We must do our own thinking

To the editor;

I agree a change is needed on the Faith page, but this isn’t the first time. Some years ago it was called the Religion page, and was managed by Casey Ressler — who did a good job with it.

“Faith” is the best title because everyone has faith, but not everyone has religion. Several years ago I fully expected to become an adamant enemy of organized religion, but in getting serious about my disagreements, I honestly came to see religion’s value to humanity, and I found that religion is a necessary part of a learning process that all human beings are subject to. However, those who truly learn the lessons of religion will eventually out-grow their need for it by finding a belief system of their own. We are all at a different place in the scheme of things, and our beliefs are our guide to live by.

The religious beliefs of Howard Bess lead him to advocate for gay rights, prison reform, the prevention of substance abuse, family violence, etc., while Ron Hamman is deeply involved in an emotional tension between his Biblical views and the prevailing values of the broader society. He and his flock need the support of each other because they are so personally involved and are so much more deeply committed to their beliefs than are members of mainstream religion.

The point is, Howard and Ron are both doing what they believe is right, according to their own point of view, and who among us can say either of them is right or wrong/good or bad? At the end of the day, we must do our own thinking and live our own life. There will always be differences of opinion, and there will never be a general consensus, and much less, a “true” religion.

Art Carney

Wasilla