TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Letters To The Editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 8, 2008

Word Used Too Loosely

I am a Christian who sympathizes with Sandra Webber, the writer of "Onward Christian Soldier - Or Else" (Other Views, May 31).

The term Christian has often been hijacked to bring legitimacy to people and movements who would otherwise have none. C.S. Lewis cautioned that loose usage of the word "Christian" would render it a useless term. When I read Webber's article, I couldn't help but think that we are exactly there.

Christians will not be perfect. "My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter" is my favorite bumper sticker, but you won't find it on my car unless I can shellac "Caution: Stunt Driver in Training" next to it. However, a spirit of humble goodness should be the prevailing attitude of every Jesus freak.

If you have felt harassed by those who call themselves Christians, ask them to name one person that Jesus bullied into belief. Say you have heard that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control characterize the Christian life and that you look forward to seeing these characteristics in their life. Keep us honest to the name we often dishonor.

PATRICIA BLOUNT

Valrico

Column Was Unfortunate

The column "Onward Christian Soldier - Or Else" by Sandra Webber was one of the most unfortunate articles I have seen in your newspaper. I believe Webber used the alleged persecution of a soldier in Iraq for his refusal to participate in Christian prayer with his fellow soldiers which, according to the alleged victim, resulted in his being ostracized and denied a promotion. She has an obvious dislike for Southern Baptist Christians, with a special contempt for their evangelistic efforts and their spiritual concerns for all people.

I deeply regret that Webber feels abused by Southern Baptists. She has apparently found a church where she is happy.

Notwithstanding the antipathy Webber holds for Southern Baptists, I am confident that after reading her article many Baptists will be praying for her to find peace with God through His son, Jesus Christ. And I am just as confident that every Southern Baptist Church in the area would welcome the opportunity to share the love of God with her and minister to her spiritual needs.

GLENN N. MUSSELWHITE

Brooksville

Can Relate To Writer

Sandra Webber's community column was well written and at times humorous, but she did leave out some important points. I grew up a preacher's daughter, so I can relate to some of the people and stories she described.

I agree that discrimination is wrong in any form; however, what I find amusing is that she takes Christians to task for discrimination. That, in my opinion, is the "pot calling the kettle black."

Christians today are the only group that can be targeted for discrimination, humiliation, slander, bullying and parody at the will of anyone and everyone. The press, television and movies portray Christians as naïve, bigoted and ignorant for believing in a higher power. This practice is not only tolerated, but encouraged and accepted as a fact of life in America.

I am sure that the described soldier in Webber's column will soon be represented by attorneys who will sue the military, the government and anyone else they can think of for the violation of his rights - and rightly so if what she says is true. I wonder, though, in the reverse situation, if it was a Christian targeted for the same discrimination, would the press be so quick to print the story?

Her last statement, "if you pray or believe these things or not doesn't make you any better or worse or more entitled to the rights and protections of the Constitution of the United States of American than anyone else" is very true. Why is it, then, that we as Christians are not afforded the same protection and respect?

SONDRA JACKSON

Brandon

Neither Fair Nor Logical

Sandra Webber used her role as a community columnist to rail against Christians and was neither fair nor logical. She used an isolated incident of abuse in Iraq to castigate everyone who reveres the Bible.

What value was there in printing that angry, unjust tirade? Did Webber expose some inherent evils of my fundamentalist faith in Jesus Christ? Did she propose any solutions? No, and no.

RALPH WALKER

Temple Terrace

Soldier's Timing Was Bad

There's a time and place for everything. I cannot imagine a worse time or place to openly refuse to take part in group prayer.

Poor judgment!

DANIEL P. QUINN

St. Petersburg

Speaking Loudly For Kids

Regarding "A Recipe For Disaster" (Letter of the Day, May 31):

Way to go, Sister Claire! Finally someone with knowledge and experience in our system of care speaks up. After many years as a foster parent, I see these kids coming back into care over and over. With even more budget cuts to our kids, the situation can only get worse.

Our legislators need to remember that the kids of today, including the kids that end up in foster care, are the people of tomorrow who will be voting and taking care of our senior citizens.

We need to start thinking about what we are doing to these kids and make the parents be responsible for their actions after just one founded charge of abuse. But with limited services for the kids and parents alike, everyone loses. Not just the kids and their parents, but we as taxpayers, since we will be the ones paying the prison bills. In order to change the cycle of abuse, we need money and changes in our laws. The people who make those decisions need to take a hard look at what we are doing to our future generations and step up to the plate and make a difference.

Keep speaking for our kids, Sister Claire. Loudly!

CATHY DENTON

Valrico

Letter Hit The Bulls-Eye

Regarding "A Recipe for Disaster," I am a foster parent of eight years, and Sister Claire hit the bulls-eye right in the center with her letter. You go girl!

MARGARET THOMPSON

Temple Terrace

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT