I should warn you... it is not what humanity considers good or evil. Humanity should not presume to judge for God. They invariably get it wrong. 
Spectre (Volume 3) #45 is an issue of the series Spectre (Volume 3) with a cover date of September, 1996.
Synopsis for "Acts of God"
A group of men beats up a gay couple in an alley, killing one of them. The Spectre intervenes and rips out the heart of the attacker who struck the fatal blow. The others claim their attack was justified because their religion considers homosexuals to be an abomination. The Spectre orders them to stay where they are and wait for the authorities. The survivor of the attack questions the Spectre's judgment and suggests that the other attackers were spared because their victims were gay.
Later, after the police have arrested the attackers, Jim Corrigan arrives on the scene. Nate Kane asks him why the Spectre was so light on the attackers, and Corrigan says that the gay couple brought it on themselves; they paraded around rather than sticking to their own bars. Kane admits that he doesn't like homosexuals either but says they're still entitled to the same rights under the law: "If you start picking and choosing who gets justice based on your prejudices then you ain't got any moral authority!"
Corrigan drops in on Father Craemer, looking for confirmation that the Bible forbids homosexuality. Craemer asks him what he would say if he told him that he (Craemer) were gay. Stunned, Corrigan leaves Craemer's apartment.
The Spectre goes to the Gates of Heaven and asks Michael if there are homosexuals in heaven. Michael doesn't answer his question, so the Spectre asks if there are souls in Heaven who have committed unnatural acts. Michael confirms that there are, but he warns the Spectre that "Humanity should not presume to judge for God." The Spectre says that making such judgments is part of his mission; Michael tells him that his mission is perilous and a danger to his soul.
At the Church of St. Michael in New York City, a crowd gathers to protest Reverend Dinswoode, whose followers committed the attack on the gay couple. Corrigan enters the church and asks the Reverend if he instructed his followers to kill. Dinswoode says he is willing to use any method to save their souls. He picks up a sword, which he says has given him great strength in upholding righteousness. Corrigan notices that a piece of the American Talisman is built into the sword's hilt.
From outside, an angry protester throws a bomb into the church. The Spectre defuses it, but Dinswoode is irate. He lifts his sword and asks God to make him an instrument of retribution. Dinswoode transforms into a spirit and bursts out of the church with a flaming sword, claiming to be the Archangel Michael. The Spectre defeats him and claims his sword. The crowd agrees to grant Dinswoode mercy.
Corrigan returns to Father Craemer's apartment and apologizes.
Appearing in "Acts of God"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Reverend Angus Dinswoode
- Sebastion Reed
Other Characters:
- David Randall
- Stuart (Dies)
Locations:
- New York City
- Church of St. Michael
- Gates of Heaven
Items:
- American Talisman
Vehicles:
Notes
- This is part nine of the story arc, "The Haunting of America." It concludes with issue #50.
See Also