Science Shines Harsh Light On Religion

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday February 20, 2008

I write regarding the Bible-based evidence put forward by the Reverend Sandy Grant (Mercury, February 16).

Your claims of people "rising" from the dead are, at best, anecdotal. If this is the best argument you can put forward then it's no wonder organised religion is fast sinking into a black hole of its own making.

As we understand more about the science of this planet and the universe we live in, Stone Age myths and legends such as religion become little more than historical footnotes and, as such, are treated with the appropriate relevance.

As for calling Richard Dawkins a "celebrity atheist", you do the great man a huge dishonour. He is one of the world's foremost authorities in his field of study and I think that it is because of his success in publishing books on a variety of subjects that purveyors of ancient superstitions such as yourself are running scared of the truth.

Tony Dutton, Balgownie.

Being open to questions of faith

Reverend Sandy Grant seems to have fallen into a common trap for a lot of religious people, that is, that quantity - of words, rules, regulations and books - converts people to their point of view, rather than the quality of the essence of their beliefs. Quantity often obscures wisdom.

Rather than quibbling over definitions of faith, other correspondents have been exchanging views on religion and spirituality. Along with them, I believe it is only by being open to others' experiences that we can grow in faith, love and charity, which are the essence of all the great religious traditions.

Ben Morris, Wollongong.

Factionalism leaves George out in cold

Tom Canvin wonders why Throsby MP Jennie George has not been promoted to the Labor frontbench (Mercury, February 15).

It's called factionalism, Tom. All political parties are riddled with it. Ms George has stuck with the Left faction, unlike certain others who raced from one electorate and faction to another in a frantic attempt to gain office. The glittering, indexed, no-strings-attached faction is in the minority, so Ms George has no chance unless she becomes a hurdler.

Allan Parrish, Figtree.

Strewth, Australian-made hard to find

One doesn't realise what imports are doing to our economy until you go shopping and look closely at the labels.

I have been a stickler for buying Australian-made products and have been prepared to pay more for this decision if it helps. I look on the labels and see where the product is made and packaged but and even with many Australian-made products it has stated: "Made from Australian and imported produce."

I always buy fruit in cans from Golden Circle as this was a Queensland-based consortium, but now I look at some lesser known and cheaper products and they state "Product of South Africa".

Apricots and peaches from South Africa - they're kidding.

I am getting so sick and tired of products from outside Australia being the dominant product on our shelves.

Our family now has found the ideal gift shop in the Wollongong Information Centre next to the town hall in lower Crown St. All the products and gifts, T-shirts, jumpers, etc, are made in Australia and when we want to buy a gift or clothing we go there.

Maybe they should open a supermarket with just Australian-made goods and I'm sure people would support this. We would, for sure.

Tony Dunn, West Wollongong.

Govt needs bonds to boost infrastructure

The superannuation funds won't be realising returns anywhere near the levels of the past few years after the collapse of world stockmarkets.

The NSW Government should introduce state development bonds so that super funds can invest in major infrastructure projects which are safe and will give a handsome return over time.

There is no need to force hardship on this state by selling anything off for a fraction of its true worth. Construction hammers are better than auctioneers' hammers and a railway line better than a breadline caused by our commuters not being able to get reliable transport.

Dave Cox, Corrimal East.

Selling off power assets bad news for everyone

The revelation that the Prime Minister supports the NSW Government's intention to flog off or lease sections of its electric power supply infrastructure is looked upon with foreboding.

It signals the continuation of economic policies based upon the philosophy of economic rationalism. This philosophy is destroying Australia.

That NSW would lessen any of its ownership or control over the supply or delivery of electricity to the people and industries of our state is not only bad news for NSW, but also for Australia.

The mother state of the Commonwealth is truly in extreme philosophical deficit as it flounders about in deliberate denial of that great dictum that it does not have to sell or lease assets. Rather, it should and must set about creating assets.

Rex Connor, Wollongong.

Govt's plans to relocate airport still up in the air

While there exists the possibility of a major air disaster over Sydney's ever expanding airport, there must surely be Government concerns of further air and road congestion and added noise as more A-380s will only compound the problem.

All this means little to a government bent on expanding an airport that's not meant to be in the heart of our city of four million, instead of biting the out-of-Sydney-airport bullet!

Challenging these expansions and the bundling of port facilities, fuel terminals, desalination pipelines and chemical plants all in this one section of Botany Bay, along with further runway extensions, is not only becoming inaccessible in our democracy, but increasingly difficult to be challenged through the media!

Brian Johnson, Gymea.

Libs erred in failing to vote on 'sorry' motion

Congratulations to Courtney Trenwith for her article (Mercury, February 15) flushing Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells out of hiding for the first time since the annihilation of the Howard government.

The out-of-town senator continues to show her arrogance and hypocrisy by attacking Sharon Bird on the MRI licence, after her own lazy out-of-touch government did nothing for Wollongong Hospital for 11 years.

On the same day Michelle Hoctor writes how Senator Connie stormed out as the "sorry" motion was put and failed to vote, the same as Wilson Tuckey.

One wonders why they have a seat in Parliament if they haven't the gumption to vote.

Reg Jago, Wollongong.

So why was it only the kids who were taken?

If "they" meant so well for the plight of the Aborigines, why did they not look after and care for the whole family?

Think what a difference that would have made.

Gina Behrens, Wollongong.

Only time will tell how well Rudd performs

I reply to Kerri Doherty (Mercury, February 15).

Whether Kevin Rudd is the man you claim, is yet to be seen.

Regarding the stolen generations, there are a lot of "ifs" and "buts". John Howard's economic policies were superior to those of the previous three Labor governments: only time will tell concerning Mr Rudd.

As I recall John Howard did say sorry, but for himself only.

Pardon me if I don't share your sentiments about Kevin Rudd, I didn't vote for him.

Tom Atherton, Figtree.

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© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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