Evangelicals’ trust not found in party
A letter to David Cook about his Sunday column:
How nice for Republicans to learn what is wrong with our party (though we didn’t ask). And to hear it from someone self-appointed as qualified to inform us.
You lament moderation is “dying” in Tennessee; Republicans are embarrassed; that we’ve compromised because we support President Trump. You claim we’ve lost “small-town values and traditional Judeo-Christian virtues.” You appear credulous to the fact that evangelical churches could possibly support the president.
Surely you don’t imply the Democrat Party offers values or virtues?
Evangelicals do not place our trust in a political party, nor a specific leader. We do, and we must, vote for those who most align with God’s words; e.g., values and Judeo-Christian virtues such as the right to life, definition of marriage. In that regard, the Democratic Party is no longer in competition for values or Christian standards.
Thank you for letting us know you walked out of the arena Sunday evening. Thank you for doing so. I would not want anyone to mistakenly think evangelical Christians and supporters of President Trump believe anything like you and your party.
Janet Spence
Soddy-Daisy
Conservatives, push for carbon fee idea
I read with interest the Nov. 4 [Free Press] editorial. One thing that stood out was the praise of President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. I agree the treaty wouldn’t have much of an impact because it is non-binding and goals aren’t aggressive enough. But the USA is already on the path to comply with its commitments, so does it make sense to withdraw when we are leaders on this?
Climate change is tightly related to the biggest concerns of conservatives: immigration and terrorism. Both could get worse, but there is still time to reduce the impact by taking action today. One such action that resonates among conservatives and has gained bipartisan support in Congress is a carbon fee and dividend. It is a market-driven approach, placing a fee on carbon at the source that goes back to households as a dividend. It would have a positive impact on the economy while reducing greenhouse emissions and keeping the USA as the world leader in this fight.
As a constituent of Congressman Fleischmann, I ask him to join his fellow conservatives at the Climate Solutions Caucus and promote a carbon fee and dividend.
Alex Martinez-Steele
Evolution far more complex, book says
Recommended in National Geographic, read “The Tangled Tree,” by David Quammen. It’s the evolution of life well beyond just A, T, C’s and G’s.
But if you don’t have at least a good grasp of high school biology, you’ll miss the evolutionary boat again.
David Bean
Chatsworth, Ga.
Relevant opposite of a dying church
This is in reply to the letter from Matt Nevels concerning dying churches. He made some valid and interesting points. However, I want to let him know he is welcome to come to Relevant Church any Sunday. We meet at Church on Main and are very inclusive. We have a wonderful group of folks from various walks of life and orientations. We also meet in small groups twice a month. Our tag line is “La Familia,” and we are certainly a family.
Everyone is welcome. Our minister, Chris Stapleton, preaches the gospel, with emphasis on love. He lives it and teaches it. I invite you and anyone else to come visit. We begin at 10 a.m. You will find greeters at the top of the steps and inside.
There is terrific coffee, tea or water to enjoy. We are a loving, come-as-you-are group of folks. Matt, please come and ask for the “coffee lady,” me, so I can welcome you and sit with you. I believe you will be thrilled to find a church so open and loving to all. I found Relevant a year and a half ago and am so thankful I did.
Barbara Walker