Cynical columnist should visit my church
There’s no doubting Joe Bennett’s skill with language and his ability to entertain with wry humour.
He is also a thorough cynic and sadly directs his cynicism for effect especially towards religious faith and those who profess it.
I take issue with Joe’s article (Advocate, June 27), most of which is a scurrilous slur upon our churches, critical of their charity status under law and portraying them as unscrupulous businesses out to claw in money from the poor and gullible. This is an extremely jaundiced view and, as a generalisation, so far from the truth as to be libellous.
I have belonged to and moved among Christian churches of different flavours for most of my 86 years of life, in the UK and for over 48 years in various parts of New Zealand. I can assure your readers that most pastors/ministers I have known manage on a small income derived from tithes/offerings and could earn far more from a secular job out in the world. They are deeply caring and compassionate persons, on call 24/7, often in danger of burning out, yet follow their calling with honest commitment.
Of course, there has to be the unfortunate exception; rare deviants from the teachings of Christ, fed by “prosperity doctrine” from the US, who unfortunately hit the headlines. These are far from the norm in New Zealand.
I think it would be true to say that the majority of churches here lack the resources to do greater good in the community that they wish they could. Despite this, many whose lives have changed for the better are testament to much good being done. Furthermore, an army of church members give of their time and money unstintingly for this cause without remuneration of any sort; nor do they wish for it. Sorry, Joe. Come along to our small church and you might just learn a thing or two.
John Haddow
Onerahi
Cannabis reform
It is encouraging to read that support for cannabis reform is growing. The evidence shows, and the experts agree, that the reforms will increase community wellbeing and reduce harm. Those opposed to the changes are more focused on moralising than on actually solving any of the problems associated with cannabis. Miranda Koster
Whangarei
Learn from history
What will we choose in the heat of this pandemic? Our health by keeping Covid-19 out by closing and monitoring the borders, or our wealth by opening the borders to all in sundry, causing an uncontrollable spike in Covid-19 cases? I know what I will choose. We are in the envious position that we have a great welfare system in New Zealand.
All the wealth in the world is useless if you have poor health. National should go back and read their history books, the Great Flu was spread all around the world by allowing people travelling to wideopen borders on crowded ships leading to 500 million infected and 50 million deaths, in 2 years. If we do not know where we have been, then we do not know where we are going.
Marie Kaire Ngararatunua
Well done
Well said, Geoff Parker – well written, well researched and totally relevant! M Chandler Tikipunga