We had an interesting discussion last night in Galatians about Paul’s wish that God would damn certain people in Gal. 1:8-9:

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you something other than what we previously preached to you, let him be damned!  As we said before, I will also say again now, if anyone is preaching to you something other than what you received, let him be damned!

It is certainly an arresting way to begin a letter!

Here’s my question: Is it ever right for us to talk this way?  Are there ministry situations or issues that are so crucially freighted with import that we can pull out this sort of rhetoric?  Are there dangers to speaking like this?