Your Letters: Monday

Turn to the Bible for law

In a recent letter, a reader cited the Declaration of Independence as supporting same-sex marriage. What she fails to understand is that the document was written under the directive of the Bible and that the declaration states that our rights are given “by (our) Creator.”

The argument that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” substantiates gay marriage could simultaneously justify rape or murder. How then do we create parameters for human rights?

As our Christian Founding Fathers would have done, we must turn to the ultimate source of law, the Holy Bible, for clarification. Thus I find Donna Smith’s statement that “Americans are too wise to make laws based on personal religious beliefs” irresponsible and blasphemous.

Like other countries without separation of church and state, America itself has seen increasing turmoil and violence over the past century as we have fallen away from Christianity. Beware confusing God’s love for acceptance of disobedience. God is also described as angry and righteous, and is unwavering in his word. Our “God-given rights” are indeed just that and cannot be twisted to suit personal desires.

Alisa Pendorf Boalsburg

A fetus is not a baby

Regarding the senseless murder of George Tiller in his church, someone needs to explain to the Rev. Gabriel Morley that a fetus is not a baby and an egg is not a chicken. Now we have the instigators of this atrocity seeking to distance themselves from this murder.

For years fundamentalist preachers have been inciting religious fanatics to violence at abortion clinics and the murders of doctors performing a medical procedure that is legal and humanitarian in nature.

There are a great many young ladies and women who have chosen this procedure rather than carrying the fetus to term. And there are a great many valid reasons for making this choice, none of which Morley has even considered.

When will America wake up and stop listening to these narrow-minded preachers inciting their flocks to commit heinous crimes in the name of their God?

Medical studies have shown that as many as 70 percent of all abortions occur naturally before the woman is even aware that she is pregnant. Can we not infer from this that God is the world’s leading abortionist?

William C. Walker Philipsburg

Benninghoff solution good

For many months I have been following the discussions about the possible sale or transfer of Rockview state prison land, and have been deeply concerned Lee Judge/The Kansas City Star about what seems to be a lack of concern for the rights of the citizens of Pennsylvania in the entire matter.

How refreshing it was to read the recent commentary from state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, outlining his proposed solution as set forth in House Bill 1158. Finally, a voice of reason that respects the true value of the land, protects it for the long term future, and better serves the taxpayers of Centre County and its municipalities.

I am grateful to Benninghoff for providing me with the full text of his commentary, and am disappointed that the CDT did not see fit to print it in full, including some interesting history. My support for his views was enhanced by the full text, leading me to contact both state Sen. Jake Corman and the Benner Township Board of Supervisors to encourage their support for House Bill 1158 — a “win” for all of us.

The Rev. David A. Vogan Pleasant Gap