I was struck by the article “Spirituality doesn’t require a handbook to lead to benevolent life” that appeared in Friday’s paper.
“Question a Christian about their beliefs and prepare for Armageddon … If the book they stick inside the noses of clouds gets even one rebuttal, they scamper back into a padded shell to recite verses and commune with a wrathful God,” Harvey writes. “Question a spiritualist and be prepared for a good discussion. Since their faith is based on both life experiences and research they have viable conversation to supply.”
For anyone who has this view, let’s have that discussion. The writer is a journalism and mass communications major; they should be knowledgeable on the subjects they address so they can accurately inform their readers.
The article mentioned a school in Michelle Bachmann’s constituent districts had a high suicide rate: how is that relevant? Is she in charge of each school district? What about district leaders, or principles?
Harvey also mentioned Fred Phelps. Seriously? I don’t know anyone in the Christian community that would say Phelps lives a Christian life. Just because he claims to follow the bible, and uses scripture doesn’t make him a Christian. Anyone can read and quote scripture. In any religion there are fanatics, and there are people who claim to follow a religion but don’t follow the teachings and principles.
“[Christians] often limit their faith, unwilling to relate to other people and their alternative values.” I’m open to many different views: I’ll hold fast to my beliefs but I won’t shut someone down for wanting to practice their own, and I won’t attack someone else because of it. If you believe in being kind and doing good, I fail to see how slandering Christians is part of that.
Isaac Phillips is a junior in criminology.