Letter to the editor: Hooked
August 29, 2000
Admit it, you got hooked. No, I’m not talking about “Survivor” re-runs! I’m talking of theology wars in the Daily! Intelligent, educated, mostly caring college students going toe-to-toe in print, attempting to argue the other into or out of faith, reason or disbelief. Like “Survivor,” it might be rather amusing, a welcome diversion from life’s important issues, if it weren’t so painfully tragic. The real tragedy is the broad brush with which Christians are being painted. The strange thing is nearly EVERYONE is holding a brush! There are those who would assign all Christians to the same tribe. One which has denounced science, intellect and reason and whose primary goals are apparently to cover the earth with the Ten Commandments, gain political power and keep flogging a dead, unevolved horse. Then there are some very vocal Christians who attempt to commandeer the titles and words of this faith, claiming for themselves the narrow island they call Christian. When others attempt to widen the island or build bridges to other islands, they are called heretics, sinners or liberals! The tribe MAY have spoken, but they don’t speak for us all. I’m writing to let you all know . agnostic, atheist, liberal, conservative, progressive, fundamentalist, that the island is a LOT bigger than you think! There are actually many tribes searching, thinking and serving on the island called Christian. If you’re convinced you’ve seen it all, but are hoping there is more, get yourself a new travel agent! Jim Shirbroun
Alumnus
Ames
Campus minister
United Methodist Student Center