John Cattley – 12/14/10

This page was last updated on December 14, 2010.

Was anti-atheist letter un-Christian?; John Cattley; Beaver County Times; December 14, 2010.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Please allow me to express my disappointment at The Times’ decision to publish an attack on atheists in the letters section (‘Atheists don’t know the beauty of faith,’ Thursday).

“Would you also print a letter describing Jews or Muslims or any other religious minority as ‘truly hollow and sad’ for failing to believe in Jesus at Christmastime?”

[RWC] I refer Mr. Cattley to letters by Brendan Jones and Stephen Kislock when it comes to attacks on religions other than atheism. In any case, Mr. Cattley failed to note the subject letter’s author, Bruce McIntosh, wrote his letter to respond to atheist ridicule of his beliefs.

“I could point out that just because an idea is beautiful or desirable doesn’t mean that it’s true. But you know what? We’re all free to find meaning and fulfillment in our lives wherever suits us best. If you want to believe, believe.

“Where’s the good in attacking other people? Some might call that un-Christian.”

[RWC] As noted above, Mr. Cattley fails to mention what caused Mr. McIntosh to write the subject letter, an attack on Christianity via an atheist billboard. You’ll note in condemning Mr. McIntosh, Mr. Cattley said nothing about the atheists who ridiculed Mr. McIntosh’s religion. Do you have the feeling there’s something Mr. Cattley didn’t tell us?

“Merry Christmas.”