COMMENTARY

Religion is 'blind faith;' Anyone could have written Bible storybook

In my last column ("Scientology's wild claims no stranger than those of major religions," SN 6/28), I argued that Scientology doctrine, although undeniably nutty, isn't any more fanciful or unfounded than mainstream religious beliefs. One response published in The State News countered my point with the assertion that Christianity is different; it doesn't rely on faith alone but on "reasoned faith" ("Faith needs reason, not blind beliefs," SN 7/5). Let's examine that. Dictionary.com defines "reasoned" as meaning, "to determine or conclude by logical thinking." In contrast, "faith" is "belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence." Reasoned faith is a contradiction. Certainly, reason is absent with regard to the unsubstantiated belief in the virgin birth, the trinity and transubstantiation.

COMMENTARY

Impact is campus' unique alternative

I am writing in response to Tom Cooke's column ("Campus radio station should diversify its daytime music rotation" SN 7/19). Personally, the reason I tune into WDBM (88.9-FM) is to experience the great variety of new bands, non-mainstream music and local bands that I would otherwise never hear.

COMMENTARY

Edible options

When fall classes resume, students will finally have more unique choices to choose from when it comes to on-campus snacks.

COMMENTARY

U.S. is nothing like any ancient empire

Why is it that Craig Gunn is a featured writer in the opinion section? I have been baffled by this fact for quite some time now and have a hard time reading his articles, as I think they resemble the ramblings of a crack pot.

COMMENTARY

Impact isn't racist, provides choices

To suggest WDBM (88.9-FM) is not diverse in its music selection is absurd; only more absurd is the hint of racism in the music selection ("Campus radio station should diversify its daytime music rotation" SN 7/19). After eight years of living in East Lansing, the Impact offers by far the most diverse music in the area.

COMMENTARY

Sinners acceptable; sin is intolerable

The Bible calls the homosexual act "detestable." It must be made clear that it is the act that is detestable, not the participants.

COMMENTARY

Affirmed sides

Affirmative action is one of the perennial hot-button topics in politics, and the debate surrounding its advantages and disadvantages is always an interesting one.

COMMENTARY

Campus radio station should diversify its daytime music rotation

The clanging and clattering of wrenches, the sounds of foul-mouthed bantering and a radio blasting out tunes from a classic rock station - ah, the noises of a bicycle shop in a college town. Since high school I've worked in a couple of shops in the Lansing area, and one thing they have in common is a disposition toward classic rock.

COMMENTARY

Affirmative action still helps people

The proposal that the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative is working to put on the ballot in November 2006 is a racist and sexist attempt to undo what the modern civil rights movement has worked tirelessly to accomplish over the past 50 or more years.

COMMENTARY

It worked

A welcome twist has recently come to the story of tailgating at MSU. Yes, the university administration has finally started listening to people's concerns about the game-day restrictions, in place since last fall, which include a ban on drinking games and a time limit of five hours before games and two hours afterward. Due to the fact that students, faculty, alumni and fans were unsatisfied with the curtailed tailgating schedule last fall, the administration will allow extended hours.

COMMENTARY

Scientology beliefs parallel with cults

I'm very disappointed in The State News. I can't believe it gave enough credibility to try to "assess" the largest cult and pyramid scheme of this century ("Scholars assess Scientology" SN 7/14). Scientology is very well explained by Web sites such xenu.net. You shouldn't have to pay money or work your way up the ranks to gain enlightenment.

COMMENTARY

Gunn's column very interesting, correct

I find it very interesting that, in his letter criticizing Craig Gunn ("United States could suffer same ill fate as previous world empires" 7/12) for misidentifying "the source of the rot," Peter G.

COMMENTARY

Letter writer wrong with interpretation

Benjamin Greathouse is misguided in his beliefs on the interpretive aspects of the Bible ("Homosexuality is a sin, Bible says so" SN 7/14). It isn't impossible to interpret homosexuality as not sinful; in fact, many people in diverse denominational populations do so every day. I would suggest Greathouse actually study the viewpoints of people he opposes prior to commenting on them.

COMMENTARY

Wanted: Venue

It's Friday night. You're 19 years old living in the dorms. After a quick jaunt to get some food you realize everyone in East Lansing is at the bar or at a party that's getting broken up.

COMMENTARY

Scientology article promoted bias, lies

Some of the information written in Jason Worthy's article ("Scholars assess Scientology" SN 7/14) left a lot to be desired in regard to the truth.

COMMENTARY

Chief's choice

Chief Justice William Rehnquist will not be retiring just yet, according to a statement he made through his family last week.

COMMENTARY

Writers must protect sources; recent arrests 'scary' for journalists

"If the judge would permit it, I would go serve some of her jail time because I think the principle is that important, and it should be underscored." These were the words of renowned journalist Bob Woodward when he spoke on "Larry King Live" on July 11.

COMMENTARY

Trial overdue

As the poster boy for American military involvement in Iraq, it's good to see Saddam Hussein's name in the news again.

COMMENTARY

Letter offensive, illustrates hatred

I would like to thank Benjamin Greathouse for his reminder that hate still exists both on this campus and in churches around the country ("Homosexuality is a sin, Bible says so" SN 7/14). I am glad his chemistry degree has bestowed upon him the mastery of all theology, Biblical interpretations and the voice for Christians everywhere. With such credentials, I wonder if he gets as angry when The State News writes an editorial supporting our football team - after all, there is no legitimate interpretation of Scripture which could possibly be seen to allow touching pigskin (or wearing polyester clothes, for that matter). And the decay of societal morality (whatever that might be) is surely in huge danger from those feminist hippies who dare to sow more than one plant in their fields and eat lobster. Rather than argue against his hateful, self-assured rhetoric, I will simply thank those more open minded for their ability to accept equality, placing Greathouse and those like him in the minority at this university. Erik Green English senior

COMMENTARY

Jesus accepting of all people, diversity

In response to Benjamin Greathouse's letter, I would like to remind him that Jesus accepted all people ("Homosexuality is a sin, Bible says so" SN 7/14). "Societal morality" is, in fact, decaying.