I always appreciate Paul’s Schratz’s analyses from a faithful Catholic perspective, however I cannot accept the thesis of his March 15 editorial “How many truths do we have left?”
The implication is that if one accepts any of today’s “trending” positions they are in turn following a false religion.
The Church teaches that there is no conflict between science and faith. A person can be a sincere follower of Christ and without contradiction accept, for example, the evidence for climate change or trust the science of epidemiology and the resulting best practices of public health. Science is “messy” and conclusions change as data are gained and we get closer to truth. Our progress in understanding the material world cannot be compared to the changeless Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We do live in a post-Christian culture that is rudderless in its understanding of moral truth. And, yes, we need to stand up for the truth, and for some issues (abortion, euthanasia) a Catholic’s position must be non-negotiable.
However, truth is not always so clear, and we need to carefully apply all our God-given faculties of discernment, particularly when it comes to a crisis such as the pandemic. Both faith and reason must co-exist within our Christian witness.
Mark Sweeney
Abbotsford
Canada and the U.S. have more in common than we think. Whatever happens there, happens here as well, including this latest fashion of attacking our Asian citizens.
Many have decided to blame the pandemic on them when the real culprits for the expansion of this never-ending pandemic rests on the Chinese authorities who allowed the virus to escape their country, slow-acting western governments that failed to mitigate it, politicians who lied about its seriousness, and those large minorities who refused to acknowledge it despite high infection and death rates, holding anti-mask rallies, parties, and defying the distancing and face mask rules. This is why the U.S. has become the most COVID-infected country in the world, and now, not to be outdone, Canada is enjoying the third wave.
Many Chinese citizens have been either born here or their families settled here some time ago. They value education and have significantly contributed to our economy. They certainly do not deserve to be spit on, pushed, and have their elderly physically attacked by these unprincipled and cowardly locals.
John Bueno
Vancouver
It seems that in the hustle and bustle of “other news,” news of the Pope’s historic pilgrimage to Iraq got lost on the proverbial back pages or never mentioned in follow-up.
I, for one Catholic, am thrilled the Pontiff made this historic journey. I know it was tough on him physically and many people don’t realize this was probably one of the most dangerous trips for him. For any Pope to venture into a somewhat hostile area like Iraq takes a whole lot of courage.
The Pope was able to meet with several Islamic leaders and, at least for the moment, enjoy a brief amount of inter-faith peace. Whether this religious “truce” holds very long is anyone’s guess. However, I am glad that the current successor to Saint Peter made the trip to extend the olive branch of peace. God bless him.
James A. Marples
Longview, Texas
Re Alan Charlton’s March 9 column “To think I’d become a daytime TV viewer”:
Alan Charlton would do well to investigate Fox News on TV. He might be very surprised at just how much information is being withheld by the major TV networks, but readily available on this channel.
George Bochenek
Abbotsford
Clare Lazzuri’s March 15 column “Counting the cost of COVID” was written out of conviction and many readers like me can relate to it.
The collateral damage of the lockdown on churches creates a spiritual vacuum regarding faith of a magnitude we have never seen. While we joyfully proclaim that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and are exhorted to live as priest, prophet and king, the irrational health mandate on matters that the Church has authority on is absurd.
People of faith know the boundaries of prudence and patience. We are to build, promote, and defend a sacramental society. Indeed, Jesus did not wear gloves, a mask, or keep his distance from lepers, and neither should we, especially during Mass.
After a year of lies and projection of fear by media and government, it’s time we stand our ground, stand by the truth, and live by faith. Enough of the extreme caution and “safe” narrative. No fear really when you are in the company of perfect Love.
Raul Lanting
Surrey
