Think twice
al good neighbourliness, all rooted in the Judaeo-christian ethic. Vladimir Putin’s harnassing of the spiritual power of the Orthodox Church is shrewd politics. It provides a unifying international idea for his expansionism. Western Europe has nothing similar, having exorcised God from its counsels, and appears weak and fragmented. Scotland also lacks a meta-narrative above the fray of political contention. Secularists are wilfully incapable of fair and balanced assessment of Christianity’s contribution to the world community and its vision for all people. (REV DR) ROBERT
ANDERSON Blackburn & Seafield Church Macdonald Gardens
Blackburn In response to Alistair Mcbay I suggest that the aggressive materialism and secularism of the 20th-21st centuries have encouraged us to forget the continuing relevance of the deep religious foundations of our culture, especially the over-arching and persistent themes of concern for the poor.
Going as far back as 23rd century BC, the Sumerian law code declared that “the rich should not oppress the poor”.
Building uniquely on the foundations laid down by the Hebrew prophets (10th to 6th centuries BC) Jesus (1st century AD) proclaimed – and indeed, embodied – a generous and inclusive gospel focused on the marginalised, condemning to his cost the excesses of the rich and powerful. The Koran (7th century AD) continues to place considerable emphasis on these spiritual traditions
While I am aware of the splendid practical work that, for instance in my own tradition, the congregations and councils of the National Church carry out on behalf of the impoverished at home and abroad, I nevertheless call on the Kirk to make its prophetic voice heard more distinctly and fearlessly throughout the land: word as well as deed.
JOHN MILNE Ardgowan Drive
Uddingston I wonder if anyone else is becoming increasingly concerned about the speed many drivers are travelling at within car parks?
This seems worst of all in the large supermarket and shopping centre car parks, but I’m also seeing this excessive speed used in health centre car parks, and council-run car parks.
Nowadays many speeding motorists don’t seem to think of the risk to toddlers if they were to run out, or for those with mobility issues, never mind the hazard of other vehicles reversing in and out of spaces. If every driver were to think a child running out could be their child or grandchild, and a slower movingperson could be their relative or friend, I’m sure the foot would come off the accelerator... before there is a tragedy. JUDI MARTIN
Maryculter Aberdeenshire