Letters to the Editor 12-19-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Meaning Of Christmas - What's In A Name - Election Ironies - Thanks To Highway Dept. - Importance Of Faith - Gift Of Sight
Meaning Of Christmas
Editor, Times-Union:What "Xmas" Means
I am writing this in response to Mr. Diablo's letter titled, "Pagan Holiday." He is correct in his statement that xmas has nothing to do with Jesus and is a pagan holiday. It must be humorous to God that some would think that by refusing to name his name and by denying his existence, the reality of what Jesus came and did is in any way altered. I find it peculiar that the few who call their holiday xmas insist on having it coincide with time that billions of Christians have set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. What exactly is Mr. Diablo celebrating?
I also find the substitution of the letter "x" for "Christ" intriguing. This letter is used in algebra to denote an unknown, but nonetheless real quantity. On maps, it marks the location of hidden treasure that can enrich lives. In graphics, it is the shape of the cross, the pivot point of salvation and from which recorded history is dated. It may be that Mr. Diablo is not as far from the truth of Christmas as he first seemed. After all, he mentions sin. If no God exists, sin against whom?
Mr. Diablo, I do believe in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How could I not? I have been in his presence, filled with his Spirit, baptized in his name, received miraculous healings and witnessed, in my lifetime, the supernatural fulfillment of prophecies from the Bible. But what if I am merely suffering from some strong delusion? What if you are right and Jesus Christ did not come to Earth to bring salvation?
All I would have to show for attempting to live my life according to the teachings of Christ would be the following. Contentedness with what God has given me in return for my belief in the value system of eternity. Something bigger than me to dedicate my life to in exchange for my empty worship of self. Lasting friendships in return for helping others in need, regardless of personal benefit. Freedom from fear of AIDS or other diseases in return for fidelity to my lovely wife. Extra finances and a longer and healthier life in return for abstaining from vices and trying to live pure and holy before God. Peace when facing death instead of fear of the unknown.
Is any of that reason enough for me to take time out to say thanks to Christ Jesus for visiting my home? For the incredible gift of salvation he left behind? I think so! I feel for you, Mr. Diablo. How frustrating it must be to wonder, in this season, where the joy comes from in those around you. I hope someday you find the meaning in that cross, that you solve for the missing factor in the equation of life and that you finally find a treasure worth worshipping.
But I don't think you will find it in the celebration of xmas.
Paul Spite
Warsaw
via e-mail
What's In A Name
Editor, Times-Union:Regarding: Pagan Worship
What kind of name is Skot Diablo anyway?
Tim Ellis
Warsaw
via e-mail
Election Ironies
Editor, Times-Union:As our elections grind to an agonizing close, there are many ironies that the media has ignored.
For instance, the front page of USA Today of Dec. 13 featured of course the Supreme Court's ruling. But beneath that was an article of far more consequence for our nation's future: "Many Boomers Face Old Age Alone." As a gerontologist I expected this, but ... .
What is really surprising that very few of us realize that we have been in a real Civil War for decades. Politely, we call it "culture war" and compliment ourselves that no blood has been shed.
Oh?
The body count is in the tens of millions, higher than all our wars combined, even including the European and Russian Holocaust and purges. In other words, the bloodiest conflict in the bloodiest century of history and no let up even contemplated.
These of course are the children who would have supported us, our homes, and even our nursing homes which are even now closing in record numbers, unable to keep up with the costs today. (The future - government thanatoriums?)
More sadly still for champions of absolute reproductive rights (unless you live in China) is that they are decimating their own ranks as I speak!
A case could easily be made that this is less a war and more of a suicide/genocide gesture, the ultimate outcome of extremes of personal autonomy (and unrestrained hyperenvironmentalism). If one believes - by faith - in macroevolution, it appears to be an attempt to reverse it! All the while touting its beneficence.
Perhaps our cultural microevolution will run in favor of small remnants of reproducing/teaching conservatives, as it does in China today and did in the late Roman Empire. But at the cost of how many lives and families?
In a sense there is no culture war because half of our country and probably more are postcultural, in free fall. It's hard to fight a vacuum - but nature still abhors one, and totalitarianism - the New cultural imperialism/totalitarianism is up next. Long before today the courts have been stripping away our few remaining freedoms, probably as an indirect consequence of our failure to speak loudly enough for the voiceless and voteless.
William Schuler, M.D.
Pierceton
Thanks To Highway Dept.
