Redefining marriage
Re Bruce Short's recent letter: Marriage has been redefined many times throughout history. More specifically, within the short time of American history, marriage has been redefined almost 10 times.
Prior to the end of slavery in 1865, blacks needed their owner's permission to marry. Just over a hundred years later in 1967, the Supreme Court ruled that interracial marriage was legal. Almost 50 years later, some preachers still speak openly against interracial marriage. Some even refuse to officiate a ceremony for an interracial couple.
The law permitting interracial marriage has not forced them to preside over any union. No law has taken away a preacher's First Amendment rights granted by our Constitution. To imply such is more than misleading.
The authority--that which public servants swear to uphold and protect, the rule of law in this democratic experiment known as the United States of America--is the Constitution. According to the First Amendment, we have the freedom to practice any religion we choose. We do not, however, have the right to impose our religious beliefs on others.
ALBERT MOTTA
Nashville
Not really all that bad
The morning after the last election on Nov. 4, 2014, could be described as the worst of times politically. Arkansas could be the epitome of what happened: Four Republican members of the House and two Republican senators, a complete wipe of the Democratic Party that previously had control of the political establishment. It was the worst of times. A complete rejection of President Barack Obama.
On the other hand, the economy is growing nicely. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are being created every month, we're producing a framework for a nuclear nonproliferation deal with Iran, and let's not forget Cuba after 60 years.
It seems President Barack Obama remains the most influential person in the world.
ROBERT HYMER
Little Rock
Its 'gift' to Arkansas
Last week my wife and I took a hike up to Sam's Throne, an overlook south of Mount Judea in Newton County. What a grand view of Big Creek Valley.
This time we saw something new ... a large scar on the land, easy to see from Sam's Throne ... and you can see several large, man-made buildings shining in the sun.
Curious, we drove down to Mount Judea to see what it was. It was easy to find; we just followed the smell.
This is Cargill's latest gift to Arkansas. A huge factory farm that you can see from Sam's Throne. Easy to find.
I wonder how Newton County could have let this happen. Don't they have representatives in Little Rock? Don't you? Write them.
RG SMITH
Rogers
Must support Israel
Since the founding of this nation, I believe America has enjoyed the blessings and prosperity from the hand of God, on whose principles it was founded.
We have been a nation of refuge for those who come from around the world to seek freedom and a better way of life. This has been especially true for the people of Israel, and all our leaders have adhered to this tradition until this time. I am of the opinion that it's about to end, and the consequences are not going to be pretty.
In the Bible, there is a little book called Obadiah, with only 21 verses, that declares the truths of what happens to a nation that turns away from Israel and refuses to stand by it. I believe those who believe that a treaty with Iran will be honored and a deterrent to their goal to build a bomb that will reach Israel do not understand their leaders' hatred of God's chosen people and Christians. Our only hope for our nation is for prayer to the creator, God, to intervene in this situation or else we perish as did this tiny nation called Edom that refused to intervene on behalf of Israel.
May God bless America again.
WILLA ROMINE
Bryant
Two commandments
I read the letter by Coralie Koonce asking which of the Ten Commandments applied to child abuse, rape, knocking your wife's teeth out, and every sort of violence short of murder.
I agree that the Ten Commandments do not mention a lot of sins specifically. And that we are no longer under the old law.
However, when Jesus started his ministry, he gave us just two commandments to live by. They are stated in Matthew 22. The Pharisees asked Jesus which of the Ten Commandments was most important. Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
If we love our neighbor as ourselves, there would be no child abuse, rape, wife-beating or any other sins against humanity!
GAREY SUBLETT
Conway
Yes, those commands
In Jesus Christ, there are no Gentiles or Jews, male or female, bond or free. True believers are all one in Christ.
The Mosaic Law was given by God in three parts: ceremonial law, civil law and moral law. Ceremonial law was fulfilled and ceased at the cross. Civil law was given to human government. Moral law transcends time because it speaks of the essence of God, who is not bound by time.
Yes, scripture teaches that we Gentiles, and all mankind, will one day answer to the God of the decalogue. Believe it or not.
BOB L. WARNER
Hot Springs Village
Editorial on 05/02/2015