It’s time to evolve from literalism
I have with tolerance and without comment read many letters that encapsulate the biblical literalism in this town of five Bible colleges. Other letter writers rarely criticize the un-American ideas gleaned from ancient writers. A letter in Saturday’s opinion page deserves criticism.
Gay citizens live in the United States, a country with laws based largely on an understanding of humanity informed by science, not superstition. The world of the Bible is hardly scientific.
The interpretation of Scripture by biblical literalists is not definitive. In the Bible, there is no word for “homosexual.” The feminizing of males may have been a greater concern than the act itself. Only one verse condemns same sex among women.
The Lot legend is not about consenting same sex. It is about ancient taboos concerning inhospitality. However, comparing it to Judges 19 one sees an important condemnation about the evil of mob rape. Biblical literalists often forget that Lot offered his virgin daughters to be raped just as they forget a daughter was offered in Judges 19. The latter girl was raped until she died, and then she was cut up into 12 pieces by the priest who was the guest in that story.
Citizens, evolve!
IAN CLAUDIUS SMITH
Signal Mountain
Pray for abolition of death penalty
In 2009, the United States of America had the fifth highest number of executions in the world, putting it in the company of China, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976, our nation has executed 1,211 persons.
In recent years, abolitionist measures have been spreading throughout the U.S.A., and our death sentences have dropped by 60 percent.
The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty has set aside Oct. 10 every year as a day to call attention to this barbaric practice. Do we need to live in a state that kills people to show people that killing people is wrong?
This year, it’s a date designed to be remembered: TEN-TEN-TEN (Oct. 10 of 2010)
It is hoped that this World Day (10/10/10) will be used as an opportunity to publicly oppose the use of this inhumane, cruel and degrading punishment and to support those in the U.S.A. and around the world who are fighting for its abolition.
Join the members of ACAT-USA (Action by Christians Against Torture) on Sunday, 10/10/10, to pray for the abolition of the death penalty.
GEORGE HARTZ,
Secretary
ACT-USA
Pleasant Hill, Tenn.
Windmills not a menace
Re: Windmills on Lookout Mountain.
We have touted Chattanooga as the “green” city with our electric buses, but when green is looking in our back yard, it is a different story. The opposition to proposed windmills on Lookout Mountain is a case in point.
This surfaced a few years ago when windmills were proposed near Covenant College and it was fought by the establishment, including the college, so it did not happen. I have seen first-hand that windmills are not a menace to the landscape.
Recently, I drove to Chicago and saw miles of windmills in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, and I thought them beautiful and that they added tranquility to the landscape. I did not hear the noise or see birds and the bats being killed – it was peaceful in that I knew we were that much closer to shedding our dependence on foreign energy.
I am sure there are windmills in the South, but I am impressed with what is going on in the North and West. Do we in the South have to be last in every category?
FRANCIS “FRANK”
GREEN, DDS
Chickamauga, Ga.
Obama’s path antithesis to faith
Time and time again, the Obama administration shows its utter contempt for the American people.
In my opinion, the appointed “czars” in the White House will run roughshod over every value of the American people while they live in the lap of luxury; paid for by the taxpayers, unchecked by any authority of the Congress.
I must protest the public confession of faith by the president (the backyard chats). His socialist, leftist political path is the complete antithesis of the Christian faith. He has espoused collective salvation, taught by the apostate church of Jeremiah Wright and black liberation theology.
If any have the Holy Bible, look at Matthew 7:21-23. This is not my opinion but has been stated without equivocation by my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
GAIL BLAYLOCK
HUDSON
Earnings leave U.S., hurt economy
As U.S. citizens, we express concern about the illegals in our country from various parts of Central America and Obama’s plan to naturalize them, despite their illegal entry.
We also express concern about the economic crisis our country is in and how we might possibly aid its recovery.
One idea that I’m not hearing with regard to both of these crucial issues is the fact that many hundreds of thousands of illegals are here, not so much for themselves, but for the benefit of their families in Central America. They come here to earn our American dollars only to send them to their impoverished families in Central America in order to improve their relatives’ living standards, because even during this period of recession, our currency is stronger than theirs.
Consider, if you will, the potential effects upon our economy following a mass deportation … thousands of jobs once held by illegals become available to legal citizens, unemployment rates decline and our local and national economies would be stimulated by legal citizens who spend their dollars here – in this country – as opposed to foreigners spending our dollars in a foreign country which only serves to stimulate the foreign economy.
JASON MICHAEL FINT
Wartburg, Tenn.
Komen Race needs more support
I’m new to Chattanooga. I was disappointed at the minimal coverage on the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure event held on Sunday, Sept. 26. I couldn’t believe that it wasn’t built up for months prior to this outstanding event for women. Where’s the big news coverage and participation?
The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure is huge in Toledo, Ohio. I have walked in it many times, with a record crowd of 18,000-plus last year and 19,000-plus in 2010! The local news station, WTOL, actively participates and spreads the word to northwest Ohio.
Additionally the local newspaper includes an informative supplement with a registration form, including signup locations throughout the city.
This is a major event! It is amazing to be a part of such a beneficial event, with school groups, church groups, community organizations, medical groups, businesses, sports teams, musical groups, and friends and family all participating!
I read only about 7,000 showed up last year. Why not be more supportive? Chattanooga, make this a top priority event with pink ribbons everywhere to quick-start breast awareness month. Spread the word next year with widespread registration availability and set attendance records!
BARBARA
HOLLIFIELD