| I am deeply saddened by Ms. Ferguson’s column (March 2006) in which she impugns God with the wretched acts of human beings in enslaving Africans. I may agree with Ms. Ferguson that throughout history God has transformed human greed, stupidity, and evil into good. However, in contrast to Ms. Ferguson’s assertions, I believe, as a Christian and a Democrat, that my God is one of abundant grace, peace, love, goodness, forgiveness, power, and glorious freedom. My God is not one who uses human beings like marionettes to inflict torture and pain on others to achieve “his will.”
My forebears came to America from Iceland and Ireland due to famine in those countries. Yes, Adele, they lived in sod houses and remodeled chicken coops and scratched out a living. However, polar opposite of the reality experienced by African-American slaves, my forebears had a choice to move to the Americas. They were free to marry, have children and keep their families intact; they were free to move, homestead, change jobs, be paid for their work, be educated, obtain healthcare, and learn to read. My forebears were not raped and impregnated by their owners.
What Ms. Ferguson does not see is that Progressives strive to follow Jesus’ teachings of care for the poor and the less fortunate among us, respect for other beings and our environment. What Ms. Ferguson does not seem to understand is the same freedom granted by a loving Creator is the freedom we as Christians and Democrats wish to ensure for future generations.
Ruth Hansten, RN MBA PhD FACHE
Port Ludlow |
