The two ongoing hot issues in the media continue to be sex and religion. Both are taking front stage because of the divisive politicizing of two fundamental institutions God ordained for the good of mankind. Religion is for the spiritual and moral well-being of the human race; sex is for the physical and emotional well-being.

The Coeur d’Alene Press’ Easter editorial raised a good question regarding respect, tolerance and love. The writer of the editorial said, “As our nation grapples with this truth on the wide platform of discrimination what better time than Easter to reconsider the concepts of rebirth and renewal.” Kris McIlvenna in Sunday’s “In Person” article was asked the question, “If you had one wish for our community, what would it be?”

She said, “What I’d like right now is for less division.” That was also the desire of Jesus, the resurrected Christ of Easter, in John’s Gospel chapter 17 when He prayed for unity in verses 21-23.

Although God has our best interest at heart man seems to think he can improve on God’s plan. Man either chooses to ignore God, the Creator, altogether or he chooses to interpret the principles God has given us to live by to satisfy his licentious, lascivious desires. That is the reason why The Press made reference to gay versus heterosexual, Christian versus non-Christian and white versus black.

The Press’ editorial began and finished with the suggestion that respect, tolerance and especially love can make a difference. I agree, however, there are some circumstances where respect and tolerance are not acceptable. Religion that promotes terrorism and the execution of Christians, or for that matter, the killing of anyone in the name of Allah as do radical Muslims. Also, the promotion of sex including homosexuality, outside of God’s plan for marriage is not acceptable and should never be tolerated, respected and promoted.

It is extremely grievous when religious leaders who are versed in the truth choose to embrace immorality because it is the popular political correct thing to do. Twice the Coeur d’Alene Press placed the emphasis on love, rightly so. God made it clear that we are supposed to speak the truth in love. Speaking the truth according to God’s Word is not extremist, hate language or homophobic, as Christians we have been accused of.

I have friends and family, like most of you, who have differing views on theology who attend different places of worship or do not attend at all. I still love them. I respect them for their differences of belief, but that does not mean I have to accept and embrace their religious beliefs. In fact, I believe I have a responsibility to seek truth and to lovingly expose false teachings by sharing the truth. Before God I believe we have a great responsibility to take a public stand against immorality. Also, I believe that Muslims have a responsibility to publicly denounce terrorism and murder. Our failure to speak out speaks louder than our words.

Yes, Easter is a good time to put more emphasis on love.

RON VIESELMEYER

Coeur d’Alene