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Writer response to Walls' letter
Thursday, March 20, 2008 6:42 AM PDT
Note from Editor Rich Hanner: Most letters dealing with religion are published on the church page. However, the following letter is in response to one originally published on the editorial page dealing with a variety of issues, including patriotism and immigration.
The Rev Sam P. Walls' March 19 letter is so full of hate and errors I hardly know where to start.
He is in error when he states that this nation was founded on Christian principles. Nowhere in the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence is God, Jesus or Christian mentioned. Furthermore, none of the first 22 presidents of this country was a church member at the time of their election. The first president who was a church member when elected was Benjamin Harrison (1889-93). If this was a Christian nation, why didn't the people elect a Christian as their president?
Biblical scholar John Remsberg (1848-1919) notes that in 1880 the clergy of the Christian Union lamented this very point of presidents not being church members.
Another error is that of "In God We Trust" as a national motto. This motto was created by pressure from the intolerant Christian right. This limited the scope of people who supported the national motto to Christians. Thus, this motto divides the populace. Before that, the national motto was "E Pluribus unum" — out of many one. In other words we were all united.
When he states that if God offends a person or if a person dissents about our pledge and national motto then such persons should leave the country. Such a statement makes it clear that Walls doesn't support freedom of religion for if dissent is not allowed, there is no freedom.
What is puzzling to me is whatever happened to "love your neighbor as yourself" and the golden rule? Clergy that continues to spread religious hatred can't expect people to accept the worthiness of their cause.
Walls' letter is the most hateful letter that I have seen in some time — what is concerning is that it came from the pen of a Christian clergyman. This same type of hatred was the basis for 300 years of Christian Crusades of killing the infidels of Islam and is now behind the currents efforts of Islam to kill the infidel Christians.
Ralph Matthews
Galt
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Robb wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:20 AM:
nylodian wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:48 AM:
nylodian wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:47 AM:
voter wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:07 PM:
sorry! "
voter wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:06 PM:
sam wrote on Mar 27, 2008 5:20 PM:
voter wrote on Mar 27, 2008 1:31 PM:
voter wrote on Mar 27, 2008 1:29 PM:
Billy Rubin wrote on Mar 27, 2008 12:46 PM:
The best thing ever to come out of these blogs has been the revelation of the Flying Saghetti Monster. I have found my religion and I am a devout and happy Pastafarian. I have GOT get one of those little chrome plastic tentacle waving FSM monsters for the back of the car. "
sam wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:34 PM:
But I do apreciate humor. "
sam wrote on Mar 26, 2008 6:33 PM:
voter wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:49 PM:
Our Father, who art in pesto
Alfredo be thy name
Thy kingdom come, Al dente done,
on forks as it is on chopsticks
Give us this plate with garlic bread
be sure to give us napkins
As we give napkins to those who impress us
And lead me not to Chef Boyardee
but deliver us a fine pizza.
For thine is the garlic,
the marinara and the oregano
Forever and ever
RAmen
"
OTH wrote on Mar 26, 2008 3:13 PM:
Billy Rubin wrote on Mar 26, 2008 12:53 PM:
" Robb, a "monkey flying out the butt" salute to you. "
Stuff like this is what makes these blogs worth reading. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 25, 2008 11:44 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 25, 2008 11:43 PM:
real facts wrote on Mar 25, 2008 10:09 PM:
feel free to ask leonard. leonard is an expert at making things up about what the bible "supposedly" says.
between the two of you, you ought to be able to come up with something... "
Robb wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:40 PM:
anywho, I will talk to my people and be sure that we consult RF in any further cases of "occult or mystics"..
"
real facts wrote on Mar 25, 2008 5:37 PM:
" Mr. "facts"
While I am all for freedom of speech..