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter in appreciation of the Kosciusko County State and County Highway departments for the wonderful job they do on our roads. I for one really do appreciate all the time and hard work they put into keeping our roads clean. I work in Plymouth and the drive from Warsaw on U.S. 30 is always as good as they can get it in bad weather. BUT, the minute you hit the Marshall County line at the stoplight in Etna Green, it is "slippin' and slidin' fear for you life" time! Coming home this Tuesday after work, U.S. 30 was pure ice from Plymouth all the way to Etna Green and the minute I went through the light it was clear roads all the way and I knew I was in Kosciusko County again. Such a relief comes over you when you finally reach that point! Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock I saw Kosciusko County trucks out checking the roads and U.S. 30 was dry and as clean as can be, but I went through the stoplight and it was pure ice all the way to Plymouth and I never saw one highway truck. I even had seven semis following me at 25 miles per hour instead of passing me, so you know how bad it was! Anyway, all you State and County Highway employees, I know I'm not the only one who feels this way and appreciates all your hard work and caring. A big thanks to all of you!
Sally Goon
Leesburg
Importance Of Faith
Editor, Times-Union:I read with interest Skot Diablo's letter on "xmas." While many of his historical observations may be true, his conclusions simply miss the importance of faith to believers in Christ the Messiah. I was reminded of a newspaper editorial that is often reprinted around the holidays, and thought Skot might benefit from a version just for him:
"Yes, Diablo, there is a Savior.
"He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Savior! It would be as dreary as if there were no Diablos. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.
"Not believe in a Savior! You might hire men to watch all the churches on Christmas Eve to catch the Savior, but even if you did not see the Savior, what would that prove? Few see the Savior, but that is no sign that there is no Savior. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men see. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
"No Savior? Thank God he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Diablo, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of humankind.
"Merry Christmas, Diablo!"
Brad Brail
Warsaw
via e-mail
Gift Of Sight
Editor, Times-Union:Are you having difficulty finding an appropriate gift for someone this holiday season? Why not give the gift of sight? Gifts toward sight restoration can be given on behalf of friends or relatives in the form of a financial contribution to the Indiana Lions Eye Bank, Indiana University Medical Center, 702 Rotary Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Gifts may be made in memory of a deceased, in recognition of an anniversary, in appreciation for a transplant received by a family member or friend, or to assist in the work of the Eye Bank. An acknowledgement of the gift will be sent to both parties.
What more significant gift could one give than one toward the restoration of sight?
Berniece H. Dwyer
Milford
!end#
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- Meaning Of Christmas - What's In A Name - Election Ironies - Thanks To Highway Dept. - Importance Of Faith - Gift Of Sight
Meaning Of Christmas
Editor, Times-Union:What "Xmas" Means
I am writing this in response to Mr. Diablo's letter titled, "Pagan Holiday." He is correct in his statement that xmas has nothing to do with Jesus and is a pagan holiday. It must be humorous to God that some would think that by refusing to name his name and by denying his existence, the reality of what Jesus came and did is in any way altered. I find it peculiar that the few who call their holiday xmas insist on having it coincide with time that billions of Christians have set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. What exactly is Mr. Diablo celebrating?
I also find the substitution of the letter "x" for "Christ" intriguing. This letter is used in algebra to denote an unknown, but nonetheless real quantity. On maps, it marks the location of hidden treasure that can enrich lives. In graphics, it is the shape of the cross, the pivot point of salvation and from which recorded history is dated. It may be that Mr. Diablo is not as far from the truth of Christmas as he first seemed. After all, he mentions sin. If no God exists, sin against whom?
Mr. Diablo, I do believe in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How could I not? I have been in his presence, filled with his Spirit, baptized in his name, received miraculous healings and witnessed, in my lifetime, the supernatural fulfillment of prophecies from the Bible. But what if I am merely suffering from some strong delusion? What if you are right and Jesus Christ did not come to Earth to bring salvation?
All I would have to show for attempting to live my life according to the teachings of Christ would be the following. Contentedness with what God has given me in return for my belief in the value system of eternity. Something bigger than me to dedicate my life to in exchange for my empty worship of self. Lasting friendships in return for helping others in need, regardless of personal benefit. Freedom from fear of AIDS or other diseases in return for fidelity to my lovely wife. Extra finances and a longer and healthier life in return for abstaining from vices and trying to live pure and holy before God. Peace when facing death instead of fear of the unknown.
Is any of that reason enough for me to take time out to say thanks to Christ Jesus for visiting my home? For the incredible gift of salvation he left behind? I think so! I feel for you, Mr. Diablo. How frustrating it must be to wonder, in this season, where the joy comes from in those around you. I hope someday you find the meaning in that cross, that you solve for the missing factor in the equation of life and that you finally find a treasure worth worshipping.
