Editor:
Re: Religion: uniting rather than dividing (Jan. 18 issue of The Gazette)
The Church of England was created in 1534 by an egomaniac king. The us and them attitude began.
Church members give themselves a unique position: one more knowing than others.
This “legend in their own minds” is false yet prevalent.
I have met many an old retiree in the area with an
overblown sense of self and faith.
Just think, without Henry VIII, we would all still be Catholics and imagine no Protestants.
It was not a war between Protestants and Catholics, Rev. Shenstone (Gazette Jan. 18).
It was the annihilation of Catholicism and relations with Rome. Is it any wonder that powers of the monarchy were soon to be revised?
Religion teaches a positive lifestyle, the son is the personification of love and forgiveness. Mean anything to you?
What commandments, Golden Rule, prayer, books, positive behaviour, do you follow? Don’t lie to yourself.
People continue to gossip, be negative and prejudicial; most of you get a failing grade in application.
I deal with my belief directly, no middleman required.
The conversation is private, it’s the topic of my choice and lasts the exact amount of time.
Best of all, I don’t place myself in an environment where the majority are hypocrites.
St. Francis of Assisi says it best – “Preach often but say little.”
That truth is applicable to all religions.
Small social graces (please, thank you, excuse me, sorry), laughter, joy, a smile, humour and a good day are not sins. They are pleasant, positive, uplifting and free.
We all have more in common than not.
If that was preached as very important, maybe more positive attitudes would be created in our community.
Mack Mackay, Grand Forks