I suggest that you educate yourself, prior to your responses").
actually, i do know what i am talking about. you on the other hand pretended that you did.
next time if you quote scripture, quote it in it's entire context so that you don't embarrass yourself.
see if you can quote scripture that disqualify's you from Gods authority over your life, and another scripture that high fives you keeping company with the "high five" club.
i have a few. let me know if you-can't-find-any "
real facts wrote on Mar 25, 2008 5:30 PM:
Your "god" said: judge not, and ye shall not be judged").
you must have graduated from the same "theological make-it-up-as-you-go-along loop hole" seminary that your high five friends did. "they" claim that scripture says that too, and use it just like you as a silencer, instead of what it IS intended for.
unfortunately for you (and them) is that is only partially what it says in the CONTEXT that includes that scripture. the REST of the context calls FOR the judging of others.
you can high five me now...for-filling-in-the-blanks "
sam wrote on Mar 25, 2008 4:52 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 25, 2008 2:19 PM:
Robb wrote on Mar 25, 2008 12:55 PM:
nylodian wrote on Mar 25, 2008 11:06 AM:
girard74 wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:48 AM:
Robb wrote on Mar 25, 2008 9:46 AM:
While I am all for freedom of speech..
I suggest that you educate yourself, prior to your responses...
Your "god" said: judge not, and ye shall not be judged.
While I don't really care... you might....
good luck!! "
nylodian wrote on Mar 25, 2008 8:42 AM:
girard74 wrote on Mar 25, 2008 6:28 AM:
real facts wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:14 PM:
" Well said Ralph!!
thanks").
i am a big proponent of truth. so even "if" a God hating person like ralph matthews says something truthful, i STILL have to aknowledge it. but ralph tried to pull another "swiss cheese" history exclusion, and you robb either fell for it, OR you are planning on being "roomies" with mr matthews in the afterlife.
you should pick historical truth robb. there is "air conditioning" there "
real facts wrote on Mar 24, 2008 10:09 PM:
you still owe me a "high five" "
real facts wrote on Mar 24, 2008 9:47 PM:
the chief earmark of a high five club member.....people over truth (always).
while obviously i am not becoming a member of that "club", can i at least help you guys find a bus on craigslist or autotrader? your going to need a "BUS" for the amount of people that are going to want to join.
the way you guys add things up, you think "numbers" indicate validation "
real facts wrote on Mar 24, 2008 9:39 PM:
" Sure, call me Pinocchio. I don’t mind. Pinocchio was young, innocent and made mistakes. He was even lured into bad choices by the evil fox. He learned from his mistakes. He later showed great love, bravery and honesty. He became a “real” person with a loving heart. His conscience was his guide and he was forgiven. He learned the value of integrity, character, love and family. Sure, call me Pinocchio. No problem").
right now, its' not a compliment. should you ever actually repent (like pinnochio).....THEN it will be a compliment "
Robb wrote on Mar 24, 2008 7:00 AM:
thanks.. "
Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2008 12:41 PM:
For anyone interested...
Here's some news on the bishop in todays article...
Episcopals to reorganize, appoint new bishop
By Ross Farrow
Lodi News Sentinel
Saturday, March 22, 2008 7:40 AM PDT
http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2008/03/22/religion/1_episcopal_080322.txt#blogcomments
"
Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2008 12:40 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2008 12:40 PM:
girard74 wrote on Mar 22, 2008 11:44 AM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2008 11:43 AM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2008 11:42 AM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2008 11:38 AM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2008 11:35 AM:
"
nylodian wrote on Mar 22, 2008 5:53 AM:
Lodian: you're in! :)
OTH: We will retain the High Five and not use the finger because we do not want to sink to the level of the trolls, which is how many of us got caught in troll traps to begin with. ;)
"
real facts wrote on Mar 22, 2008 12:58 AM:
i rode nylodian for "claiming" she is a believer, but giving a free pass to other gods, religions or "paths" of false belief.
what i said to her was 100% biblical, and EXACTLY what Christ would of said to her. what do YOU do? you once again pick people over truth.
