I write in reference to a recent letter to the Marietta Times stating that the left is trying to remove religion from the public sphere. The writer speaks only of the Christian religion despite the fact that we are a nation of diverse cultures, with many people practicing many different religions, and quite a lot of people who practice no religion. The public domain belongs to everyone, and it should be a neutral area with an atmosphere of tolerance, where everyone is accepted without prejudice.
Instead of using the public sphere to promote our personal beliefs, why not use it as a place where we can find opportunities to serve our fellow man, no religious strings attached? In every true religion the essence of God is divine love, and so let us express that love by accepting those who are different from us, and working with them to create a world where everyone is valued equally.
There are so many people enduring hard times these days, through no fault of their own, and they need our help and our understanding. Human beings can practice different faiths, different philosophies of life, and still be able to come together in the public domain to work to advance the common good. This is not only possible, it is essential if we are going to heal this ailing planet and live in lasting peace with one another.
Regina Carpenter
Belpre
