Letters to the Editor

Submit a letter to the editor electronically | For our letter writing policy, click here

Candidate’s response to pro-life question sheds light on true moral dilemma in society

The emotional storm over U.S Senate candidate Richard Mourdock’s pre-election remarks regarding the sanctity of human life in rape situations has, not surprisingly, galvanized our community and, to some extent, the larger nation.

The great moral conflict clearly derives from the large gulf between human perceptions of logic, fairness and justice, and God’s larger plan.

Regarding the totally venal, despicable action of rape, God absolutely does not ordain, approve or wish such an evil action.

However, he has given all his creatures a free will and does not force obedience to his commandments or moral law.

Regarding the child conceived in rape, we must try to believe that a life created by God—even in rape—was ordained by God for reasons that only God truly comprehends.

There are, in fact, documented examples of persons conceived in rape who have distinguished themselves in adult life.

Clearly, God’s commandment that “Thou shalt not kill” must apply equally to the defenseless—and blameless—child in the womb.

In purely human terms, the psychological burden of the abused and pregnant rape victim is an unspeakable tragedy, almost incomprehensible to reconcile by any measure of earthly logic or reason.

However, if there is any sense of redemption in this terrible situation, it may be a mother’s courage in carrying this special child of God to term, a moral commitment that truly celebrates the higher meaning of human life—a life with a potential known only to God.

- Dr. David A. Nealy | Greenwood

Election letter was mean-spirited and not very Christian, Greenwood parishioner says

I am a member of SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi Parish in Greenwood. I found the letter to the editor published in the Nov. 16 edition of The Criterion troublesome and offensive.

To accuse fellow Catholics who voted for President Barack Obama—I was one of them—of apostasy and ignorance is mean-spirited and not very Christian.

Apostasy is an offense that is punishable by excommunication. How dare the letter writer sit in judgment? He reminds me of the Pharisees.

Also, he seems to have little knowledge of Thomas Jefferson’s views on religion.

Jefferson was disestablishing the state-supported religion of Virginia. Taxes from all citizens were collected to support the Anglican churches.

The letter writer maybe should focus on the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi before using The Criterion to condemn others and express his political views.

God bless all the citizens of the U.S.A., President Obama, all our elected officials and the members of the Roman Catholic Church.

- Walt Aldorisio | Greenwood