someone, you commit murder?

Oh no, not you... you're lies, gossip and down rating surely isn't as equivicable to such a heinous murder as that of Muary Davis....HA! Indeed it is however.

Who does this man think he is that he casts out devils in the name of the father?
What manner of man is this that he performs such miracles claming to be the son of God?
Is this not the Nazerene? Whos father is but a simple carpenter?

Oh ye Scribes & Pharisees

Ignorance is OBVIOUSLY bliss with you all.

Discrediting God? Wow sparky...HA!
Just because you can't fathom such forgiveness doesn't mean Christ in incapable... in fact that's his purpose.

(paraphrasing the new testament) "A prophet is powerful except in his own town"

Just as your ancestral Scribes & Pharisees did Christ,
You, the ignorant blood line of such uneducated individuals are doing to Maury Davis.

They looked at Christ as a mere carpenters son
You look at Maury Davis as a mere murderer

Yet Christ looks at him as his child, his loved one & a child whom he has redeemed....

As much as I so hate to be redundant,

If Maury Davis doesn't deserve his redemption, salvation & blessings he has right now, NOR DO ANY OF YOU.

Ye Scribes & Pharisees

Oh and HA! Abby?

"their idea of charity is saving people."

The biblical definition of CHARITY is LOVE.
What's more LOVING that to save a man's soul?

Ever heard the saying "Give a man a fish.. He'll eat for a day... But TEACH him to fish & he'll never go hungry."

I could give give give tangibly all day. THATS NOT LOVE. But if I gift you with true love and compassion, ive been truely charitable.

tsk tsk ye scribe & pharisee

1 Corinthians, Ch 13, V4-6
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

When I listen to Mr. Davis preach, I hear a boastful man. As this story and the Dallas Morning News Story point out, his story is filled with embellishments, designed to make him look bigger than life.

He brags about a car chase right out of The French Connection with a dramatic crash, but there was none. He talks about jailhouse suicides that didn't happen.

Notice when he talks about being the smallest person in the worst prison farm. About cutting down all the corn with a hand sickle. On and on. He is always bigger than life.

Here is all he says about the actual murder: "In the middle of a crime, I committed a horrible murder." There was no other crime.

Follow who you will. Believe what you want. The truth will always shine through.

Thanks Scene, for shining some light on the truth.

Since my last post (#35), I have noticed the game of ecclesiastical and intellectual ping pong that has been going on regarding Maury Davis and Cornerstone. Please note that the people who attend C-stone will never say anything critical, even if they themselves believe it. If they do, and if Davis finds out, they will be treated as disloyal. They are a tight bunch who vigorously defend their leader.

To Casual Observer

I am a member of Cornerstone yet if you read my posts I don't defend Pastor Davis. I specifically defend The Word of God & His ability to redeem ANYONE though mankind would persecute anyone before thinking of their soul.

There's things I don't understand at my church & ways I am not use to. Dont for one second thing I simply conform because those who know me know that I am far from a conformist. However, through MY PERSONAL relationship with Christ I have grown to learn that Christ led to that mans church for a reason. I have identified that the reason for me joining is the fact that, when I listen to services, I use my bible to filter what is fruit for my spiritual growth from what's a simple matter of opinion.

To say it more clean "opinions are like butt holes...We all have one."

To Isaac Young,
If everyone did what you did, the church would be a much better place.

1. Most of the new testament - written by a "born-again murderer:" Paul.
2. Difference between Christianity and Muslim faith: "Fundamental" Christianity preaches forgiveness and salvation for "non-believers", "fundamental" Islam preaches death for "non-believers."
3. Pastor Maury Davis probably gives more money away per year (some for Muslim people in Kenya to have clean water, a security force, etc.) than most of the folks on this blog have in their whole life.

This reminds me of the stat regarding BHO's charitable giving: He only broke the 1.2% barrier once before 2004 (reaching 1.4%). This, from a guy who a. is a self-professed Christian (even if you don't subscribe to tithing being 10%, surely you can do better than 1.4) and b. who will probably expect me to help fund Government Motors (GM).

4. Should abortion doctors live in big houses? I guess they should because they won't be living large on the "other side."

Another example of organized religion being for the weak minded. Where else in society would people welcome a murderer (forgiven or not) into a position to tell them how to lead their lives? Meanwhile, they provide him with huge houses, nice cars, a lavish lifestyle and boast about what a good Christian man he is.

My husband met Pastor Davis once and as he shook his hand, Pastor Davis pressed his "life story" cassette into his hand. Picture an ambulance chasing attorney following the accident victim to the ER room and giving him his business card while he's escorted into surgery.

Examples of this are exactly why individuals choose NOT to attend a church!

