Why is it OK to offend Christians?
Some people are always trying to hinder the duty of Christians, which the Bible says is to teach the Gospel to all, as Jesus and his disciples did in a firm but gentle way.
Some want Christians to stop teaching the Gospel because it offends skeptics, atheists and others. Why is it wrong to offend everyone but Christians, those seeking salvation, or even Jesus or God?
JENNIFER BRADFORD
Thoughts on Obama have gotten better
In Mitt Romney's nomination acceptance speech, he said about President Obama, "You know there's something wrong with the kind of job he's done as president when the best feeling you had was the day you voted for him."
Well, Mr. Romney, my best feelings about President Obama progressively increased on the days when he prevented the second Great Depression; passed Wall Street reform; signed the Lilly Ledbetter Act; saved the automobile industry; ended the war in Iraq and started the draw-down of the war in Afghanistan; turned monthly job losses into job gains; ended "Don't ask, don't tell"; ordered the raid that resulted in the killing of Osama Bin Laden; prevented the deportation of immigrants brought as children into this country by their parents; stopped banks from profiting from student loans; signed the new GI Bill expanding benefits for veterans; expressed support for same-sex marriage; and especially when he signed the Affordable Care Act into law.
These accomplishments are especially remarkable considering that many Republican leaders stated that their primary goal was not to create jobs, improve health care, or help veterans, but rather to see Obama fail.
Presumably, the impact of that selfish goal on Americans was of no concern to such obstructionists.
LEWIS ADDISON
Handouts will drop along with economy
There are many folks planning to vote for Obama because they believe their handouts will continue with possible increases: Subsidized rent, food stamps, increased student loans, and so on. Regardless of Obama's promises -- if the economy fails any more, the handouts will be the first to be reduced or disappear altogether. This also goes for all special-interest groups, union, lifestyle, women, whomever -- if the economy bursts, your interests will be set aside. If you don't believe me, go to your local gas station and see what it now costs to fill your tank with Obamaline.
HERB WILKINS, Hixson
Republican team panders to rich
Republicans have the perfect ticket, two rich white men. Both are committed to lining the pockets of the rich while starving the poor and middle class.
Mitt Romney is a tax dodger and vulture capitalist who is willing to do anything to make a buck, regardless of the havoc it creates in the lives of working people.
Paul Ryan is a preppy geek who was elected "biggest brown-nose" by his private-school classmates. His ideological hero is Ayn Rand, an atheistic, pro-abortion, Russian novelist who worshiped the dollar. "Atlas Shrugged" is a work of fiction and John Galt is imaginary. Paul Ryan's inability to discriminate between fact and fiction is indicative of an adolescent fixation that afflicts many Republican ideologues.
Neither have any empathy for those who are hungry, homeless, in need of medical care, or looking to escape poverty by getting an education. Both were born to wealth and privilege and feel entitled to enrich themselves on other people's suffering. Both are proven liars.
Both espouse voodoo economics of "trickle down" and care only about pandering to the rich. In short, they are the quintessential Republicans.
TERRY STULCE
No traffic makes city Dead Bank
I find it interesting that the city of Red Bank says that in the last seven years, since the installation of traffic cameras, there has been a 42 percent reduction in red-light running at the intersection of Ashland Terrace and Dayton Boulevard. Could this be attributed to a 50 percent decrease in traffic?
I moved to the Chattanooga area three years ago. When driving down Morrison Springs Road to Dayton Boulevard for the first time, I thought "what a pretty place." That's before I saw a closed-down shopping center on the north side of town and a major restaurant vacant across from the Red Bank Junior High School. These are just a couple of the many vacant stores and businesses in Red Bank. Now I've come to the conclusion that Red Bank should be called Dead Bank.
JIM SISK, Red Bank
God is a power controlling destiny
Re: "Listen to God's Spirit within," letter (Sept. 1): Dietrich Bonheoffer was a devout Christian his entire life. He held to his faith and his convictions despite great danger from the Nazis.
The German church had been compromised by the Nazi party, but there was an active Christian Church in Germany ... the "Confessing Church," of which Bonheoffer was an active member.
The Confessing Church confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and opposed the Nazis. If Bonheoffer had played it safe, he probably would have survived the Nazis, but he did not.
Here are some other things that Dietrich Bonheoffer said, "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." "Religion today is far more committed to so-called 'tolerance' than to the Truth."
As to the Gnostics ... theirs is a dualistic religion that has nothing to do with the Christian Church. The Christian Church was founded by Jesus Christ. Religion, by definition, is simply a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny. I believe that this power is God.
SARA PANKAU, Ringgold, Ga.
Judge cameras on safety issues
Last year I called and talked personally with Mayor Millard concerning the advantages of keeping the traffic cameras in Red Bank. He was quite disinterested in my opinions.
Seventeen years ago, the corner of Dayton Boulevard and Ashland Terrace was a dangerous place. People ran the red lights many times a week. The traffic cameras went up and suddenly the problem all but disappeared.
Our family of six lives in Red Bank. Never once have any of us or all our children's friends gotten a ticket from the cameras. Apparently the drivers willing to risk lives are the ones who are bypassing our town or they have learned to drive like law-abiding citizens. Why should the people of Red Bank tolerate dangerous, willful drivers who would risk our lives with illegal driving habits?
The issue of the traffic cameras should be judged on safety issues, not money ones. A traffic ticket from a camera is much cheaper than the one a policeman would give.
I expect Mayor Millard to place policemen permanently on the corners if he succeeds in removing our safety cameras. Shame on the Red Bank leaders who are considering removing them!
SYLVIA HILDEBRANDT, Red Bank
Time for Christians to take a stand
Ever since I can remember, there was prayer offered at most if not all sporting events -- this even before I become a believer. It did not bother me at all. I just listened, and that was that. Now we have a small group who wants to take our rights of free speech, including prayer. away from us.
We as Christians have been silent too long. It is time for us to speak up for our rights. Why are we permitting a small group of people dictating to us where we can pray?
LEONARD WILLIAMS, Ooltewah
Some agendas aren't hidden
We are living in excruciatingly puzzling times. We are trying to figure out who both the contenders for president really are. There are a lot of hidden agendas to be delved into. "Obama's America," a documentary now in the theaters, is worth checking out.
One thing that is crucial: Where does Israel fit in with their plans for us? I know there is a God in heaven who will bless the U.S.A. if we will be a blessing to our only democracy in the Mideast. Countries that want to obliterate Israel also are our mortal enemies. Their agendas are not hidden.
I take great comfort in knowing what the Bible says in the book of James: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."
RACHEL DECOSIMO