Responses to religious prof ’s criticism of Christianity
Re: “Is fear beating out love? White Christianity is in big trouble, and it has itself to blame,” Dec. 24 Charles Mathewes column.
So on Christmas Eve, The Denver Post and op-ed writer Charles Mathewes decide to serve up an anti-“white Christian” screed. Mathewes, professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia, should search the Bible from which he judiciously quotes in his advice to Christians (white Christians, that is) about the error of their ways. Maybe he would find some verses warning against spreading animosity toward a group which he has lumped together, assuming they all believe and act in lock-step. From Mathewes’ use of the pronoun “we,” I suppose we are to assume he includes himself in his blanket criticism of Christians (white Christians, that is).
Unfortunately, he reveals his true feelings toward his supposed religion when he celebrates the “collapse of Christendom” because it has led to a more “egalitarian, authentic and pluralistic” world. I shudder to think what students in the professor’s classes are dished up each day in the name of religious studies. Karen Libby, Denver
Charles Mathewes is spot-on with his observations of white evangelicals, but as he implies, those same behaviors apply to other Christian lines as well. As a practicing Catholic active in my faith community, I have observed many of those in the Catholic ordained hierarchy, especially those serving locally in Colorado, to be focused on one or two issues, to the exclusion of other more egregious behaviors of politicians whom they support. Many also appear to be more focused on getting ahead in the organization, to the behavior of largely ignoring their flock. Even now with Pope Francis in place, many still try to “out-conservative” each other, expecting their actions to get them a red hat and an assignment in a prestigious diocese.
Their making of rules of no real value, done to gain power over the laity, rather than being shepherds of their flocks, continues to contribute to the largest Christian denomination in the country, namely ex-catholics. Daniel A. Krygowski, Golden