In the Oct. 29, 2021, letters to the editor, J. Paul Brown chastised the Herald for “vilifying” “Christians” and lauded himself for supporting “Christians” running for office. In other letters to the editor, individuals advocate for a “Christian” nation. I would like to ask all of those individuals which version of “Christianity” they are espousing?

While many people claim to be Christians, there are broad and varying definitions of Christianity and even broader variations in practices and beliefs: Many mainstream Protestant denominations have split because even their own congregants could not agree on their beliefs: birth control; same-sex marriage; death penalty; women in the priesthood; acceptance of other denominations/religions; LGBTQ rights and ability to serve in the ministry. So, when people are espousing Christianity as a foundation for laws and procedures, it is probable they are thinking of their own personal beliefs and definitions and would be aghast if some of the other “Christian” beliefs were to be included and implemented.

The United States does not and should not have an official religion. A caution to everyone to not get carried away with the desire for a “Christian” nation, believing that it would be some kind of utopia. In fact, it could lead to “hell” on earth as each Christian sect fought for supremacy and we devolved into never-ending religious wars. Let’s be thankful for our secular rule of law, which allows for all versions of Christianity, as well as Judaism, Islam and other religions to survive and flourish.

Karen Thompson

Durango