‘Speak truth to power’
To the Editor:
What does it mean to “speak truth to power?” A famous example is of Nathan, King David’s trusted advisor, who pointed out David’s sin. The king listened and repented. The numerous Old Testament prophets, Isaiah, Amos, Jeremiah and more also had strong words for those in power in their time. They were not always so welcomed by the powerful. They often paid a price for speaking out. But Jesus was formed in this prophetical tradition, heard their words read in synagogue and quoted them frequently. They can make us as uncomfortable as they did back when they were written. Yet they are important enough to have been echoed by our Christ. Are we willing to listen to them today with open hearts?
Mary Lu Callahan
Iowa City
A prayer for
Bishop Walsh
To the Editor:
At the time of his ordination as Bishop of the Diocese of Davenport, Bishop Dennis Walsh asked the congregation to pray for him. The next day I composed the following prayer, which I pray every time I leave my home, using his motto as keynote:
Dear Lord, hold Bishop Dennis in Your hands; give him Your strength.
Teach him wisdom.
Lead him to love the people of the diocese as You love them.
May he live in the Holy Spirit as long as he lives. Amen
The Rev. Brian Miclot,
professor emeritus,
St Ambrose University, Davenport
Violent speech kills:
Can we stop it?
Throughout history, there has been and continues to be horrible religious violence. On New Year’s Day, ISIS propaganda consumed the man accused of a deadly attack in New Orleans. This propaganda has proven to be dangerous to society.
If violence were tainted beef, the Food and Drug Administration would require its removal from shelves and proper destruction to protect the American public. ISIS propaganda fuels violence. How do we combat it?
In ISIS’ case, it is religiously inspired. We hold religious freedom dear, but it has its limits. We hold free speech dear, but it has limits. We favor a capitalist economy but we have found that it too must have limits if it is going to be a fair economic system. As a democracy, we rely on our elected officials to set limits. It would seem that they have failed us.
Mainstream Islam, Christianity and Judaism all have a responsibility to expose the misguided teachings of ISIS by offering something better. God loves all of God’s children regardless of their religion, race, tribe or color. We are not doing God a favor by killing God’s loved ones. We may see them as foolish, pigheaded sinners, etc., but God loves all of us. When ISIS or any other group fills us with hate, it separates us from God, the God of love, mercy and compassion.
Violent speech incites violent action. However, we should not wait for our government to solve this problem. We can speak too, but preferably after being a good listener. We should openly disapprove of violence. It is hard to love our enemies but it is the only solution.
Art Donart, Ph. D., SFO
Thomson, Illinois