any true Christian would have backed that statement up (except you and your "popularity" concerns).
show me one instance where Christ was "tolerant".....of-any-other-gods "
real facts wrote on Mar 22, 2008 12:48 AM:
"i promise to NOT tell the truth, NOT even the whole truth, so help me (NOT) God"
you don't even need to pay dues. just be willing to completely dis-regard the truths of God no matter who is telling it, and be willing to lie to have each others backs. then your an automatic charter member.
who cares what God thinks. as long as you have each other....right?
i really think at least the first year that lodian should be the president. given her "committment" to the-cause,--it's-only-fitting
high five "
real facts wrote on Mar 22, 2008 12:37 AM:
" Regarding which finger... hmmm. How about the TALL MAN SALUTE? "
speaking of body parts, a better name for your group would be the "pinnochio rules club". you can be the president AND sargent at arms. your not only the president, your also a client.
speaking of pinnochio, your way over due to bust out a new one in here, and girard is itching for you to do it again so that he can support it....as is the rest of the "membership" "
real facts wrote on Mar 22, 2008 12:32 AM:
girard, i like how you keep "proving" your a follower of Jesus Christ via your stellar integrity.
although you can play word games about it with the best of them, choosing to use specific language that would lead others to believe you followed Christ, then episodes like this bring to the surface who you really are.
your just a person who wants to be cool, and is willing to flush your integrity in order to accomplish that.
"
Lodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 10:39 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 10:34 PM:
"
Lodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 10:32 PM:
girard74 wrote on Mar 21, 2008 10:32 PM:
Lodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 10:30 PM:
"
girard74 wrote on Mar 21, 2008 8:34 PM:
This raises an interesting and salient issue. Perhaps we should entertain this unique idea. The question that remains, of course, is exactly 'which' finger should be assigned this high honor?
Everyone, your thoughts please!!! "
OTH wrote on Mar 21, 2008 8:27 PM:
girard74 wrote on Mar 21, 2008 7:19 PM:
real facts wrote on Mar 21, 2008 6:48 PM:
" girard: I like your originality in finding a name for our fledgling support group. "The High-Five Club" is now official").
i approve. sounds perfect in describing you people exactly.
high fiving each other, instead of adjusting to the truths of God. PERFECT
pick God/truth over people
nylodian, i don't know if anyone has ever told you this, or if you even care....the truth is the truth (if it IS the truth).....no matter who gives it.
high five "
real facts wrote on Mar 21, 2008 6:42 PM:
now why would i feel guilty over YOU flushing your integrity ?
i only hold up the mirror in life.
i don't feel the least bit "guilty" about what you see when YOU look into it. it's my job description
pick truth over people "
nylodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 5:46 PM:
girard74 wrote on Mar 21, 2008 5:10 PM:
nylodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 2:27 PM:
Very well said, and I agree. "
nylodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 2:26 PM:
Thanks for the belly laugh - too funny! ps: I am starting a support group for those of us who have been caught in troll traps. You are welcome to join. ;) "
girard74 wrote on Mar 21, 2008 1:46 PM:
Embarrassed? No, the last time I was embarrassed was the other day when I walked out of my bathroom after taking a shower and realized that I left my bedroom window uncovered. Now THAT was embarrassing!! "
real facts wrote on Mar 21, 2008 12:37 PM:
you used to be alot better than this "
girard74 wrote on Mar 21, 2008 11:30 AM:
Now why is it that I'm being blamed when I did NOT identify who or what I was talking about? Are there those here who are either truly psychic or perhaps sufficiently guilt-ridden that he/she is willing to accept responsibility for the intent of my words?
I doubt the former, and if the latter, then I am happy to have been able to assist him/her on their journey to enlightenment. Continue on!
However, if my name was inserted accidentally, then I accept the apology. No harm done. "
real facts wrote on Mar 21, 2008 11:20 AM:
naturally because you prefer "people" over Godly truth, including "inclusion" and "tolerance", it would offend you.
you and nylodian can high five each other all you want, call me names all you want, but the truth IS the truth.
you people need to pick Christ over people.
