Open heart, close mouth instead

I must try to speak for the 'minority faiths” referred to in the guest editorial May 26, 'Act now to restore Christian values,” by Pastor Paul Wood.

I was baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran, my wife's family are Methodists and my family is secular. Let me begin by defining secular: having no religious affiliation or preference. This is my definition and it is consistent with the terms secular state, secularity, etc., as found in most dictionaries. This should not be construed as anti-Christian, anti-Muslim, anti-Jewish or whatever.

I find it particularly offensive when The Gazette will publish a guest column (by Wood) that asks readers to fight back against the 'Politically Correct Brigade” and the schools that have 'hijacked the church and church activities ...

to satisfy their endless need to cater to their quest for glory for the sports teams, choirs, band, etc.” This apparently is an attempt to sanctify Wednesday in addition to Sunday as Wood recalls from his past.

I will gladly forfeit a Wednesday evening sermon or other church activity in order for my children to participate in a choir, soccer team, orchestra or what have you. However, I don't ask or expect any faith to be forced to give up any day or time for worship.

Another Gazette guest editorial by Bill Brennan on May 21 stressed the value of moral maturity as opposed to secularity, which also seemed to ignore the definition of secular and in particular secular state, which precludes the religious rule of Sharia, Canonical law, Talmudic law, etc.

It appears that the guest columns are not focused on preserving faith-based tenets but rather promoting (proselytizing) tenets associated with Christianity. Nowhere in these columns is the 'golden rule” stated or implied.

I can understand the desire of any religious person to lament the flock being led astray. My concern is the danger inherent in any overzealous approach to rectify policies that are consistent with what our Constitution proclaims and the basis for our governing principles.

The Gazette did publish a May 8 guest column by Bob Elliott titled 'Religious extremists threaten democracy,” which I think did a good job of making my point. The ideological extremists, in particular the Christian-based spokesmen, should not be confused with the Christian majority who do try to interpret and follow the guiding principles in whichever church they belong. Furthermore, there is a crying need for moderation and reason throughout the sectarian and secular communities that never can be fostered with the propaganda espoused by the extremists.

I have acquaintances who are people of faith that I admire. These friends continually open their hearts and shut their mouths in times of need. That is not a bad trait to promote, particularly for politicians. That should apply to secular individuals as well.

' Gordon Taylor of Anamosa worked 35 years as an aerospace engineer and also was president of Wapsi Waste Service before retiring in 2009. Comments: gordon.taylor590@gmail.com