Letter to the editor

Dear Editor:

Aaron Gonzalez’s article “Is Christianity good for the World?” does indeed fuel a thrilling debate, as I’m sure was intended. I myself enjoy debating issues, however I disagree with debating something so foundational to our nation’s people.

Gaining ‘intellectual status’ with the public by putting down the moral foundation that has served our nation for more than 200 years isn’t exactly something to be proud of. I believe this attack on Christianity is just another instance of questioning America’s roots.

A point that Gonzalez refers to states that “Wilson holds the whole Bible as 100 percent non-metaphoric inerrant truth”. This idea concerns me, because Christianity is a diverse and differing community of individuals.

As a Roman Catholic, I don’t believe in literal interpretation of the Bible. Some people who are Christians do believe in literal interpretation. The point is that Christianity is so diverse and the ideas are so abstract that treating all Christians the same is the same as saying that someone has specific characteristics because of their sex, ethnicity or beliefs; debate is nearly impossible.

We are more than the groups we belong to and trying to pigeonhole people into little groups is a mistake made in history that should certainly never be repeated. Debates are better held on topics with a factual basis, rather than morals and other ideas that are beyond measure.

I am not saying we should give up our differences and agree to disagree. I just don’t think a debate is the most appropriate arena for these discussions.

I attended a Catholic School for twelve years, and I believe that I have the ability to decide my opinions for myself. I did have teachers who taught me what the Church believes about certain things, but I cannot count the times my classmates discussed and questioned the teachings during Theology class.

The fact that Mr. Hitchens says that worship is “authoritarian” and “anti-free will” is very insulting. If he is questioning the individuality and opinion formation of the majority of Americans, who happen to be Christians, he has lost credibility in my eyes as a thoughtful scholar.

It’s true, Catholics follow a leader Pope Benedict XVI. He makes statements and writes letters in publications to Catholics around the world hoping to inspire and lead by way of example.

I may choose to heed what he says, but I do not do everything the Pope says.

This is no different than America’s leadership by a President. President Obama is the leader of my country, and indirectly he leads me.

I can and do disagree with a lot that he says and does, but that doesn’t mean I’m not an American. Christians form opinions, much like Americans can. Mr. Hitchens’ idea that Christians are like blind fools doing things without thought discredits himself.

This article is just one of several of Mr. Gonzales’ works where I have taken note of his very rigid, judgmental belief system. I appreciate his ability to try to inspire thought, however this only succeeds when the facts presented aren’t quite so opinionated and biased.

I would appreciate reading The Eagle and in it find a columnist who presents a more conservative or at least midline viewpoint with a less judgmental rendition, to balance things out.

—Morgan Nelson,
sophomore of Norfolk

Editor’s note: The Eagle welcomes a variety of viewpoints. If you have a opinion to share, consider being a guest columnist.