There is so much crazy on this post it's scary. The cult of the Cornerstone church is out in force. Hope he has fun living high on the hog; all the money in the world isn't going to help him on the other side. This guy has a bed in hell waiting for him.

A can't believe the nerve of some people posting. You all are asking the question: "why bring up something that happened so many years ago" or "he has skeleton's in his closet." That is a bunch of crap. This man killed a woman. If his defense is that he was on drugs - that is his fault - no one forced him to take drugs. He is a jerk and should never have gotten out of prison. I guarandamntee you if it was your mother or grandmother you would not want this man out and living the high life. The ONLY reason he is a pastor is because he killed someone and is trying to make money off of a terrible crime. That is sad. Why didn't this asshole find Jesus before he went to prison.

i would have to blame god for this whole mess..he has a devine plan..it's a plan so you dont need to pray..your just trying to mess with his plan..and 35 years back he planned to have this trashy guy slit an old ladies throat for no reason..cept for possession..but i guess god created everything..including satan..so well..
he then continued with said plan to make the victim's family watch the converted killing man go onto to jesus like-homophobic-racist-glory in nashville. plan works for me...
all you people that clap when maury tells you he beat people or christ..pick up a bible..maybe read it..maybe for yourself..i have read your book many times..and tho it does mention beating slaves and knocking out teeth is ok if they wake up in a few days--exd21-20-ish..i cant remember when jesus knocked out teeth...maybe the catholics took that out when they re-wrote and edited the entire story to control people soo long ago..either way i pity your mall church and your sheep-like mentality. i gotta run and beat an old lady for jesus..much love
FCA

For all who read this i want the world to know and for the trash Newspaper NASHVILLE SCENE to know that so many, many, many years yes Pastor Maury comitted a murder and did wrong. But that was before you knew the Lord. While PAstor Maury Davis was in prison in Texas he met an awesome pastor who had helped Pastor Maury Davis live a life for Jesus and while he was in prison he gave his life and surrendered his life to the Lord completely and asked God to forgive him. The Lord did forgive him but many of you out there need to read your BIBLE and know that when you give your life to the Lord and you ask for forgiveness the Lord forgives you. But the world wants to keep throwing Pastor Maury Davis's past in his face and in the public. IF GOD CAN FORGIVE you ought to do the same if you are a christian. If you are not then you ought to give your life to the Lord and let him transform you in the way he did Pastor Maury Davis. But you hypocrites out there will never get it together. GOD IS A LOVING,CARING,COMPASIONATE,AND FORGIVING GOD. We are to be in his image and live according to God's word not the World's way. God says Forgive one another... the world says keep bringing up the past..... Let me tell you Pastor Maury Davis is a powerful and awesome man of God and he has a lot of compassion for his congregation and his community. He has helped thousands of people to come to the Lord. He is doing God's will and our community needs to support him not Judge him for his past. That is between him and God so let it be. I am blessed to know Pastor Davis and am homored to be a part of Cornerstone Church! God bless you Pastor Maury Davis and God be with ALL of you who need to come to know Jesus! Get the blinders of darkness of your filthy souls and let the light of Jesu Christ pour into your hearts and cleanse you.

Lenette. You're suggesting that we should never hold people accountable for their actions. Forget the past, so long as people claim that God has forgiven them?

Davis has served his time in prison (8 years from what I read) so we should accept that he has paid the price mandated by law. However, no-one is obliged to forgive him or forget what he did.

If God is about forgiveness, and we should model our behaviour on his, why does Davis preach homophobia and an extreme right-wing agenda? In Davis' own words:

"It never dawned on those brilliant promoters of tolerance that anyone might actually be living in sin or eternal CONDEMNATION"

Who is this man to judge anyone? He's a bigot. How many of the homosexuals he rails against are unlikely to brutally murder a sunday school teacher? I'm sure there are good people attending Cornerstone Church, but it's disturbing the way in which many are defending him as if he were a saint. It's verging on idolatry.

What is very frustrating is if the average Joe did this, the very same morons in the pews feeding off this "messengers" words, would not even think about letting you unclog their precious toilet, much less take any advice or let you near their children. I have had it with these silly Christians who think that they have the answers, like they know something the rest of us do not know. I do not blame this "Man of God", he saw a need and he met it. I blame these pod people who need someone else to mislead them.

What is very frustrating is if the average Joe did this, the very same morons in the pews feeding off this "messengers" words, would not even think about letting you unclog their precious toilet, much less take any advice or let you near their children. I have had it with these silly Christians who think that they have the answers, like they know something the rest of us do not know. I do not blame this "Man of God", he saw a need and he met it. I blame these pod people who need someone else to mislead them.

8 1/2 yrs for nearly decapitating a 54 yr old woman who did nothing but offer hope and help. Let us all hope that the 53 year old Reverand receives some biblical justice for his 54th birthday.

