U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin has it right. We must, “...find another way to stop mass violence.” That was so well stated in the Jan. 6 issue of the Times-News (Page 1E).
Now is the time to gather all willing parties to discuss civil ways to reduce the culture of gun violence and to agree on a course of action to be implemented locally and throughout the U.S.A.
This grouping needs to include the media in general (the electronic media in particular), mental health, gun owners in general (and the National Rifle Association in particular), plus faith groups in general (and the Christian churches in particular).
I applaud and support what Sen. Manchin has stated. “You done good, Joe.”
As a United Methodist, I refer fellow Christians to these Biblical references for use and deeper study relating to reducing gun or mass violence:
1. The Sixth Commandment in Exodus 20:13 states, “You shall not kill.” What are the particulars? (The Hebrew word means murder.)
2. Jesus summed up the laws in Matthew 22:37,39, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind ... . And a second is like it, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
3. While discussing this complex cultural problem, one needs to understand the meaning of the Ninth Commandment in Exodus 20:16, “You shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor,” i.e. Quit lying!
For a detailed explanation of the 10 Commandments with scriptural reference galore, seek out the Presbyterian Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechism.
To maintain credibility in this nation of ours, we Christians need to state our opinions and urge our churches and their governing bodies to state their positions via the pulpit and pen in order to join with others to reduce this culture of gun or mass violence.
Paul Shogren
Oakland
Letters
Christians, churches can work to reduce mass violence
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Why have the media been silent all this time?
When I read the Cumberland Times-News Editorial this morning, Friday, May 17, entitled, “Outrageous,” I laughed like a kid at a birthday party!
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What are chances this much money will be spent on road?
I was intrigued by cost data summarized in reporter Kathy Mellott’s recent article, “Completing southern link of U.S. Route 219 said to be best use of highway funds,” which appeared in the Cumberland Times-News on Tuesday May 14 (Page 1A).
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School board should be doing better job with less money
The Allegany County Teachers Association (ACTA) board of directors recently submitted a letter to the editor asking the Allegany County commissioners to fully fund the Board of Education’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year (“Commissioners should fund school board request,” April 29 Times-News).
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Were they really good old days? You decide
When a fellow gets old, it’s not unusual for his mind to wander back to the days of his youth. He may forget where he laid his glasses five minutes ago, yet he can remember events that took place a half a century ago. This is one of the interesting things of old age.
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Wearing the poppy tells others people that you remember
On May 25, members of Farrady Unit 24 American Legion Auxiliary, Frostburg, will once again ask the citizens of the community to remember the sacrifices our veterans have made.
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Donating your old bike will help someone who really needs it
Once again Bikes for the World is collecting used bicycles at Canal Place, May 25 from 10 a.m. to noon,
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Hosting Fresh Air Children can be a memorable experience
I got a phone call, and a little voice said, “Hi Miss Linda, I’m calling to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.”
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Stop buying licenses; let them find the money somewhere else
A few months ago, I received two cards from the National Rifle Association. These were dealing with a legislative alert.
They asked that I should contact Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Kevin Kelly concerning the anti-gun legislation. -
Strength of gun laws is not reflected in grisly statistics
According to the FBI’s uniform crime reports, California had the highest number of gun murders in 2011 with 1,220, which makes up 68 percent of all murders in the state that year and equates to 3.25 murders per 100,000 people.
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‘Forgotten warrior’ not forgotten
The Korean War is often called “The Forgotten War.” My generation remembers the Battle for LZ X-Ray at Ia Drang, The Tet Offensive, and Khe Sahn of the Vietnam War.
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Why have the media been silent all this time?
