In reference to Pastor Gary Jensen’s letter about atheism, “Teachings beget logical outcomes,” he had it going good until he stated: “Atheism also undercuts the notion of morality that has always been foundational to civil society.” Without that statement he would not have been able to go on and make a point in favor of religion, let alone Christianity.
What has atheism got to do with morality? Absolutely nothing. Common sense rules. Does one need to believe in God to see that treating a fellow human with kindness and dignity is the way to be? Is that not obvious in existence itself? Did the Golden Rule arise out of religion or common sense? A four-year-old child can see it is wrong to be mean to others because that same child would not want to be treated likewise in retaliation. Do you believe this child has any concept of God? Of course not. Not on his or her own anyway. It would be only if the child had been taught such.
Mr. Jensen states, “I do not deny that atheists can be moral citizens in the world for the very same reason as everyone else.” That’s restating my point with different words. OK, then. Enough. Stop right there. Why bring Jesus into it? Why dredge up one of dozens, if not hundreds, if not thousands of religions, all conflicting with each other in one form or another? This results in nothing but confusion, distrust and all kinds of mayhem up to, and including, war crimes and beheadings. Please. Enough with all these different religions. Everyone has to grow up and knock off all this childish, fantasy-laden, mumbo-jumbo razzmatazz.
Keith Larson
Everett
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