WoW! that's all i can say, i have been tryin this church out for the past few weeks, i have been enjoyed the sermons, maury does a really good job at touching people, the only thing i don't really like about this church is some people thinking they can speak in tongues, i don't really believe in that, but as far a maury i think he means well, i think as a sinner we shouldn't judge one another i am guilty of jugdeing people but we should only jugde to the measure of what we would like god to judge us, i've been gonig on wed night he's been preaching on addiction, i have not had a problem but someone very close to me has had problems, he is teaching the right way to help instead of pushing people away or enable, but anyway i do feel for the son of the mother that was killed, i don't think i would be able to forgive very easy, but how this son lives i don't think has any thing to do with maury, people should be happy for him and the son has to learn forgiveness, i once heard "forgivness is not for the other person it is for you self".god bless, please forgive us of all of our sins

That's the great thing about being a christian.. you have an endless supply of Jesus Jokers. If you get caught screwing over your fellow man.... what the heck... just lay down one of your endless supplies of Jesus Jokers and move on. Hey... I'm forgiven, 'cause I've been saved! Maury you're a vicious KILLER!

Any 'good' done by Maury Davis, is premeditated to help show how 'wonderful' and worthy he is. The proof is in how wealthy he has become on the back of his sadistic background. After all, this has been his purpose in using religions right from the start, since being caught at murdering, has it not? And, it has made him very wealthy, which, being who he is, was another of his strategies. Quite a motive to his life there I think! If Christians are taken in by him, the only bonus here is the help Davis gives to ex-cons and criminals. If it helps them change their ways, it is making amends of sorts.

I suppose Davis has some type of strength to hide the rage he must surely have within him still. That type of cold-blooded, killing rage, is going to be DEEP within in, no matter what he does and could emerge again at any time. The way he killed was abhorrent and so unnatural that it was 200% inhuman and very deviant. This potential is still part of his brain, no matter what he says. I for one would NEVER trust such a violent man who could have ever committed such a horrific crime like this, against a woman no less! I wonder how many children he might have hurt throughout his life secretly, or other murders he might have got away with it? Who would know, if a murderer did not get caught?

Maury Davis should have been given the death sentence. Justice my foot, what about that poor murdered woman and her family? All prisoners turn to religion as a means to get out of there, it is a HUGE farce and nothing new. But, Davis should not have benefited so much from a diabolical, sadistic background.

All of you 'Christians' who stick up for him, will never know how near you, or your loved ones, might have come to becoming a victim of his pent-up rage. You should not trust him. Ever! It is making a mockery of religion and the real God. The REAL God does not condone or forgive a deviant, cruel killing as that is a sign of insanity and a massive error in the human blueprint. Also, unless a greater percentage of Davis's assets are shared amongst the needy, animal shelters included, without his being able to live in a million dollar home, none of you ought to trust his motives.

My message to Davis in case he is reading this; ~ ~ You have NOT fooled me, as your accumulation of wealth shows what is important to you! ~ ~

I hope there is a hell so Davis WILL pay for his deviant, deliberate, sadistic, cold-blooded killing of that woman, Jo Ella. And, for once, I hope there IS such a thing as hell, as I do not want this man anywhere near me in my spiritual travels! But, I might make it my business to meet Davis in the flesh, so I can look into his eyes and see that deep rooted rage, just waiting to emerge once again! None of us are safe when cold-blooded, inhuman murderers are outside of lock-up.

TO THE DEFENDERS OF A MURDERER:

God is not in Maury Davis, or he would NOT have accumulated the wealth he has. Davis would have used ALL his riches gained from his killing background as a penance and to truly help the needy humans and animals. He would have been incapable of KEEPING all his wealth through guilt and would need to use the majority of his gains for the good of ALL others, whilst living in humble, modest surroundings.

Now would this not be the case, or has logic gone right out of the window to some of you Christians? Come on, get your brains in gear, at least for a short while. True, loving pastors are humble and poor. They are subsidised by their flock and council. They are not millionaires or it PROVES they are not Pastors for the right reasons. I rest my case.

Maury Davis's wealth, PROVES he is still inhuman and a charletan! Nothing there can be disputed.

It has always been amazing to me that the Cornerstone congregaton has chosen a convicted murderer to lead them. He talks about the baggage the world has made him carry and the weight and burden it has been for him. That seems like a very small price to pay for taking another life. He should have spent the rest of his life in prison. I am sure for the murdered womans family they feel no justice was served for their mother. If he was really sincere about redemption he should spread his wealth that the church has enabled him to acquire to help others more unfortunate and needy.Do you think they ever wonder if the pastor is a true con artist.

