Writing Homework Help

Evaluate the argument in the following letter to the editor. State your judgment and support it thoroughly. You may use scripture to back up your argument, but consider if it will help or hurt your stance if your audience is not Christian.

_Dear Editor: _

_I enjoyed your recent series of articles on religious views. I believe religious values occupy the central place in one’s being. Today an increasing number of young people are giving up their religion because of the vocal skepticism of those who find religious values too restrictive. If more of us who do believe in religious values were as vocal, the young would surely see the relevance of religion and not be so easily deceived by those who wish to mislead them. It is fashionable today among so- called humanists to place people’s reason above religious faith. They say a per-son must follow his or her own lights, affirm what he or she believes is true. But are they really so open- minded and humble as that view makes them seem? I think not. For underneath that view lies the fact that they exalt their own judgment. When they accept the word of an authority, it is only because they agree with that authority. And they do not accept one authority without, by that very acceptance, rejecting other authorities. In short, they are super egotists who refuse to accept what transcends their understanding and who try to fit God into their understanding. Their efforts are in vain, for God will not fit into the finite mind. A god who can be understood by human beings is no god at all, but a poor imitation. I do not believe that any intelligent, honest person can place his or her confidence in human intelligence and reason. Human learning is too sparse and fragmentary to warrant such trust. Human knowledge and understanding change all too quickly. Yesterday’s theories gather dust in the attics of libraries, and history judges all things mercilessly. But the Bible, God’s own word, remains. It stands as an immutable beacon to all who love the truth. One need only put aside his or her probing and questioning and doubting, become like the little children, and accept it. _

_Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Joan Truly_

Answer the discussion prompt with an initial response of 300 or more words, and then respond to at least two peers with a quality comment that consists of 150 words and expresses a critical thought process.

I believe the opening of the letter to the editor stating that the reader enjoyed “recent series of articles on religious views” was a kind statement that would allow the editor to not merely discard the letter, but to continue reading to see what the writer has to say. As the writer, Mrs. Joan Truly continues on in the letter, she uses “I believe” statements. I think that this is a wise approach. She is stating her opinions and not pointing a finger at the editor.
Where it gets a bit heated for me is when Mrs. Truly states, ” It is fashionable today among so- called humanists…” by using the statement “so-called humanists” Mrs. Truly is now becoming aggressive and speaking poorly about a group of people with different views then herself.
Now, I would have to agree with her sentiments here. I also believe that this group she is speaking of are merely super egoists. When people do exalt their own judgments, they are the standard for what is good. When removing God and looking as human intelligent and reason as the definition of what is to set the standards of good, it is simply then a matter of one’s own judgments. Mrs. Truly makes excellent points in the second half of this letter. Our world is changing so incredibly rapidly that each generation might feel like they have the answers, when the only true answers are divinely inscribed for us in the Word of God.
Mrs. Truly’s closing statement of “becoming like the little children” might prove to sound like a riddle if the editor does not have a knowledge of the Bible. She might have needed to elaborate that children are trusting in their faith and are not flawed by the harsh judgments and pressures of the world and how to believe. They simply believe. So I believe that this letter has some great strengths and also a few weaknesses.

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After looking over this letter I see that Mrs. Joan Truly has a very strong and passionate belief on implementing faith over reason in the areas of our lives as Christians. As she mentioned in the beginning of her letter the world today especially for our younger audience are constantly being bombarded with skeptics left and right. The main argument behind these skeptics is that our Faith in God is something that can be shaken up by placing reason as authoritative. My judgement towards this letter is that Truly is implementing an atmosphere that is very straight forward and can be left with some audience members questioning how disregarded the actual person is. This is a letter this is left with very little compassion for the reader. I think that Truly did well addressing the lack of faith younger generations may be having based off of the endless amount of skepticism there is attacking them. But I think that she needs to address the fact that this questioning and doubtful generation does not need to hear that all you need to do is put aside your questions and doubts and just believe. After finishing reading her letter you are left feeling that your doubts and questions have an easy fix and that is to just believe. When in reality with a doubtful and questioning people there needs to be a lot of discussion and listening to there ongoing voices of concerns and walk along side them in their confusion. Just like Charles Spergeon says in this quote it is okay to doubt, that is not what saves you. “Often doubts will prevail. What a mercy it is that it is not your hold of Christ that saves you, but His hold of you!” Faith is absolutely required. There is record of Abraham becoming saved through his faith and not his works. Faith is the end goal and is also constantly tested day in and day out. It is our job to pick ourselves up every day and choose Jesus.

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