LETTERS 05/02/08

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I always enjoy reading The Star’s Faith section on Saturdays. Sometimes I agree and sometimes I disagree. Last Saturday (4/26) as I was reading “Faith Walk,” I almost fell off the sofa. The writer described prayer as “one of the most objectively ineffective and useless forms of assistance.” He also stated that praying only makes those who are praying “feel better” and it fails to benefit those who are being prayed for.

I believe in the power of prayer. I have seen sick and hurting people healed, broken marriages become new and other miracles occur all because family and friends were on their knees in prayer. Prayer gives both parties peace and hope.

Kathy Riggs

Kansas City

I understand Chuck Lunney’s concerns about the National Day of Prayer. I, too, have concerns about separation of church and state. Faith communities for years have had special days of prayer without the assistance of the federal government.

I applaud Mr. Lunney’s suggestion of doing something concrete on this day, such as donating blood. For me, this is prayer in action.

His suggestion to donate blood could have been a uniting call, something that people of faith or no faith could join together and do. However, I found his dismissive attitude toward prayer and those who pray so darn irritating that it’s been difficult for me to stay focused on this positive suggestion.

Chuck, next time please consider your whole audience, not just your particular non-faith group, when trying to motivate people to take action.

The Rev. Cynthia Heller

Kansas City, Kan.

Words of a promised prayer may not always produce a cure, but the thought certainly conveys hope and caring. Mr. Lunney’s group may donate once a year, but most places of worship hold blood drives two to three times a year for their congregation and anyone else in that community.

And why did he mention that he did not care as to whom would receive his blood? No selfless donor asks that question or places strings on a donation.

Robert A. Smith and Barbara Smith

Co-chairs, Good Shepherd Blood Drive

Shawnee

Two letter writers to The Star (4/30) both referred to atheist Chuck Lunney’s comments as “ranting.” I would ask why his comments are “ranting” but the comments of the priests, rabbis and ministers are not?

As for their main objection that the column was in the Faith section: Coming to the rational conclusion that there are no gods is a belief. Isn’t faith a matter of belief? Thus, the Faith section is the appropriate place for an atheist to share his belief.

Richard L. Phelps

Kansas City

Helzbergs do good for KC

My high school English teacher would correct me when I said, “I am doing good.” He would say, “Only Boy Scouts and philanthropists do good.”

Kansas City’s Shirley and Barnett Helzberg are doing good. Their list of good deeds is a lengthy, ever-growing one. They have recently purchased a building to house the offices of the Kansas City Symphony (4/15, A-1, “Helzberg plans symphony offices”).

We are fortunate to have such a generous, philanthropic couple as Shirley and Barnett Helzberg in Kansas City.

Steve Katz

Leawood

Shocking anti-abortion signs

Jason Sorensen (4/21, Letters) is angered because parents have been upset about their children seeing graphic abortion images and its potential effect.

I have several children of my own as well as foster children. I do not condone abortions. However, I am just as adamant about the nasty and disgusting ways these anti-abortion zealots put their opinions out for everyone else to see.

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