By Staff
Mall tailor made for teenagers
To the editor:
This is in regards to the letter published April 24, "Concerned shopper speaks out." The article was completely laughable. What is wrong with teenagers hanging out at the mall? Where does she suggest they go?
Kids are going to hang out "somewhere" anywhere they can. Maybe they can start hanging out on her block instead of the mall. They could start drag racing up and down her street for entertainment like we did when we were teenagers.
She even made a comment that the security officers walked right by the kids without a word because she had counted six or eight in the mall with their hats turned sideways or backwards! Oh, the horrors!
My parents didn't appreciate my hip-huggers dragging the ground back in the sixties either, but that's the ONLY way we were going to wear them. Has she completely forgotten what it is like to be young?
Give the kids some slack. If she is so worried about where they hang out, maybe she should consider helping the community with a safe place for them to go to. Or better yet, build her own mall so only she and whomever she invites may shop there. We're still a free country.
Anita T. Mayfield
Nettleton
Do the math
To the editor:
In response to the article "School board struggles to find solution," let employees do the math and be responsible for themselves. Take the 10 month salary, divide by 12 months and put the difference between the 10 month and 12 month salary in the bank for the future.
Seems simple to me, and I did not even consult a lawyer or take a vote.
Anne Marenko
Daleville
The mystery of Jesus
To the editor:
I am responding to an article in the April 13, 2003, insert (USA Weekend) in The Meridian Star, entitled "Jesus: A Mystery Revealed."
The article, written by Ben Witherington III and Hersel Shanks, gives their professional credentials as professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and editor-in-chief of Biblical Archaeology Review and Bible Review respectively.
The article is about the significance of the recent discovery of the burial box of James that is inscribed in Aramaic "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." The article says of the discovery, "It may have arrived at just the right time to remind us of the source of our hope in the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus and James. (Muslims, too, worship the same God and even revere Jesus as a prophet.)"
A study of the basic beliefs of Muslims and Christians would not allow one to come to the conclusion that Muslims and Christians worship the same God.
For the Christian the resurrection of Jesus as the Son of God is the cornerstone of faith; however, the Muslim does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God Or that He arose from the dead. Muslims believe that Jesus was a sinless prophet but not as great as Muhammad.
C.S. Lewis said this about Jesus being a great prophet but not God as Muslims claim: "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.'
That is one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic on a level with man who says he is a poached egg or else he would be the devil of Hell.
You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse."
The Muslim's God requires believers to adhere to a set of religious rules.
The Christian's God offers a free gift of eternal life through faith alone in Jesus alone. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." One God would not contradict Himself.
It is troubling to me for scholars to continue to write and say that Christians and Muslims worship the same God when even a cursory study of the basic beliefs of the two shows that they are not reconcilable.
One must choose between the two or another view, but any thinking person who has reviewed the basic beliefs cannot say that Muslims and Christians worship the same God.
Harold Harris
Meridian
Family readiness group offers support
To the editor:
The week of April 27-May 3, 2003, is a special time for us to recognize our Family Program volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
As the National Guard and America are faced with many challenges today and in the future, their constant dedication is beyond measure.
The members of the 186th ARW Family Readiness Group give of their time and talents to ensure that those they serve are served well.
When there is a need they fill it, making a difference everyday in the lives of those they touch. Volunteerism is a universal language that people around the world understand. It is the selfless service to others.
As volunteers, the Family Readiness Group's spirit and courage continues in the face of many challenges. They are vital to the success of the National Guard and the Family Program.
Thank you to the members of the 186th ARW Family Readiness Group for all that you do to support the military members and their families at Key Field as we "Celebrate Volunteers The American Spirit."
Connie Myers
Wing Family Program
Coordinator
Meridian