The 'religious right'

Dear editor:

R.L. Hudson of Cabot wrote a letter appearing in the sister newspaper, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Nov. 22 that points out puzzling contradictions in the "religious right," as he terms them.

Exactly which groups would fall under this label is itself debatable; yet, I have pondered the subject since childhood.

My religious training as a child was in a country church, which met in the public school building where both Baptist and Methodist ministers alternated Sundays, and adults of both persuasions attended the same Sunday school class (with some children tagging along). I remember no arguments about mode of baptism and other matters.

As I grew older, I was an attendee of both religious bodies. Some of those churches were much more conservative than others. But I became suspicious of another group I was attending with a couple who came by for me. I had been visiting happily until one Sunday the ones at the altar were so filled with the "spirit" that they physically threw hymn books. I was frightened and never returned.

Later in life, making extra money playing for revivals, one ultra conservative group became involved the third evening in a screaming argument with the pastor over one lady wearing short, rather than long, sleeves on her dress. I did not return.

So, I do find Mr. Huston's argument persuasive that strong contradictions often appear in many religious groups that carry the "ultra right" label. The majority of those appear to be strong pro-life proponents, yet are very supportive of the death penalty.

The majority of those do seem to call for peace in all things, but appear to desire unrestricted access to guns of all kinds. They strongly call for following Jesus' teaching of love for everyone, but support efforts designed to limit some groups. And so many condemned the infidelity of President Clinton, but overwhelming supported the election of President Trump, who during the campaign was shown to have in his past openly acclaimed the "privilege" of harassing females, and during the campaign itself insulted a female reporter with strong negative rhetoric. Their defense even today has been, "better that man than that woman."

I still remain puzzled by these seemingly apparent contradictions, but I believe that a strong faith will keep me in mind of the teaching that is found is most religions, which we call "The Golden Rule."

John W. "Doc" Crawford

Hot Springs