God is NOT tolerant of any other "gods", and does NOT look favorably upon a person who makes allowances FOR other Gods.
"Choose this day whom you will serve" "
girard74 wrote on Mar 21, 2008 11:03 AM:
Actually, the intent was to keep the government 'out' of an individual's choice of faith; not merely separate. This is a very important distinction. "
scout wrote on Mar 21, 2008 10:51 AM:
nylodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 9:23 AM:
"
girard74 wrote on Mar 21, 2008 9:12 AM:
So, good luck and blog on!!! "
nylodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 8:54 AM:
nylodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 8:48 AM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 21, 2008 8:15 AM:
nylodian wrote on Mar 21, 2008 7:16 AM:
real facts wrote on Mar 21, 2008 12:31 AM:
you claim to be a Christian, yet you high five the enemy.
God was never "inclusive" or "tolerant". Jesus Christ was never inclusive or tolerant either of other "gods", "paths", "ideaologies" or "religions".
everytime you high five people like matthews, or you push for the furtherance of other religions via the tolerance angle, and make allowances for other "gods" or idealogies, you break the commandment "Thou shalt have NO other gods before me".
you people need to decide whose side you are on. you don't EVER high five the enemy, and help thier cause "
peppier2 wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:59 PM:
Cogito wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:29 PM:
"
nylodian wrote on Mar 20, 2008 1:20 PM:
real facts wrote on Mar 20, 2008 12:24 PM:
first he attempts to bust out the trump card for people "trying" to circumvent God and his authority (the "hate" angle), then he attempts to pass off the guy John Remsberg as a "Biblical scholar". even a cursory check on google shows remsberg to be a heretic. but thats always been matthews style. trumpeting out info and selling it as fact. anybody can claim to be a biblical scholar. remsberg is far from it. the most dangerous portion in matthews drivel....."tolerance". it's matthews veiled attempt at sliding-his-evil-intent-past-the-sleeping-masses "
girard74 wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:58 AM:
Matthews' blanket exclamation that no president until Harrison was a member of a 'church' simply is not true.
When 'facts' are disproved in one's underlying premise, the balance of their thoughts and statements soon fall apart; even if other facts can stand on their own.
Perhaps Ralph doesn't have a computer. It is so easy to verify the 'facts' before submission. "
real facts wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:58 AM:
" Well said, Ralph! "Out of many, one." To me this means unity, despite our differences, through tolerance and respect").
what "team" do you play for nylodian?
you NEVER claim your a Christian, then turn around and high five a guy like ralph matthews, whose only goal in life is to rip Jesus Christ out of the hearts that DO believe. the guy will say anything, including omitting history because he hates God that much. and you just high fived him when he did.
anyone who really believes in God, should NEVER give this-guy-a-free-pass "
girard74 wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:17 AM:
To be accurate, Adams was concerned about the involvement of government in religion because of the history of governments corrupting religion; not necessarily the other way around.
This is recorded in the Treaty of Peace and Friendship with Tripoli, Article XI ratified during Adams' presidency. "
girard74 wrote on Mar 20, 2008 10:02 AM:
'Nature's God?' Again, 'who' or 'what' were these men referring to? "
girard74 wrote on Mar 20, 2008 9:59 AM:
'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'
If Ralph is correct, exactly who were these men referring to when they made this declaration and credited 'their Creator' as the source for the three 'unalienable rights' following 'its' mention? "
nylodian wrote on Mar 20, 2008 9:59 AM:
Came the Spring with all its splendor,
All its birds and all its blossoms,
All its flowers, and leaves, and grasses.
- From "Hiawatha" by Longfellow "
Lodian wrote on Mar 20, 2008 9:21 AM:
sam wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:49 AM:
"
nylodian wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:37 AM:
Comments on this story are now closed.