Editor, Times-Union An old friend in Warsaw shared the recent editorials that expressed the division in thought among your readers concerning the Bible and gay marriage. Setting this issue aside, I would like to draw on my experience as the son of a Protestant preacher to make some observations about fundamentalist religion in modern society. With an MSLS in Library and Information Science and a BA in Philosophy, I hold freedom of speech in the highest regard. Voltaire wisely said, "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, your right to say it."
In my opinion, many of the greatest conflicts and problems in our world are related to a fundamentalist, or literal, interpretation of a variety of religious texts. I think of myself as a Buddhist or Taoist, but do not actively "practice" the religious rituals of either religion. I know many individuals who subscribe to the ethical framework proscribed in the Bible, but who do not "practice" the rituals of the modern Christian religion such as going to church regularly, being baptized, or taking communion. I believe that a metaphorical, philosophical approach to the holy books of the world's religions will generate much less sorrow and suffering in general.
It has been pointed out by several of your readers that the Bible has much to say about everyday activities and the moral significance of many acts that we humans commit on a regular basis. How we eat, how we feel, what we think, whom we can have sex with, and much more. A literal interpretation of these verses would lead to the tribal extremes which were so well referenced in Leviticus. Saying that Christ's sacrifice takes away the necessity of following Old Testament obligations and rules flies in the face of a true fundamentalist reading of the Bible. If the entire Bible is God's word, ordained by him and transmitted through inspired writers, and there is no coincidence or contradiction there, then the literal translator cannot with good conscience say that some of it is meant to be taken at face value while other verses are open to interpretation and elaboration. And yet this is what almost every self proclaimed fundamentalist will do. "Thou shalt not Kill" is overruled when it comes to the death penalty or protecting your family or country. A true literalist view is unheard of.
I know there are verses used by Christian Reconstructionists which cite the "New Covenant" as making Old Testament laws no longer binding. There continues to be an unending argument regarding the general interpretation of the Bible which will carry on as long as there people who read it and take it seriously as the "Word of God". However, it is obvious that each particular group, sect, church, or denomination has their own views on what it all means. In fact the 2001 Oxford World Christian Encyclopedia references "over 33,000 denominations in 238 countries." (Table 1-5, vol 1, page 16). The 1982 edition of the same source gave the net increase (at that time) of "270 denominations each year" (five new ones a week). So, there are at least 33K plus recognized interpretations of the Bible, each with its own justifications pulled from the same book and many stating that their interpretation is the "only, true path to God.
While we tend to hear most often from the fundamentalists, charismatics and evangelicals, we must constantly remind ourselves that theirs is just one opinion among many which is based on the same verses as the myriad of other interpretations. I am most insulted by their statements, however couched in sticky condescending Biblical "love" and concern for my soul, that my relationship with deity is less valid that theirs because theirs is founded on the shaky subjective foundations of a historical and ethical narrative of a tribal cult which originated around 1800 B.C.E and has developed over the millennia to what we see now. I think Nietzsche was on to something when he said, "The word "Christianity" is already a misunderstanding - in reality there has been only one Christian, and he died on the Cross". I support our right to express opinions regarding one's beliefs, but I wish that the ignorance and intolerance which fuel so much of modern Abrahamic religions could gain some "new Light" from education and common sense. You can read more about my experiences as a preacher's kid at http://lightonthemountain.sunphoenix.net/
Lux e Tenebris, Chadwick J. Seagraves: MSLS
Information Technology Librarian
Indianapolis, IN
Mailboxes
Editor, Times-Union Would the persons who are getting their "kicks" from bashing or stealing mailboxes between Warsaw and Mentone please STOP!!!
You are probably not smart enought to read this in the Times Union, so I'm urging all parents of driving teenagers to help the numerous residents who have been victimized.
Check your kids cars/trucks for mailboxes or whatever they are using as the tool of destruction. Be the parent. You will not only be doing us a favor if you can put a stop to this, but you may be saving your child. Their actions are a federal offense and eventually they will be caught by either the sheriffs department, postal inspectors or area people.
Pray it is not the area people - they have had enough!
Lenore Lewis Mentone
Dave Doctor
Editor, Times-Union Who is Dave Doctor? I would like to respond to the letter printed July 7th, written by James S. Shepherd. I would like to tell you who Dave Doctor is. Dave is a concerned resident of Secrist Lake working for all of us who live there. He is concerned about the number of septic systems that are currently at or below the water table and are leaching into our lakes. Dave Doctor is the man who lifted this project out of the hands of a disingenuous board and a local court and placed it into the hands of the State of Indiana (Indiana Department of Environmental Management.) Dave Doctor is the first person to actually investigate the sources of grants and low interest loans needed to make this district viable. We cannot actually apply for the money until IDEM approves the project and trustees are appointed. Thanks to Dave, one vote per homeowner no longer applies.
James Shepherd states there is no need for a sewer system now. If my source is correct his system was repaired in 1991 without approval of the Board of Health and his 1,000 gallon tank has had 1,200 and 1,300 gallons pumped at various times. Mr. Shepherd's lot is only 5,000 sq.' (25% of the County minimum lot size of 20,000 sq.' for a septic system and that his lot is entirely in the 100 year flood plain. He also lives next to Putney Ditch where E.coli readings have been as high as 1000. I hope that Mr. Shepherd will attend future meetings and become just half as informed about the project as is Dave Doctor.
