Re: Questions give glimpse into the soul, commentary by Tom Ehrich, Religion section, Nov. 29.
As I read this article, I was deeply saddened. People have many questions about life and nobody seems to have the answers.
The Rev. Ehrich states, "How does one answer such questions? If they haven't already been answered by the usual means, how can anything fresh occur? For a season, I want to put aside the usual source of authority - Scripture, tradition, and reason - and to seek God's truth through the humbler lens of daily life and the vaguer process known as intuition."
To me, that's dangerous. God has provided answers to our questions in the Scriptures. Since the article lacked answers, I thought I would suggest what I found as I study the Bible.
Does God exist? Look around you. Such a magnificent and complex creation has to have a great intelligent designer behind it.
Does he care? The exercise of the good news of the Bible by people who believe in Jesus Christ has produced assurance of a better life after death, built hospitals and orphanages, fed the starving.
Why am I here? What do you want of me? God wants you to believe, love, obey and serve him.
How can I love my neighbor? Love him as God loves you.
Will we ever have peace? Yes, when the Prince of Peace comes.
Will I see my son again? Is my husband in the arms of Jesus? Each person has a choice to make while living in this life.
Why so much suffering? Suffering and death are the result of the original sin, which everyone has inherited.
Let me know calmness, confidence, a peace, as I care for a dying wife. The Father knows, for he suffered too as his son, Jesus Christ, suffered the extreme agony of crucifixion as he gave his life for the sin debt of mankind.
Lord, what do you ask of your church? Spread the gospel.
The Bible is absolute truth. Just look at our country's morals since we have abandoned the scripture's teachings. We are witnessing what God said would happen.
-- Robert D. Tubaugh, Palm Harbor
Visiting Florida means complying with laws
Re: Smoking ban drives away tourists, letter, Dec. 9.
The people of Florida voted to ban smoking inside public places. If you want to visit our beautiful warm state, you should not be offended by having to follow a law put into effect by the vote of the people.
I'm sure that if I had the privilege of visiting your country I would not be writing to one of your local papers and complaining about one of your laws.
This law should have been in effect long ago. Non-smokers who breathe the noxious, deadly gases emitted by smokers are almost as likely to develop lung troubles as the smokers. I care about the health of my family and others. Evidently, you do not or you would not be smoking.
-- Mrs. Don Merritt Sr., Seminole
Largo movie theaters easily accessible
Re: Clearwater seeks bait to snag new theater, story, Dec. 14.
Less than the reporter's stated 30 minutes (actually 10 to 15 minutes) to the nearest first-run movie theaters from most of Clearwater stand two theater complexes which have shown first-run movies since they were built. They are neither in Oldsmar nor St. Petersburg. They are in Largo at the AMC Tri-City Plaza and the Regal Largo 8 at Largo Mall.
The key element in all of the above is what real estate agents consider so important, that is: location, location, location. And the above theaters are located in the center of Pinellas County in the prime location of Largo, Largo, Largo.
-- Ernie Bach, Largo
Citizens Academy a worthwhile endeavor
Clearwater city commissioners, management and staff deserve high praise for the design and effectiveness of the second Citizen's Academy. It was an excellent display of professionalism, pride and knowledge by each presenter and assistant, and provided a much-needed education for Clearwater residents. I recommend this academy to every resident for its thought-provoking sessions and interaction with a very accommodating staff. Bravo!
-- Joyce E. Martin, Clearwater
Your voice counts
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