Letter: Unfair criticism

Several recent letters to the editor responding to a letter from Carl Burkhead on the Newtown tragedy have seemed incredulous to me. The original letter simply stated that the problem at the core of the Newtown deaths was connected to the current rejection of God and His guidance by our current society. By most historical standards, this modern separation from God would have been seen as fact. Additionally, there was no indication of a “vengeful” God in the original letter or even any indication that God possessed these qualities. The response letters therefore were assuming facts not evidenced in Mr. Burkhead’s letter and, one could honestly conclude, may have been written by individuals who have already judged God to be vengeful and untrustworthy.

Anyone writing to the editor has the right to state their views, but responders are obligated to refute the letter with facts and in a nonjudgmental manner. Anyone who believes that the God of Christianity will take vengeance on the human race unless we follow certain rules and regulations can state that fact in their own letter but cannot do so by misquoting the message in another person’s letter. 

I personally believe the theological admonition that “all things betray thee that betray Me” is at the core of the conflict between our current society and God’s laws. If we continue on this path, we will assuredly continue to endure all kinds of human tragedy as we just saw in Newtown.