In Jackson Lashier’s column about Christian persecution, I was deeply troubled by almost every sentiment he offered. Perhaps some points were simply overlooked for a sympathetic column for those killed in the tragedy in Texas this past week, but regardless, they must be made.

What is occurring is not Christian persecution, as Lashier would like to have you believe. Although the people killed were in church at the time, that doesn’t make this an act of religious persecution. It’s still murder. The column simply assumes that these people and the girl who has been proclaimed a martyr after Columbine died just because of their religion.

Those assumptions just aren’t safe to make. Thirteen people died at Columbine, and 23 others were wounded. She was the only one who had this story of martyrdom spread. So, considering that 36 people were shot, I would hardly say it was an act of religious persecution.

The other idea that must be looked at is the concept of persecution.

It’s a difficult word to simply toss around, just like racism or oppression. However, if we’re going to look at religious persecution, sadly, I’d have to say that Christians have been responsible for some pretty villainous acts of their own. Of course, the Crusades come to mind, but perhaps a more relevant, modern example would be that of the Holocaust.

It’s true. Hitler was not only a Christian, but he also believed that his slaughter of Jews, homosexuals, gypsies and others was necessary to cleanse the world for Christ’s coming. So, if fingers are being pointed, Christians have to take a number even more dramatic than seven. In fact, it’s closer to six million.

I ought to stress that I am a Catholic.

Furthermore, I can honestly say that the only time I’ve felt religious persecution was from other Christians: Fundamentalists bent on converting me to their religion.

It’s insane to assume that Christianity is the only religion or even the only legitimate one. It’s just as insane to assume that this “persecution” is happening because someone had the sense to take religious sentiment out of government and public schools.

John Scopes and Earl Warren struck a blow for anyone who didn’t just follow a mob of Christian dogma, and truly gave us a country with religious freedom.

Furthermore, Mr. Lashier, I believe in God.

Tim Kearns

Freshman

Political science