Media not showing true Christianity
Will Rogers once said, "All I know is what I read in the papers." If that is all folks know about Christianity, they don't know much.
The media sometimes seems to cast Christianity in a poor light. Recently here in the "buckle on the Bible Belt" three stories focusing on seemingly odd actions or beliefs might appear to confirm some garish Christian stereotypes.
But Christianity is not all about the construction of conspicuous and costly crosses. Nor is it about excluding those who interpret the Word differently. And surely helping the poor by employing usury (be it "legal" or not) to exploit others of the poor is not condoned by any congregation.
The Christian message is one of love, humility, forgiveness, understanding and helping others. Some believers may focus more on the commandments, sin, redemption or salvation.
Stories of those who fervently proselytize or contort the message tend to become the stereotype. Sadly, this image can overshadow the majority of professing, struggling Christians and good souls who do positive works without notice.
There is more to Christianity and being Christian than crosses by the interstate, manipulating "sinners" out of church and using appalling business practices to fund charity.
GRADY BURGNER, Ooltewah
Animal lovers need to speak up
Regarding the recent slaughter of the geese at Chattanooga State, rest assured animal lovers, the action has cost the college hundreds of thousands of dollars in private contributions, which I'm sure is not sitting well with a lot of people there right now.
School officers will not be oiling goose eggs this spring. You are going to leave the geese alone or risk losing more money for your college.
And to all the people who were appalled at the treatment of the geese at Chattanooga State, you need to know other businesses are doing the same thing.
Send a message, animal lovers. Boycott businesses that slaughter innocent animals that do not have the ability to distinguish which parcel of land sitting in the lake they can step on! It's animal cruelty, plain and simple.
SUSAN PERRUSO, Harrison