Isaac DeVille's inflammatory opinion, "Tyranny of faith" (SN 7/31), disheartens me but does not surprise me.

Recently, The State News has had a puzzling propensity for columns questioning religion's validity, as newspapers' opinion columns generally analyze current trends, not rehash timeless arguments. In responding to DeVille's article, I also respond to the voluminous material published on this page in the same vein.

I am troubled by the politicization of faith and resurgence of fire and brimstone Christianity. In reading an agreeing opinion, however, I seek not mere reassurance, but strongly reasoned argument. Unfortunately, DeVille's argument suffers from gross overgeneralization. Religion is an intensely personal experience. Generalizations of American Christians' diverse beliefs inaccurately ignore this.

For example, I am resolutely Christian, yet DeVille's characterization of Christian beliefs directly contradict my views.

Despite the article's indication otherwise, as a Christian I believe, among other things, God doesn't send all nonbelievers to hell; reason, experience, scripture and tradition are all valid sources of religious inspiration; Christian-marketed goods trivialize a sacred faith; God loves everyone - the gay and lesbian population, Buddhists, Hindus and atheists included.

These beliefs confirm my Christianity, not deny it. I am not a heretic; my family, congregation and denomination hold similar beliefs. In this way, DeVille's Christianity diverges wildly from what is still preached inside many American churches. Certain televangelists' misrepresentations clearly fool many, including, apparently, some of their detractors.

I encourage DeVille to examine the diversity of Christian beliefs, rather than to indiscriminately lump all Christians together and equate us to Nazis.

Daniel McClosky
biochemistry and molecular biology junior