But I don't think you will find it in the celebration of xmas.
Paul Spite
Warsaw
via e-mail
What's In A Name
Editor, Times-Union:Regarding: Pagan Worship
What kind of name is Skot Diablo anyway?
Tim Ellis
Warsaw
via e-mail
Election Ironies
Editor, Times-Union:As our elections grind to an agonizing close, there are many ironies that the media has ignored.
For instance, the front page of USA Today of Dec. 13 featured of course the Supreme Court's ruling. But beneath that was an article of far more consequence for our nation's future: "Many Boomers Face Old Age Alone." As a gerontologist I expected this, but ... .
What is really surprising that very few of us realize that we have been in a real Civil War for decades. Politely, we call it "culture war" and compliment ourselves that no blood has been shed.
Oh?
The body count is in the tens of millions, higher than all our wars combined, even including the European and Russian Holocaust and purges. In other words, the bloodiest conflict in the bloodiest century of history and no let up even contemplated.
These of course are the children who would have supported us, our homes, and even our nursing homes which are even now closing in record numbers, unable to keep up with the costs today. (The future - government thanatoriums?)
More sadly still for champions of absolute reproductive rights (unless you live in China) is that they are decimating their own ranks as I speak!
A case could easily be made that this is less a war and more of a suicide/genocide gesture, the ultimate outcome of extremes of personal autonomy (and unrestrained hyperenvironmentalism). If one believes - by faith - in macroevolution, it appears to be an attempt to reverse it! All the while touting its beneficence.
Perhaps our cultural microevolution will run in favor of small remnants of reproducing/teaching conservatives, as it does in China today and did in the late Roman Empire. But at the cost of how many lives and families?
In a sense there is no culture war because half of our country and probably more are postcultural, in free fall. It's hard to fight a vacuum - but nature still abhors one, and totalitarianism - the New cultural imperialism/totalitarianism is up next. Long before today the courts have been stripping away our few remaining freedoms, probably as an indirect consequence of our failure to speak loudly enough for the voiceless and voteless.
William Schuler, M.D.
Pierceton
Thanks To Highway Dept.
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter in appreciation of the Kosciusko County State and County Highway departments for the wonderful job they do on our roads. I for one really do appreciate all the time and hard work they put into keeping our roads clean. I work in Plymouth and the drive from Warsaw on U.S. 30 is always as good as they can get it in bad weather. BUT, the minute you hit the Marshall County line at the stoplight in Etna Green, it is "slippin' and slidin' fear for you life" time! Coming home this Tuesday after work, U.S. 30 was pure ice from Plymouth all the way to Etna Green and the minute I went through the light it was clear roads all the way and I knew I was in Kosciusko County again. Such a relief comes over you when you finally reach that point! Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock I saw Kosciusko County trucks out checking the roads and U.S. 30 was dry and as clean as can be, but I went through the stoplight and it was pure ice all the way to Plymouth and I never saw one highway truck. I even had seven semis following me at 25 miles per hour instead of passing me, so you know how bad it was! Anyway, all you State and County Highway employees, I know I'm not the only one who feels this way and appreciates all your hard work and caring. A big thanks to all of you!
Sally Goon
Leesburg
Importance Of Faith
Editor, Times-Union:I read with interest Skot Diablo's letter on "xmas." While many of his historical observations may be true, his conclusions simply miss the importance of faith to believers in Christ the Messiah. I was reminded of a newspaper editorial that is often reprinted around the holidays, and thought Skot might benefit from a version just for him:
"Yes, Diablo, there is a Savior.
"He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Savior! It would be as dreary as if there were no Diablos. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.
"Not believe in a Savior! You might hire men to watch all the churches on Christmas Eve to catch the Savior, but even if you did not see the Savior, what would that prove? Few see the Savior, but that is no sign that there is no Savior. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men see. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
"No Savior? Thank God he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Diablo, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of humankind.
"Merry Christmas, Diablo!"
Brad Brail
Warsaw
via e-mail
Gift Of Sight
Editor, Times-Union:Are you having difficulty finding an appropriate gift for someone this holiday season? Why not give the gift of sight? Gifts toward sight restoration can be given on behalf of friends or relatives in the form of a financial contribution to the Indiana Lions Eye Bank, Indiana University Medical Center, 702 Rotary Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Gifts may be made in memory of a deceased, in recognition of an anniversary, in appreciation for a transplant received by a family member or friend, or to assist in the work of the Eye Bank. An acknowledgement of the gift will be sent to both parties.
What more significant gift could one give than one toward the restoration of sight?
Berniece H. Dwyer
Milford
!end#
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