Letters to the editor

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Why would the Manitoban publish Anita Reiss’ hate speech?
Seeing how the Manitoban will “not publish any material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous,” I question how Anita Reiss’ “Sausage Girl” (Nov. 1, 2006) was published. This article has no intellectual merit or foundation. To state that the way a woman dresses is indicative of her future is not only sexist, but hateful. Moreover, to state that women dress this way only to attract the male gaze is both sexist and homophobic.

In characterizing the male desire for a female to be based on the possession of a penis, Reiss seems to be equating the ownership of a penis with the lack of intellect. Apparently having a penis is the reason men look to women and only as a place to keep the penis warm. Further, Reiss invokes her freedom of speech, while dictating terms on which others are allowed to dress.

Why is her voice allowed to be set in a hierarchical position, over that of another? Reiss’ ignorant view that the manner in which a woman dresses is indicative of her intelligence is misogynistic. That people not be allowed to express themselves at a university, that they be degraded for doing so, is in stark opposition to the nature of this institution. Where else can one go to freely express oneself? What is the difference between “sausage girls” wearing “bar clothes” and Reiss’ engaging in “bar room” behaviour on a university campus. Verbal and mental violence does not have a place here. This leaves me to question why the Manitoban ran this article. It is a hate article. Though the editorial board may have deemed it not to be “discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous,” why does the Manitoban not have a problem with running hate speech?

Cameron Burt

Raging religious debate among readers
Christians are people too The title “Shock and awfulness” preceded the Nov. 1 feature on the Franklin Graham festival. It seemed to me that the article was used to argue a case against God. The feature article illustrated popular beliefs as well as possible misconceptions about Christians. In response, I write about what faith means to me.

A Christian’s life is not about forcing views on others; it is about sharing the hope that they have in their hearts. Above all, Christianity is about love for one another. Who are we to judge our brothers and sisters? Our time on Earth is about reaching out to others and those in need.

It takes faith to believe in science and it takes faith to believe in the Bible. You can argue about inconsistencies and faults in logic that you find in the Bible but you could equally find many holes in science. Are we so vain that we believe mankind can answer all of our questions through science? Do we truly believe that we are that much smarter and logical than our forefathers who left infinitely more questions than answers?

It is everyone’s choice as to what they believe in. People tend to portray Christians as weird. What they forget is that Christians are real people too. We have scars, we have real stories and for someone to label us as naive is prejudice. There are reasons why we have come to God. We have eyes to see just like everyone else.

As a Christian, I hope to share my love for those that are looking for it. I can pray for those whom I believe need to be “saved,” but I can’t “convert” someone who is not looking for Christ.

As far as being able to pick apart Billy Graham’s steps to reaching out to others, you would first have to understand what it means to be a Christian. If you don’t know that true Christians value their relationships above all else in this life then it might be hard to understand Graham’s plan. The plan is intended to give confidence to Christians in approaching others and building relationships. There are people who are looking for true friendships and some of them are even curious about Christianity. The plan is not a preaching “holier than thou” affair. No one would listen to someone they don’t know and trust, and it’s not our job to push people towards God.

Christians know how their lives have changed since they have found God and we can’t help but share the hope that we have. None of us are claiming to be perfect: we believe that our lives have purpose and yes, we tell people about Jesus Christ.

Samuel Jerema

Re: Will all non-Christians go to hell?
I am by no means a Christian and have spent my life in Christian private schools battling the exact issue that good or bad, if you are not a Christian you will go to hell. However, when Guenther references people who have never heard of Christianity, he should know that Christians have several exceptions for things such as, if you have never heard the “good news” or if you are challenged in some way (mentally handicapped etc.) and as a result unable to accept Jesus Christ, then you have a “get out of jail free card” and don’t have to worry.

The only reason I even feel that this is necessary to mention is because I assure you, any “good” Christian reading this will jump to tell you this, and it just takes away from the other valid points the author has to say, automatically biasing the reader to thinking that the author has no idea what he is talking about.

Perhaps before making such bold declarations next time, Tom Guenther should research the issue fully instead of going on his gut reaction.

Reannah Hocken
Third- year student

God loves everyone
“Now what really bothers me about Christianity is its followers’ belief that only those who believe in Christianity will be saved. No matter how nice a person you are, no matter how honest you are throughout your life, ultimately, if you’re not a Christian, you’ll go straight to hell.” — Tom Guenther.

I am but flesh made in God’s image and so are you. God sent his son Jesus Christ to die for you and wash away your sin. You must worship him and give thanks.

There is one exception to Christianity: Jewish people — God’s people. They only follow the Old Testament of the Bible. That is what God instructed them to do and not to deviate from his instructions. In that way, He keeps them very prudent and fit, because he loves them so much. But not to forget what Moses says when referring to the Israelites. “And he said, ‘O Lord, if it is true that I have found favour with you, then please travel with us.’” Yes, this is a stubborn and rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as your own special possession (Exodus 34:9).

Concerning the people in the parts of the world that have never heard of Christianity and the innocent newborn babies or young children who die at an age at which they simply aren’t developed enough to understand the concept of Christianity and make a choice to become Christian, they will be spared. It is not their fault that the Gospel has not reached them yet. (The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do” [Psalm 12:5]).

If you are Buddhist and you have achieved all the “Noble Eightfold Path” points mentioned by Guenther, it will be much easier for you to accept Jesus Christ into your life. Buddhism has a few fatal flaws, however, and one of them being pride in humility.

Truly denying yourself can only come from following Jesus Christ. Take for example a saying “humility like humidity.” Humidity is just the amount of moisture present in the air. It works in ways unnoticed, and yet it is noticed. Just like the saying “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” but the heat or temperature is always given the credit in a weather report.

Just like prayer; it does the job. “My hand is weak; I cannot grasp yours. Please hold me up; father.” You might also want to check out Colossians 2:18-23 and Luke 18:9- 14.God loves you, Tom Guenther.

Philip Olson Red River College