It begins in the heart
Karen Porter writes that she learned in Sunday School to love her neighbor. I did too.
She says this after her criticism of Rep. Louis Gohmert for publicly saying that anyone who is not a Christian will go to hell. I think this could have been more accurately stated that while we are still sinners, Jesus died for us as our redeemer, and without a belief in, and trust of, this sacrifice, hell is our final destination. That is not an idea of a religious sect. That is a call to each of us.
Jesus tells us to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's but render unto God what is God's. If taxes are levied we are to pay them, but charity begins in the heart, not the government.
One last comment: Though some like to say Jesus was a community organizer, in reference I suppose to our president, I believe he was not. He was an itinerant preacher of his own gospel sent to Earth to die for us all regardless of race, station in life, or how we lived our lives before we knew him.
MICHAEL SANDERS
Little Rock
Normal, natural cycle
As a native of Oregon, I grew up near the mighty Columbia River whose scenic Gorge was created by the Missoula Floods, a series of cataclysmic events occurring after the last Ice Age, as a result of periodic melting and ice-dam ruptures of Missoula Lake, where water raced down the Columbia River channel, often at speeds of more than 80 mph.
This cycle occurred over a 2,000-year period around 15,000 years ago. It isn't difficult to make the leap that man was not an accomplice in those global-warming events.
Is it not possible that the Earth is continuing this warming cycle?
During his life, Thomas Jefferson kept a diary observing weather changes. I believe it is clear from that that the earth was warming during Jefferson's time; it is also certain that the climate change of that period could not be attributed to man's activities as there were few people, and no smokestacks or vehicles to foul the air.
I posit that we follow the money train. Until proven otherwise, I remain a "Flat Earther" on this issue.
ALISON YAMAUCHI
Little Rock
Agency's a vital asset
Any law enforcement agency worth its salt will occupy three impeccable police functions: Maintaining order (keeping the peace), proactive law enforcement from a legalistic gauge, and providing social services to the public.
I wish to pay homage and extol Fayetteville Police Chief Greg Tabor and the Fayetteville Police Department on their notable police and community relations to the Fayetteville area. Tabor's department is a vital asset to the community.
BILL BOATRIGHT
Fayetteville
Equality not the issue
In the short space allowed, I believe an "ABC" response can be made to Judge Chris Piazza's recent unfortunate decision to mandate same-sex marriage in Arkansas.
A--Absolute truth about natural marriage comes from God's design for human sexuality and plan for the family unit, what is best for each of us and society. Jesus confirmed this.
B--Basic societal, economic and health policies are affected by this decision. Natural marriage is essential for a stable, lasting society and nation; studies by Sorokin and Unwin showed that when turned aside, societies and civilizations crumble from within. Medical consequences and economic costs also skyrocket.
C--Children will ultimately be affected. Studies, including David Popenoe (Rutgers) and the recent report by Mark Regnerus (Texas), show that children fare much better with a mom and dad and not as well in a homosexual environment. I believe anecdotal rebuttals don't change this conclusion.
We could add a "D" and an "E" to this response. Discrimination is not the issue. All laws already discriminate--against behavior, not persons; and with cause, not arbitrary. Also homosexual behavior, not persons; and with cause, not arbitrary. Also, homosexual behaviors or feelings are not the same as skin color or gender--not the same as civil rights.
Equality is also not the real issue. Redefining marriage is not about equal rights, but about adding special rights/benefits to our laws and interpretation of the Constitution.
I believe this is not being judgmental. In many ways, we are all broken, confused, lost. It's simply reaffirming the hope given in natural marriage and the ordained institution of the family.
DON ECKARD
Bentonville
Take it when you go
There happens to be more than one way to skin a cat. Most of us know there are lots of uncaring people who come to our parks and make messes and then drive away.
They bring stuff with them, and then they leave stuff (trash) in our parks when they depart. Why can they not be responsible for their stuff?
The park employees know where people stay; therefore, if they leave stuff, then fine them $250. We have their license plate number and their name. If they get mad and don't come back, great!
Take the trash cans up, maybe not all of them. Another thought, hand out large trash bags and tell them to take their stuff back home or pay the fine.
WARREN A. JENNINGS SR.
DeWitt
Headed for trouble
I believe Judge Wendell Griffen's notion of marriage equality and state Sen. David Johnson's interpretation of the U.S. Constitution are both man-made. When a nation's officials, judges and pastors embrace public policy contrary to the eternal word of God--the sovereign, living God of the universe--I think that nation is headed for serious trouble.
MARK PETERSON
Little Rock
Editorial on 06/21/2014