Jill Mogard, you allege that the three letters written in response to Jackson Lashier’s Sept. 21 column are “perfect examples of persecution.” With all due respect, you claim it is not only inappropriate under the circumstances (after all, this is the opinion page), it is offensive to anyone in any group that has been truly persecuted for its beliefs (Christian’s included).

Are you aware of what you’re really saying? Do you really think that three respectful and critical letters constitute persecution (defined consistently in terms of “harassment” and “cruel treatment”)?

Do you really think that these letters truly merit a description that is reserved for some of history’s most regrettable occurrences? I truly hope not.

And let me also point out that when you critically analyze the history of Western civilization, you will find a trend of persecution —not of Christians, but by Christians.

One must only read a book to discover this truth; one must only watch the news at night to see that it continues. So please, educate yourself about such things before you make such erroneous generalizations.

In conclusion, Lashier was not criticized for believing in God nor was he criticized for being a Christian. He was simply criticized for writing an article that (1) contained a serious logical fallacy (universalizing from existential statements) and (2) ignored the plight of those who don’t conform to the Christian framework.

These are fair observations that have nothing to do with religious persecution.

Douglas Ficek

Junior

Philosophy

President, ISU Atheist & Agnostic Society