Atheists aren’t big on happiness

Atheists Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens get a lot of media attention for their mission to disprove the existence of God.

One can look in vain for even one note of positivity or encouragement in their grim message.      

In a time when people are looking for some light at the end of the tunnel, Dawkins and Hitchens would quench all hopes with their words – the fruit of which are despair and a purposeless existence.      

In a world that is becoming increasingly negative – with threats of war, famine,  pestilence and terrorism  ­– the last thing we need is more negativity to add to the misery.      

Happiness is not a quality one readily observes with atheists. They say  misery likes company – and atheists seem hell-bent to prove it.      

On the other hand, I know scores of ‘people of faith’ who live happy, meaningful lives – as they seek to serve God and humankind.

These people not only  believe in God, but they believe he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him – and believe he has proved his faithfulness over many years.

I am happy to be counted in their number.    

Gerald Hall, Parksville

Mary is one of many intercessors

Re: ‘Catholic ideas are misunderstood’ (August):

Mary was the mother of Christ, and is due respect and reverence. The angel said to her: “Rejoice, highly favoured one. The Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.”

Yes, we believers are all intercessors while alive on earth. But it ends with our last breath, when we are all ‘asleep’ in Christ:

“Now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep . . . As in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Since Adam’s original sin was wilful sin, there is no misunderstanding of the word ‘all.’

Jesus said: “No one comes to the Father, except through Me” (John 14:6). There is no misunderstanding of the words ‘no one.’

During the wedding when Christ turned the water into wine, the mother of Jesus said to the servants: “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). Her advice still holds true.

Cherryl Katnich, Maple Ridge

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Chief showed wisdom and grace

Re: ‘First Nations forgiveness’ (July):

As one of over 4,000 people at the Forgiven Summit,  I wish to give thanks for the leadership of chiefs Kenny Blacksmith and Linda Prince in organizing such a remarkable time of healing and reconciliation.  

While not all First Peoples are ready yet to walk the path of forgiveness, Blacksmith showed tremendous courage in responding to Prime Minister Harper’s apology. Thank God for people like him, who do not let bitterness reign in their lives. We all need to listen deeply to such wisdom and grace.

Rev. Ed Hird, North Vancouver

God never deserted his children

Thank you for ‘God cares more about character than comfort’ (June).

As I read through the events of Bob Friesen’s previous 21 months, I related to the idea of being blasted with one thing after another.

I went through pleading with God, then through slight to moderate depression, when I thought God had forsaken me.

But I still could not let go of God – and he did not let go of me. Through it all, God did not forsake me; he was with me always.

He was bringing me through a period of growth. I said I believed in God, and that he is an awesome God; but my actions and mind did not reflect that.

What I learned is this: God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is always good, full of mercy and love. Like scripture says: all things work together for the good of those who love him and seek after him. So I sought after him, and persevered.

God has now brought me to a point where I expect goodness from him, even through the bad times. I trust the one who has my life in his hands.

Pam Leonard, by email

September 2010