JOPLIN, Mo. —
I have had sincere respect for Anson Burlingame’s guest columns in The Joplin Globe and have tried to read every one. However, I must reply to his “Great opportunity” (Globe, March 12).
Yes, there are a few “agreements” in the holy book of Christians (the Bible) and that of Muslims (the Quran). I spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy sworn to uphold each American’s constitutional right to worship (or not) according to his or her own conscience. I would probably leave this country if that were ever rescinded. I also agree that we constantly need to “expand all of our horizons.”
It was when Burlingame wrote: “The remaining differences (between Christianity and Islam) are diminished ... at least in terms of fundamental faith in God and ways to understand and follow his will.”
My Christian Bible tells me in the words of Jesus about himself: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). That is explicit — categorical. It is the fundamental of the Christian faith. Often people will say, “It doesn’t make any difference what your religion is as long as you are sincere.” For Christians, “sincerity” does not trump the unequivocal statements of Jesus Christ.
Paul T. Butler
Joplin
Opinion
Your View: Fundamental faith
- Opinion
-
-
Our View: Safer schools
Being able to see for ourselves what would have happened to our children had they been standing in the main hall of their schools during the May 22, 2011, tornado had a profound effect on our understanding of safe schools.
-
Marilyn Beasley, guest columnist: Claiming responsibility for abuse of power
Over the past few months we’ve witnessed the abuse of power by President Barack Obama and his administration.
-
Our View: ‘Why?’ has no answer
Just hours before, there was breakfast and laughter. There were pictures on the walls and memories in every room.
-
Our View: Absent from House
We can’t figure out why two Missouri legislators think they should be elected to the U.S. House when it appears they can’t seem to show up to take care of business in the Missouri House.
-
Your View: Terrorism is terrorism
In the May 13 issue of The Joplin Globe there was an Associated Press article concerning the New Orleans shooting.
-
Your View: Terrible injustice
I see this Jasper County nuisance law as a terrible injustice on the rights of the residents of Jasper County.
-
Your View: Should we be outraged?
Were there effusive apologies following the lockdown of Boston as most of the continent indulged vicariously in the ongoing manhunt?
-
Phill Brooks, columnist: Missouri Senate did what Founding Fathers had in mind
George Washington once described the Senate as being like a saucer in which you pour coffee or tea.
-
Other Views: Conflicts in SEC
Money talks. In the continuing dispute over the all-too-cozy relationship between the people who create and sell financial products and the people who rate their risk, the money says: Shut up and let us do what we want.
-
Our View: Fixing failure
Some 1,200 injured workers will finally get the payments they are owed. In its final week in session, Missouri’s General Assembly, through bipartisan efforts, passed a solution to address the insolvency of the state’s Second Injury Fund.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
