THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 8, 1995 TAG: 9510050028
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
I can't believe Larry Maddry wrote the column on the new Oxford University Press edition of the Bible (Daily Break, Sept. 20)! I address in particular his hysterical outburst against the use of ``Father Mother God,'' rather than the old-time simplistic ``Father.''
He says this characterizes God as a hermaphrodite! Jesus Christ told us, as clearly as anyone could possibly wish, that ``God is spirit!'' That does not imply a hermaphrodite, which suggests an animal-flesh body with the sex organs of both male and female.
I am fully aware that some religious sects believe the Almighty, the Creator of all the universe, is nothing but an old man who looks like Santa Claus! Sounds like something one would tell a small child who is too young to grasp the concept of God as spirit. Of course, as omnipotent spirit, he can manifest in any number of diverse ways - such as a burning bush. That doesn't mean that he/she is confined forever to ``burning bush'' status!
Of course Larry, and everyone, is entitled to his own belief system. But God, the omnipotent creator of all, nothing but an old man? How very quaint! Not to mention juvenile! Give me a break, for heaven's sake!
ROBERTA MOSTERT-SOYARS
Virginia Beach, Sept. 23, 1995 by CNB