There are several misconceptions being printed in some of the columns in your newspaper. I have noticed in your opinion page that many people who write opinions and letters are confused about the words “religion” and “Christianity.” Some folks seem to think these words are interchangeable. When you call Christians (which means Christ men) religious, this is not accurate. Religious people may believe (or not) in a god and still read the Bible, but they add or take away from that source and make it their own. Whereas Christians follow the teachings of a man who lived more than 2,000 years ago: Jesus of Nazareth. According to the writings of first century Christians, Jesus was not religious. But let’s say you don’t believe in Jesus. Then you can get your knowledge about Jesus of Nazareth from history books other than the Bible that were written during Jesus’ life. In fact, I encourage you not to read the Bible if you are not a believer. The Bible provides instructions for the Christians.
When you put Christians in the same box with the Taliban or ISIS, you are making inaccurate assumptions. These particular people of religion don’t believe in Jesus or his teachings. This world today is complicated enough without the added confusion of terminology.
Ange Nobes
Hesperus
