It is extremists who preach fear

In response to the Monday letter “Time to vanquish fear-mongering,” I would like to suggest the author take his own advice on embracing knowledge, for he seems quite ignorant of actual Christian theology and beliefs.

It is true that there are some preachers who are prone to emotional tirades on many subjects, but every group has its extremists, and modern sensationalism in the media does little to help focus on actual issues. As usual, these people are not a proper representative of the whole.

Actual Christian belief supports neither fear of knowledge nor fear of Hell, but encourages compassion, understanding and wisdom. Even the end of the world is nothing to be afraid of. If there is nothing you can do to stop it, and you know what happens afterwards, why would you be concerned at all?

I invite the writer (and anyone else who wishes to discuss elements of Christian Theology) to contact me at <a href="http://jseder1@gmail.com[/URL], where I will be happy to talk about any element of Christian belief they are interested in and help to clarify some common misconceptions.

Oh, and it’s the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil”, not the “Tree of the Knowledge of Scientific Information.” Please note the difference. Theologically speaking, it’s relevant.

James Eder
Everett”>jseder1@gmail.com

Talk to us

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Sept. 24

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Randall Tharp’s month recovery coins after battling a fentanyl addiction.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Editorial: Fentanyl crisis should force rethinking of approach

A continuum of care, that includes treatment in jails, is imperative, says a journalist and author.

FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2015, file photo, pumpjacks are seen operating in Bakersfield, Calif. On Friday, April 23, 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he would halt all new fracking permits in the state by January 2024. He also ordered state regulators to plan for halting all oil extraction in the state by 2045. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Comment: If ‘peak oil’ is ahead why is oil industry doubling down?

Fossil fuel use could peak by 2030, but Big Oil may be putting profit ahead of prudent transition.

Reports back removal of Snake River dams to save salmon

The recent letter to the editor claiming that removing dams on the… Continue reading

Comment: ‘Legacy forest’ term hides an unproductive intent

Meant to lock up state forest lands, it discourages responsible and valuable timber management.

Comment: Effort to lower drug costs could hurt other patients

Those suffering from rare diseases face a longer wait for medications if research is discouraged.

Forum: Hospital waiting rooms shouldn’t be patient warehouses

Why are hospitals, like Providence, understaffed with nurses, leaving patients to wait for hours for care?

Flowers bloom on the end of a dead tree on Spencer Island on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Restore salmon habitat but provide view of its work

Comments are sought on a plan to restore fish habitat to the island east of Everett with popular trails.

FILE - Six-year-old Eric Aviles receives the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from pharmacist Sylvia Uong at a pediatric vaccine clinic for children ages 5 to 11 set up at Willard Intermediate School in Santa Ana, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. In a statement Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, California's public health officer, Dr. Tomas J. Aragon, said that officials are monitoring the Omicron variant. There are no reports to date of the variant in California, the statement said. Aragon said the state was focusing on ensuring its residents have access to vaccines and booster shots. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Editorial: A plea for watchful calm this time regarding covid

We don’t need a repeat of uncontrolled infections or of the divisions over vaccines and masks.

Most Read