A challenge of faith

Dear Editor,

As we enter The Year of our Lord 2024, we face many challenges, both to our nation and the world. How we respond to these challenges will not only determine the future, not only of this nation, but the world as a whole.

A major factor in determining the direction of this nation and what its worldwide influence will be; “if people examine political policies based on their religious faith, or is their religious faith influenced by their political views” …?

Some years back Barack Obama said, “This is no longer a Christian nation.” By implication what he said is that at one time this had been a Christian nation. Yet in a 2021 Gallup Poll, it showed most Americans identified with a specific religious faith, 69% as Christian, 2% as Jewish, 29% as other.

With 71% of Americans identifying with a religious faith bases on the Bible, either one or both testaments, where do they stand or believe in the Bible and the influence it has on them — 20% Actual word of God, to be taken literally, 49% Inspired by God, not to be taken literally, 29% Fables, history, moral precepts recorded by men.

A demonic/immoral spiritual cancer has been spreading in our country for many years and here in the 21st century demonic forces are driving it at an ever-increasing rate. All common sense and Biblical teachings (this nation was founded on) have been or are being abandon in favor of greed, lust, idolatry, lawlessness, sexual perversion, selective genocide through abortion, physical mutilation and self-gratification.

These demonic spirits respect neither political party and have invaded the Christian church. With a growing number of churches ignoring the scriptures, endorsing sin and calling it an act of love.

So, where does the fault lay for the deteriorating conditions we find our nation in? How long can this country be sustained if we continue on the path we are currently on? On what foundation have you built your faith upon?

Do the policies you support determine your faith, or does your faith determine the policies you support?

As a nation will we repent of our sins, or reap the wrath of God?

James A. Gillette Jr.,

Clarendon

Keeping our cool

Dear Editor,

I just read the umpteenth Times Observer article warning about climate change. Warren County has experienced a great deal of climate change. Some 20,000 years ago, a glacier covered much of our county and all of Pennsylvania was frozen year around. Ocean levels were 300 feet lower than today, and the Atlantic coastline was 60 miles east of today’s shore.

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Geology/GeologyOfPA/GlacialGeology/Pages/default.aspx

Yet, glaciers are not the norm on earth. In the earth’s 4.5 billion-year history, there are just two large glaciations (about 600 million and 300 million years ago). The earth’s temperature moves in cycles, and earth is usually much warmer than now.

One of those warming cycles started about 18,000 years ago. The glacier in Pennsylvania melted, leaving behind things like Jakes Rocks and gravel pits in Akeley and Pittsfield. That natural warming cycle caused the oceans to rise over 300 feet and moved the Atlantic coastline inland 60 miles. Warren County’s permafrost was replaced with hillsides of trees.

The articles in your paper blare an alarm, not only about temperature and rising ocean levels, but also about carbon dioxide (CO2). Today’s geologic period (Quaternary) has the lowest average CO2 levels in the history of the earth. The average CO2 concentration over the last 600 million years was more than 2,600 parts per million (ppm), which is nearly 7 times higher than our current concentration of about 400 ppm. And at its highest, earth’s CO2 level was 10 times higher than our current concentration.

I send you this letter so that you and readers can see facts about earth’s climate:

— Earth is still in a cool period that started 16 million years ago.

— Earth’s temperature has been rising for the last 18,000 years.

— Earth’s ocean levels have risen over 300 feet in the last 18,000 years.

— Glaciers on earth are the exception, not the norm.

— The CO2 concentration in today’s atmosphere is very, very low.

Arthur Stewart,

Warren

Still fit to lead?

Dear Editor,

For years I have wondered where the family is in regard to the care of Joe Biden. The Washington Post recently shared thoughts about his declining mental health, stating that “someone who loves and cares for the president must step in.”

It is inhumane to have him try to continue as president when he so obviously has no ability to carry on with the duties demanded of him. It is heartbreaking to watch the gaffes he makes that are occurring more and more in public; not only is it embarrassing for him, but it is for all of us watching and looking to him as a leader. World dignitaries see this, as well, and must have concerns for our ability to lead in world affairs.

So many problems have arisen since his administration began, and to be fair to him and to the people of this country, he should not be pushed into another term as president.

Where are his wife and children in all of this?

Love should supersede power and prestige and he should be told, if he can’t decide, that he is no longer eligible to run as president. Actually, he remarked a few years ago that he would only be a one term president and that needs to be upheld.

In my opinion, Socialist – Democrats should insist that he step down; humanity and compassion, not power & party, should prevail.

Norma Bankoske,

Warren