My Letter to the Editor-published today

this has been sticking in my craw - so to speak
but I was very proud to have it published
and have already receive a couple of kudos
from people I have yet to meet

LTTE

I have been thinking about the Advocate’s decision to rename it’s ‘Religion’ section of the paper as the ‘Faith and Values’ section. When I first noticed this change, I found it very off-putting, but let that go – after all, there are so many things to stew about these days; it seemed like a small fish in a big pond of troubles in this country. Yet each time I see this heading, it disturbs me. The fact that ‘Religion’ is translated into ‘Values’ is not the point. We would assume that religious belief and thought is tied securely to ‘values’. However, the acute divisions in this country at this moment in history are (I believe) harmful to the future of our democracy, and the coupling of religion and values is being used as a weapon of sorts. It cannot be assumed that a person who does not share one’s religious beliefs, or indeed does not participate in organized religion, does not have ‘values’. It can only be assumed that the other person has a different set of values. And it is presumptive to think that the values one person holds are altogether ‘better’ than those held by another. Every person in this country is free to believe what they will, and hold themselves to whatever standard they see fit. The use of the ‘Faith and Values’ heading by the Advocate may seem harmless; in the big picture, I’m sure it is. But there are many readers who are at least mildly offended that ‘values’ are equated with specific religious practices, and that is what this heading infers.

Thais Perkins
1340 Plains Port Hudson
Zachary, La. 70791

who are far more ethical in their personal and business relationships than are some with "religious values".

Great letter.

-eom

(Because they don't expect to be rewarded with eternal life)
From the song "Gone to Stay"