Posted on 12/19/2004 3:56:41 AM PST by publius1
Belief and Unbelief, Side by Side (6 Letters) Published: December 19, 2004
To the Editor:
Re "Keeping the Faith in My Doubt," by John Horgan (Op-Ed, Dec. 12):
Like Mr. Horgan, I am concerned about the extreme power of conservatism rooted in religion. It offers a clear, emotional ideology to go about living in a complex world by believing it is simple.
According to Mr. Horgan, the United Universists, of which I am director, should give up our effort at organization out of principle because all organizations are flawed. But he offers no viable alternative, which speaks for itself.
I can barely grasp the horror faith has wrought throughout history, and I see evidence of its continuing impact. This is one of the last great struggles of human history.
We're living in the time when humanity is coming to terms with our biological nature, when modifiable DNA raises fundamental questions. The overwhelming response is fear. I don't want to be afraid; I want to stand together and fight for the faithless.
Ford Vox Director, United Universists Birmingham, Ala., Dec. 14, 2004 •
To the Editor:
As a Midwestern Presbyterian deacon, I am much more comfortable with John Horgan's unbeliever than with the rigid evangelical theology that seemed to fuel this year's presidential election.
It is not just the unbelievers who feel beleaguered; progressive Christians feel that way, too. I certainly do not want evangelicals to teach their view of creation to my children in a classroom and then have them contradict me in Sunday school.
I admire Mr. Horgan for at least thinking of the creator even if he rejects him; better that than to completely ignore the spirituality of the world. Our belief becomes stronger when it is not mindlessly and routinely accepted.
Kay Reimers Yellow Springs, Ohio, Dec. 12, 2004 •
To the Editor:
Drawing a hard line between believers and unbelievers only establishes sides. I propose that we revert to the old-fashioned idea that being an American means believing in freedom for all, not just the freedom to choose sides.
Being American once meant that none of us had the right to impose religious or personal preferences.
I am what Americans used to be. I am a good neighbor to all, and I mind my own business.
Mike LaFleur Milton, Mass., Dec. 12, 2004 •
To the Editor:
Christian believers and beleaguered unbelievers should acknowledge a simple fact: the supreme test of a real Christian is not whether he or she subscribes to a certain set of doctrines, but whether he or she loves as Jesus did.
To have the all-forgiving love that Jesus embodied - and that alone can perhaps save our hatred-torn world - one need not adhere to the theological structures in which this love has historically been embedded.
Philip Walker Santa Barbara, Calif., Dec. 12, 2004 •
To the Editor:
John Horgan feels that he is "traveling lightly through life, unencumbered by beliefs." But he unwittingly reinforces the misperception equating atheism with amorality.
Those of us who are atheists, secular humanists or whatever term we prefer share many beliefs, among them the importance of integrity, responsibility, tolerance, personal freedom and truth.
Amy S. Rich Orange, Conn., Dec. 12, 2004 •
To the Editor:
The idea of an opposition between religion and science is a fallacy. The synagogues I have belonged to have been filled with scientists. The intimate knowledge of nature's wonders that science provides is a source of religious inspiration.
Many people in religious groups have great uncertainties as to the nature of God. What each religion provides is a rich tradition of scriptures, practices and community through which we may contemplate our ultimate concerns.
Ron Meyers New York, Dec. 12, 2004
With such sentiments, no wonder Christians--whom these letter writers clearly do not understand--make them (to use their Daschle word) "concerned."
For the longest time I thought people who said things like this were just making it up: I mean, even if you don't agree, you can at least understand. But no, now I have these depressing thoughts not only that they're serious, but that they think they are thinking!
Why do I smell a troll?
I do not understand how seemingly rational people can fear Christianity yet embrace an out of control government.
Unlike government, Christians cannot impound your bank accounts, take more than 50% of your income, take your property, force your children into dangerous schools, etc.
It must grind the left that Christianity, not government provides most of the benefits to mankind. For instance, without Christianity our founding fathers would never have composed our wonderful Constitution.
because he's only been a Freep Poster since 11.23.2004 and this is bait?
sorry, I misread the date. It's 2000. But it stills smells like bait.
Scripture says that He wants people to be either for Him or against Him, then people can be worked with. Those whose belief is half-hearted will be spewed from his mouth, so to speak.
My family, along with the pastor and about 40 other people, were once asked to leave the church I grew up in. The ringleader of the coup said that they wanted to get back to God, they'd had enough of this Jesus stuff.
Strictly out of curiosity, just what is troll bait, what does it smell like, and how does one differentiate it from something posted for honest discussion?
Now, I don't know Publius1's motivation in posting these letters either, but then I don't know your motive for calling the post 'bait'.
Because liberalism is a mental disorder.
Elitism + narcissicism = a liberal
Generally speaking, before accusing someone of being a troll, you look at their posting history in addition to the content of the current post/thread.
I personally think this is a topic worthy of discussion and the letters posted give a good range of points to dissect.
What's the problem with this thread for you?
'Fraid I don't understand. A troll? Me? Is it because of this post, I mean, the God-stuff?
You could check my posting history, or settle for this: R, C, Catholic, 56 years old, a movement guy since college. A read the Times every day because it does the same thing for me that coffee does, gets the system roiled. Sometimes I post what I've read because it's good for all of us to see what the other side thinks; even the letters to the Times give us a view of lib-proles down below Olympus. Troll... Jeez!
Now that I've described myself, and explained my reason for posting this particular item, perhaps you will do me the courtesy of of explaining your remark.
Well, you are being really positive about your own beliefs today. So far, you have demonstrated a profound negativity. You apologize for one snap judgement, and then make two more.
I invite you to try again. Please respond to what was actually posted this time, rather than the posters style.
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