Columnist’s thoughts on religion ridiculous

Professor Hobson’s (Nov. 17) column citing a trend away from religious affiliation had a rather celebratory ring to it, as if the drop in religious beliefs is as positive as a drop in violent crime.

He goes on to make ridiculous statements, like religion has made life difficult on our planet, and even drawing a comparison between the radical movement in the Mideast and those who held fundamental Christian beliefs. I guess being opposed to abortion is the same religiously inspired foolishness as recent Islamic terrorist acts.

He gives precautionary advice because, as he puts it, this trend seems to be pushing fundamentalism into a comer spelling continued division and difficulty. Oh, my, the next thing you know some evangelical, in a suicide vest, will show up at your daughter’s soccer game.

At one time in my life, I would have been in the “unaffiliated” listed in the poll. I was agnostic and formed this nonbelief in college mostly from opinions garnered from some of my professors. But, after college, I found this did not answer the questions I had about my origins, love and beauty satisfactorily. In my search for truth, I found those answers in the God of the Bible.

There is more historical evidence of an empty tomb than there is for most other ancient historical facts we believe. I find it irrational nonsense to believe this complex world came into being by accident.

Yes, there have been some terrible things done in the name of religion, but there have been some equally terrible things done in the name of science and political ideology.

To lead people into thinking that fundamental Christian beliefs will morph into what we see inspired by fundamental Islamic beliefs is a horrible stretch. This has been a strong, healthy, peaceful and humane America because of our roots in Christianity, not in spite of them, as the good professor alludes to in his column. MARK J. WATKINS

Clarksville