Madam, - Mr Kevin Hickey (July 22nd) lists many examples of peace, solidarity and justice in the Christian scriptures. However, it seems that all his examples are found in the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ (whom I greatly admire whether or not he was the Messiah or son of God). He excludes any reference to the Old Testament, which to my knowledge Christians are also taught to read and revere. As a non-Christian I am sure that I know far less than Mr Hickey on this subject. From the little knowledge I do have I pose him this question. How are the principles of peace, solidarity and justice maintained when God sends plague upon the Egyptians and kills the eldest son in each family, covers two entire cities in fire and brimstone, turns Lot's wife into a pillar of salt, ravages the world with a great flood from which only Noah and his family survive and when it is seen as none too bad that Joshua should tear down the walls of a city and Samson bring down a temple, killing thousands?
Mr Hickey also says that human dignity is much preached in the Bible, though he gives few good examples. He does not mention the constant slights towards women, homosexuals and others which are found throughout. - Yours, etc.,
NEIL WARNER,
Valley Lodge,
Eniskerry,
Co Wicklow.
*****
Madam, - Permit me to respond to Kevin Hickey's accusation (July 22nd) that I am ignorant of the Bible. I am quite aware that "peace, human dignity, justice and solidarity" are mentioned, and even coincide with our modern notions in some places. But where is the value of peace in Exodus 15:3 and Matthew 10:34? Where is the human dignity in the many stories of slavery and rape (e.g. Judges 19:22-30)? Where is the justice in blaming a crippled man's predicament on his sins (John 5:14) or in cursing children for their behaviour (2 Kings 2:23-24)? And remember that Jesus approved of the Old Testament and its laws (Matthew 5:17).
The Bible is not a useful source for ethical values because it is inconsistent, even contradictory in places, and it was written in a highly superstitious time and culture, quite different to modern Europe.
Colm Hagan (July 15th) claims that God should be acknowledged in the EU Constitution as the source of the positive values mentioned above but the Bible does not support his assertion.
This is just one reason not to mention God in the proposed Constitution. - Yours, etc.,
DAVID O'CALLAGHAN,
Upper Leeson Street,
Dublin 4.
*****
Madam, - The European Union consists of many nations, whose individual citizens are already free to participate in many different religions, both Christian and non-Christian, or to participate in none at all.
It would be practically impossible to attempt to find a way of "including God" in its constitution that would suit all and offend none.
Mr Hickey and Mr O'Callaghan have demonstrated one facet of the problem quite ably by engaging in a narrowly focused debate that excludes the legitimate concerns of all citizens of EU member-states who are members of the many non-Christian faiths practised on this continent. To enshrine a specific view of the Divine in a European constitution would fly in the face of our obligation to take all members of society into consideration when framing such documents, just as would any provision attempting to prevent law-makers from being guided by a balanced mixture of fairness, conscience and cultural tradition.
There are two points that are truly important and ought to be acceptable to all. The first is that freedom of choice with respect to religion is a right of all citizens provided the religious and traditional practices they undertake do not constitute offences under civil or criminal law, and the second is that there should be a prohibition against any laws being sectarian in nature. I believe that such provisions should be made fundamental tenets of Europe's constitution.-Yours, etc.,
JOHN HOARE
Kildare