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McCook Gazette
Letter to the Editor

Justifying beliefs

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Dear Editor,

Alright, suppose I have to do this again. I mean, at this point, the gazette should just get me to do a weekly letter replying article called "Dear Andy" where people try to justify their beliefs and I offer counter arguments. Could be interesting. Anyways, on to the issues.

2 responses to reply to, I'll try to keep it brief to not invoke the wrath of Hamlet again.

I don't have to try to justify the fact that the federal hearings begin with a group prayer or that Moses is in the House of Representatives. Because I disagree that these are legal or right, as it seems to be excluding anyone who doesn't believe those things from being included in the lawmaking decision process.

Natural law, please man, come on. Do some research. Do you know how many different species have homosexuality observed in them? Hundreds. A 30 second google search provided mountains of websites which have several lists of all the species we've observed having homosexual sexual acts. It's natural. Humans are the only species we know of to have marriage, but not the only one to have homosexuality. Why do you think we should keep marriage to only what your beliefs says is right instead of opening it up to all consenting adults? That seems exclusionary as well.

Now the insane parts. Calling it "god's creation" slips into your argument the presupposition that the judeo-christian god is real. Which we have 0 evidence for. Which is why I think the second reply I got is simply someone trolling for attention. Or an absolute idiot. Which is not an ad hominem attack, because I plan to address the actual arguments as well, and not simply attack character alone.

Why is the bible the correct one? And not the Qur'an, Torah, or any other holy book? I find it hard to believe "no one is trying to IMPOSE their beliefs on anyone" as you claim, Mr. Schneider, when 75% of your letter is quoting your holy book as a justification of keeping same sex marriage illegal.

Yes, I do have a mom and dad. I don't see how that links to Jesus. Like...at all, man. I also like spaghetti. Does not prove pastafarian to be true. Did you know that stem cell researchers believe that within the next couple years, they'll be able to make biological children using skin samples from two same sex people?

I mean...seriously man. Come on. Using the bible as proof to an atheist is pointless. I use the bible to show the hypocrisy of religion, I don't believe it is true at all. But, be sure to stone disobedient children at the edge of town! And remember, if you beat your slave and he doesn't die within a couple days, it isn't your fault if he dies after.

Not everyone is the same as you. Not everyone is a straight christian. We live in a country that is designed to be as fair to everyone as possible. New homework: justify why not giving the same rights to someone based on who they love, or what they believe, is constitutional. Show me why it is fair to not allow me the same rights as you, because I am a gay atheist.

I haven't gotten any responses about stoning me to death yet, which to me means two things. 1, that you people are more moral to your god, which is good! I'm glad you are more moral than your god is. And 2, that you believe that the specific part of the bible I showed you got it wrong. The bible is not infallible, you see that now. Question the entire book, look it over again. See what else you find that isn't right.

Looking forward to the next time I am called to action to correct people in an area I feel needs to be discussed.

Sincerely,

Andy Hutchins,

Culbertson, Nebraska

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  • Well, technically there is no need to stone anyone when the nations police force has been burning through so much ammunition.

    -- Posted by shallal on Thu, Mar 12, 2015, at 5:35 PM

  • Personally, I think you should ask the newspaper if you could start a "Dear Andy" column. We have at present a " Dear Mike At Night " column, but this is only Mike Hendricks asking and answering questions about himself - all in a woeful and pity seeking sort of way. You should ask them for a 1 or 2 month trial period. Probably would flop, but if not you have yourself a forum for airing a different perspective on things.

    -- Posted by bob s on Thu, Mar 12, 2015, at 6:18 PM

  • It has taken me a little bit of time, but I am finally taking an opportunity to read these posts that have been either written by, or directed toward, my son.

    While I do not necessarily always agree with my son's beliefs on every topic, I do always love my son. Ultimately I only hope and wish for his happiness, as every parent wishes for their child.

    Admittedly, my personal belief system was shifted when my son "came out" during his senior year of high school. This announcement was not just a struggle for him.

    I still question many things about my faith (yes, I am still a Christian); I cried many nights thinking about the whole "certain damnation" thoughts. I even argued (to a point where we did not speak for six months) with my own Catholic sister when she said that she "couldn't see herself inviting Andy and a significant other to dinner" in her home. That to me was my breaking point. I realize that the Bible is written, and it is very clear the "rules" or "guidelines" that we as Christians are to follow. What I have a problem believing is this: The loving, forgiving God that I believe in - I don't believe that He would automatically condemn my son to Hell for this.

    Anyway, the point of this comment on a two week old story. I had intentionally stayed away from reading any of these comments up until today. I know that my son, although very well-versed and logically thinking, sometimes takes the path of confrontation just for the sake of arguing. What I have come to realize from reading is that I am proud of him. I'm proud that he stands up for what he believes, and outlines reasons why he thinks the way he does. I may not agree with all points, but at the end of the day, I believe that he has just as much right to be happy as men and women who wish to be married.

    -- Posted by Kathy H. on Wed, Mar 25, 2015, at 3:17 PM
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