'Do we really want to obey biblical law?' and more Letters to the Editors

Do we really want to obey biblical law?

Recently someone correctly wrote to the Times Free Press that the Bible (Leviticus 18:22) describes homosexuality as an abomination. Certainly this person and other like-minded fold would not want to accept any violation of biblical law. Guess we should shun those who eat shellfish, as that, too, is an abomination (Leviticus 11:10).

Other biblical laws we should obey are permitting the sale of your daughter into slavery (Exodus 21:7), to put to death your neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath (Exodus 35:2), and to own slaves if they are from neighboring nations (Leviticus 25:44).

I'm assuming that the person writing the previous letter would not think that a logical or devout person could decide to follow just the biblical law they agreed with. Can you imagine this person being the one to throw the first stone at a homosexual working at a seafood restaurant on the Sabbath? But stoning would be out if this person was one of their own Canadian or Mexican slaves.

TOM ROGERS

Hixson


Realize the need to vote Democratic

The conditions of this republic will never be perfect. It is for sure our elected leaders will never be "perfect" for pleasing everybody.

The need is very important for the voters to be aware that the 2012 elections can be the time for the masses of the voters to send their message in determining whether they want to continue getting the proper "balance" of this republic back "for the people and by the people."

If the voters stick to the facts instead of being "overwhelmed" by the lies and misleading misinformation put out by the opponents of President Obama, there is not any doubt they will realize their need to vote for the Democratic candidates on Nov. 6.

CARL BRACKIN

Georgetown, Tenn.


Instant responses doomed writing

The art of writing is gone. Communication has hit its high with instant responses from Twitter, texts and cell phones. That luxury is cool and far removed from the time when we would use our regular home lines to return calls after work, and let our parents know where we were.

As we grow more into this technological world, we lose sight of how people used to sit down and write a letter and how it was often more appreciated when received through the mail. The wait and response was not instant, but the pen on paper, the stamp, the fact that the person sat down and took time to express thoughts, and that they wanted to write rather than text "I heart u" on their cell, counted more.

Kids are completely unaware of how much of life they are missing, because they are in such a constant dialogue with gossip and texting "what is up" that nothing else is up!

We have lost reason in thinking phones are the sole method of contact. Thank-you cards, wedding announcements and "break ups" are often sent online now or through Facebook. Some of this technology is brilliant, but it's costing us to lose a vital piece of communication.

CHRISTINE DIWAN


Moment of silence is the best choice

In response to the front-page story (May 23): "Commission asked to stop praying."

One of the many things I have appreciated about Chattanooga since moving here four years ago is the growing diversity -- national, cultural and religious -- of our city and county. I strongly believe that any public religious ceremony should unite our community and not divide it. If our county commissioners or any other groups of elected leaders want to begin their meetings with a religious observance, I suggest that they offer a moment of respectful silence so that any who wish can offer a personal prayer in their own tradition or, if any wish, no prayer at all.

THE REV. DR. DAVID C. BROWN,

Pastor at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ


America is still a criminal haven

Is anyone surprised the Rutgers student found guilty of filming his gay roommate for the Internet was sentenced to only a month in jail? America continues to be a criminal haven, as consequences for breaking the law are often laughable. From texting while driving, to DUI, to theft, to assault and murder, there's a good chance the guilty will be back on the streets before the change of season, at most.

Law-enforcement officers have their hands tied. They do their jobs, but the rest of the system is why America is the favorite of lawbreakers. At least we're fighting unemployment with the lawyers, judges and the like who help thugs get back on their feet again. And guess who pays for their services?

I've seen America drastically change its character. Nowdays, it's common to hear stories of cheating on tests and taxes, driving scofflaws, frivolous lawsuits, disrespect and excuses for every problem we encounter, and bullies continue to control others at school with impunity. It almost makes one want to return to the '60s or '70s, before computers became the national sport and people actually talked to each other. One thing's for sure: we can't count on politicians to get us off the "slippery slope." Any suggestions?

TOM BAKER

Hixson

Upcoming Events