I would like to respond briefly to a recent letter from Tara Nelson, titled Conference teaches intolerance (April 1 Daily Egyptian). Tara alleged that Evangelical Presbyterian Church, by simply having a conference on Understanding the New Paganism, was engaged in hateful activities that suggest violent undertones, not to mention intolerance. Her claims are absolutely false. My proof is a letter from her to our church after the conference that admits that she and the other pagans were treated nicely, which is true. And we even knew they were pagans! But we were glad to have them there and have invited them back to any of our services.

As for hateful activities, is it wrong, or bigotry, when your professor tells you that your exam answer is wrong? Is that hate? Or hateful? Of course not. Or is it hateful for former Sen. Paul Simon to expose what Republicans believe and what they are up to? Of course not! Is persuasion wrong? No! Is spreading information wrong? No! The purpose of the conference was to inform Christians what pagans believe, how they spread their ideas and belief, and how to counter that with the Scriptures.

Yes, we do believe we have the truth, and it is exclusive:Acts 4.12 says, And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved. And if you care to look up that passage, it is talking about the faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior from the eternal and just wrath of God for your sins against Him, your Creator. But is it hateful to tell that to others in discussion or seminars? Not at all!! Not any more than if Simon were to tell Democrats that they are the only true party.

Advertisement

To show that we are not hateful, but loving, I have invited Tara to lunch, at my expense, to talk further about her concerns. I hope she will respond.

Pastor, Evangelical Presbyterian Church