To whom ever reads this! I agree, what Maury Davis done was wrong. And he didn't serve this time in prison. But, we are not to judge, that is God's job. But, for some reason God chose him, from the prison and called him to preach. Pastor Davis, lives with what he done every minute of his life, the shame it brought to his family, the memories, of taking some ones Mother away. During his time in prison, Davis reached out to the Lord. And God, saved him, because "he asked him to", he take out a harded heart and replaced. THAT is what God does. All you have to do is ask, God will save you too. God, is using Pastor Davis as a vessel, to show everyone and anyone, that no matter what you have done, or what strong holes the devil has placed on you, God can and will deliver you from it, if you will only ask, he will give you a new heart and wipe all that you have done and all the sins away. If you only ask him and meant it. But, you have to do your part too. When you are a new Christian, you will need to read your Bible, be around Christian people, your heart will glide you, "Because, you will not want to go the places, you use to go and watch or hear, the things you did. If you truly are reborn, you will see our world, the way it really is, which is not a pretty sight. God sent his only son, just for you, and Jesus felted the pain, when he was nailed on that cross, the pain of ever ones sins. How could anyone not love Jesus, and not want to live for him? In our world today, sin is everywhere, and like Jesus, you will be made fun of and will have to chose your friends, and who you hang around with, because they will try to pull you back in.
But, if you truly, are saved and love the Lord. With God, you will win. The only thing that really matters, and what is worth spending any time on is LIVING FOR THE LORD, because one day, you are going to stand face to face with him, and he will say "Enter into my kingdom" or "Depart from me", and you will send forever and forever in HELL. God gives us the freedom to chose, but he really loves you and wants everyone to come to him, but it your choose you make. God, is not lost, you are, he never has been. All you have to do is ask him to forgive you for everything you have done, and give your heart to the Lord, but again you really have to meant it. You take the first step, and watch what happens!

Maury Davis could not have come as far as he has, if the Lord hadn't chose him. He would either, still be in prison or went bad to drug and drinking. God, chose this man, just to show the world, what he can do with you. If you will only let him.

I find it amazing how everyone seems to find "GOD" once they are in prison, funny how it never happend for theese people before then.
I have to ask of all who commented here that he was forgiven by the lord, and how we should not judge him for what he has done, if that was your mother whom was murderd for no reason would you still sit in his church, and believe he is forgiven? I believe you would see him in a different light then, an would not so easily forgive.
I have heard him call the titans players "just a bunch of thugs" I am no football fan myself, but as I see it...he is not one to lay down judgement upon anyone.
Davis lives in a million dollar home, says his church offers hope and help...I have family members who attend this church, also my children have, but when in need we visited Mr. Davis at Cornerstone Church, looking for help when my husband was laid off and with 3 small children we were told there was nothing he could do to help us, he gave us 3 canned food items and sent us away, two weeks later a big ad was placed in the newspaper with Davis's photo describing the "help" that Davis claimed to be providing to those in need. His exact words to us when we left..."we have to help our own...sorry" Despite the countless family members attending his church,and having attended ourselvs...
I believe the one who truly had found the Lord was Joe Ella a Sunday school teacher murdered for no reason.
I am sure there are thousands of inmates who have found GOD while in Jail, considering they are left to wallow in what they have done..it must be comforting to know you can murder someone but all will be forgiven if you pick up a book and claim to have found God. Would you go to see theese inmates and let them preach to you on Sunday how you should live...you don't have to just drive to Cornerstone Church and you can get your sermon from a brutal murderer.
I believe Maury Davis should sit on Death Row in a prison until the day he has to face God and is judged for what he has done.
We do not let child molesters teach children in school, why are we letting murderes teach about God in church?

I realize I am coming quite late to this party; I read this article last year but was prompted to read it again once I was again invited to the "spectacular service" at Cornerstone coming up on Good Friday. I find it harder and harder to be polite to the one inviting me.

I have been a committed Christian for over 50 years but I have yet to see or hear anything remotely Christ-like from Maury Davis. Until I read this article and the related articles from Dallas, I had assumed or heard that the murder in question was during a bar fight or with a drug dealer... I was shocked when I read the details and I have to wonder if the version I believed was deliberately planted among the good people of Nashville.

Furthermore, when I hear of his (Davis')constant tirades against Muslims, homosexuals, and the president of our nation I have to wonder what on EARTH that has to do with saving souls from sin. I am sure it is catchy to preach such venom to a target audience.... after all most can sit smugly in a pew and congratulate themselves that THEY aren't "like that." Oh, wait, wasn't there a similar scenario in Matthew 15 and Luke 11, among other scripture?

As many others have stated, a truly repentant man would have established a charity in honor of the murdered woman, not to mention making serious restitution to her family.

I will once again not be attending their Easter "extravaganza" and I will also try mightily to avoid offending my kind co-worker who keeps giving me the slick printed invitations to attend.