Writer confused about Sodom’s sin
A letter confused the biblical history of Sodom and its well-known sin. The writer claimed that Sodom’s sin was inhospitality. How then could we explain God’s unjust judging of Sodom with fiery destruction?
The sin of Sodom was unquestionably one of immorality – attempted by male on male guests in Lot’s house (Genesis 19:12-13). Same-sex conduct is specifically condemned in Leviticus 18:22. Jesus confirmed the judgment on Sodom, owing to its grievous conduct.
The Apostle Paul identifies sodomy as a violation of God’s Law (1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9).
Jude verse 7 affirms that the immorality of Sodom involved “going after strange flesh” – understood by Bible scholars as sodomy.
It is folly to claim homosexuality as approved biblical morality. History confirms the obnoxious nature of this practice, beginning in earliest times and continuing through the Assyrian, Babylonian, Roman, and Medieval periods, as well as in modern times. It is still unlawful in 70 out of 195 countries as it once was in America.
Homosexuality has always been considered deviant and against nature by society. Tolerance should not be misinterpreted for acceptance.
JIM WEST
Ringgold, Ga.
Transfer students are great additions
The article in Sunday’s paper (Sept. 26) about the transfer students from Howard and East Ridge to Signal Mountain had a negative slant, so I am describing my experiences to give a different perspective.
I teach choral music, and with the new students have doubled the size of my high school choir. I have several transfer students from both schools and they have been a wonderful addition to our choir. They are well mannered, have beautiful voices and add richness to the sound of the chorus.
In addition to these students I have exchange students from Germany, Taiwan and South Africa. I think cultural diversity is important to the education of our children, and we should embrace the opportunity to get to know people who are not “just like us.”
In doing so, I believe we will find that we have common dreams and our lives will be enriched because of the experience. To the administrations of Howard and East Ridge, I would like to say “well done” with these students and your loss is my gain. I hope they’ll come back to thank you for giving them your best.
JAN JOHNSON
Choral Director
Signal Mountain
Middle School
City employees go above and beyond
I find it amazing that tax dollars are being spent to audit two women who used a personal magazine to promote events in and around Chattanooga.
If anyone knows their job description and spends any time with these women, they would acknowledge there are overlaps in their jobs and their private endeavors.
As a promotional type, city-paying job, they have to attend events that occur on weekends and evenings. They probably serve more than the required 40 hours a week.
I respect these young ladies for the undying tenacity to promote Chattanooga as a highly attractive location for arts and cultural events.
We had great support from them for our event in May that brought extra tourism dollars to the area. They went above and beyond the call of duty with an event we staged in Chattanooga. They set up and attended an evening event for promoting our event and they came out a few evenings later to attend the event.
I for one think they probably had an impact on the fact that tourism in Chattanooga is at $762 million so far this year.
LOIS SILER-MOORE
Pray daily for America
The Lord says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
This is a promise from God! Why don’t we take Him at his Word? Why don’t we do what he says? Let’s get on our knees (or in a quiet place – maybe a closet) and pray! Let’s remove anything from our lives that we know should not be there. Let’s pray daily for America, mentioning by name our leaders. Since Jesus is our Savior and the one mediator between God and man, let’s pray in His name. Then we will see what God will do in answer to our prayers.
MARGE McNUTT
Signal Mountain
GOP’s nasty politics pays off
Why do Southern Republicans engage in the nastiest of politics? Answer: It pays off, that’s why.
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey questioned the validity of Islam while campaigning in our GOP primary race. “Now, you could even argue whether being a Muslim is actually a religion, or is it a nationality, way of life or cult, whatever you call it,” said Ramsey. “Certainly we do protect our religions, but at the same time this is something we are going to have to face.”
Really?
Rep. Wamp, Republican of Tennessee, said states might have to consider seceding from the union if the federal government does not change its ways regarding mandates. “I hope that the American people will go to the ballot box in 2010 and 2012 so that states are not forced to consider separation from this government.”
The truth is that Republicans may succeed in gaining political ground with their xenophobic tactics, hatred for Obama. It’s a white middle-class revolt – not a revolt of people of color, nor the unemployed, nor the foreclosed upon. It’s a revolt against our black president, Latin American immigrants and Muslim Americans. It’s a revolt against the Constitution.
B.J. PASCHALL
Sevierville, Tenn.
Exclude physicians from ‘Best of Best’
The Times Free Press’ “Best of the Best” competition should not include any physician categories.
First, the physician categories were random, inclusive, and/or exclusive based on choices of the Times Free Press advertising department. This contest is simply about marketing, without any factual basis or editorial merit.
Secondly, any such contest is primarily based on popularity, name branding, and advertising. It cannot judge a physician’s knowledge, skills, or patient care and outcomes. Such contests are acceptable for pizza joints and dry cleaners, but not where public health is concerned.
Third, voting in popularity contests can be swayed by social networking and campaigning. The results make this fact obvious.
Finally, the “winners” may unethically advertise superiority in a specialty as “the best,” despite lack of any objective evidence to support such claims. Knowledgeable Chattanoogans realize the fact that at least one such “winner” is not even qualified in their awarded category. Unfortunately, uneducated and gullible consumers will see his ads and assume otherwise.
Any physician with integrity knows that it is unethical to promote oneself as the “best” in any field of medicine and would support the exclusion of physician categories in next year’s “Best of the Best” contest.
RACHEAL S. GRAVITT
Lookout Mountain, Ga.