Dear editor:
Mr. Wiedmann made God responsible for assigning humans power: "Evidence shows that this mysterious 'creator' has allowed for the relatively recent species (humankind) to acquire commanding power." Humans turned that power over to war implements, according to Mr. Wiedmann: "It is the implements of war that the dominant species allows to continue to pervade and dictate." Yet, he states, "The implements of war have not worked." (They seem to me to work too well.)
Mr. Wiedmann's solution: "Fear needs to be overcome with faith." "Faith in peace and love needs to be given a chance to grow and thrive." So, peace and love are the upcoming deities? (That was tried in the '60s.) "Religions must not be at war with one another if we are to move forward." Are religions beings?
He then asks, "Why does the 'creator of us all' allow the brutality of war and the destruction of our environment to go on and on?" Perhaps God has no sense or power. But Mr. Wiedmann states, "Our 'creator' allowed the creation of all the religions that exist." So, a powerless God is at fault for all the religions? He then asks, "How can our 'creator' be at war with 'Himself?'" Perhaps God has multiple antagonistic personalities.
He asks, "Wouldn't an omnipotent God have the power to open up the sky and speak to all?" Yes! "So why doesn't He?" Would folks listen if He did? He again inquires, "What is He waiting for?" He is waiting for humans to try their solutions!
Mr. Wiedmann states, "Humankind is the dominant, consciously aware and controlling species." So, humans must be God. (Some claim that God is in control.) "Our survival or destruction is in our hands." We must be God! "Our only conclusion must be that God's work is truly our own." We are God, and the solution to our own problems! "And this current prevalent life form has brought about conditions that threaten not only his own existence, but also the existence of all life as we know it." So, humankind is bad.
"By continuing to fight for control and dominance, only more division, separation and unbalance are created." Again, humankind is bad. What should we do? Mr. Wiedmann explains, "The true prayer of our species should be for all to lay down their weapons and conflicting beliefs and try compassion." So, we must pray to our species! It has the solutions!
Yet, Mr. Wiedmann concludes, "Compassion, the fundamental message of Jesus, Buddha and other sacred writings are calling out and might be the only way." Mr. Wiedmann just suggested four ways, but called them "the only way." Get rid of God (as Mr. Wiedmann describes him), religions and humans, and the rest of the species can live in peace, love and compassion! Then they can pray/prey in peace!
I am convinced that fearing the true God of Israel, and doing right to those around me (of any faith or lack of faith) is good for the environment.
James Wilson
Hot Springs
Editorial on 05/25/2016