By Rachel Mindell
Arizona Daily Wildcat
May 4, 1998

Columnist's Christianity doesn't inspire

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to Rachel Alexander's article, "In defense of Christianity" (Apr. 28), simply because my conscience will not give me peace until I do so. Rachel, this may surprise you, but I am a non-Christian and I do indeed have a conscience. I do not despise values of honesty and kindness to one's neighbor. Rather, I hope to espouse them in my lifestyle and decisions. I also do not condemn morality, or hate good, decent people. One thing I do abhor is judgement. I think we would both agree that condemnation is the job of a supreme power and not that of human beings. When you feel attacked and respond in kind, you have not only lowered yourself to the level of your aggressor, but have also presumed to play God.

Your article made me feel alienated, judged and angry. I did not feel a sense of love or truth or joy, which are the sentiments I believe your religion hopes to inspire. I am interested in the factual proof behind your beliefs, but I will not enquire further if I am insulted at every turn. I would assume that your church is less interested in converts who turn to Christianity out of fear and judgement, than those who find that Christianity supports the love, truth and joy they have known in there hearts all along. Judgement as a response to judgement does not make it right. You will not reach the audience you hope to persuade if they cannot swallow your ridicule. Of course, you will reach those who already agree with you, and I suppose this has some value for your ego, but it does not represent what I have understood to be true Christian values.

Rachel, the most powerful argument you can make for Christianity is to set a good example in the life that you lead and the expressions you choose of your spirituality. Your choice in this case has alienated me, a person with a profound interest in spirituality who does not already believe the way you do.

Rachel Mindell
Spanish Literature Sophomore