On Tuesday, syndicated columnist Cal Thomas slammed President Barack Obama and the Nobel Committee. After I finished reading his usual shallow, divisive, hypocritical dosage of gobbledygook, my notion that the Nobel folks had made a good choice was reinforced. Even though the president may not already accomplished his goals, as he humbly acknowledged, he has offered the world refreshing alternatives to overcome our differences and avoid war. Thomas, and many like minded people, can’t seem to see the world in any way but through a lens of “us” and “them.” Our president is known around the world and that world is ripe for a new approach to solving our differences.
In another recent column, Mr. Thomas suggests that America should seek to achieve peace by becoming like a childhood bully he remembers. Not only would that prove to be counter-productive, but why invest trillions more tax dollars into weapons of mass destruction, when millions of our own citizens cannot afford adequate health care?
What I find most disturbing is how so many on the right are using their religious beliefs to defend and promote their agendas. Twice Cal Thomas quotes Scripture in his column to defend his rationale for “resisting evil” and for trashing liberal-minded people.
Consider this: In one chapter of the Bible, I found these words from the mouth of Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers; You are the light of the world; Reconcile any difference between a brother or sister before presenting your gift on the altar; Love your enemies and pray for them; Do not resist an evildoer, but turn the other cheek; if anyone forces you to go a mile, go a second one.”
Certainly there is a time for resistance and the use of force is necessary. But demeaning others, or hating them, has no place in the Christian community. Such antics also serve to erode the credibility of the Church. When the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost and the Church was empowered, people began speaking in different languages, but still could understand one another. God showed a desire for his people to become as one. That has not changed.
So, Cal, you are wrong when you say the peace prize is meaningless.
Donald L. Umbarger
Bristol, Tenn.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement