Letter to the editor: The old barn was torn down

Dear Editor:

Some time ago I wrote an article about a wonderful old barn and the joy I got from seeing it as I passed by on my way to worship. The barn was showing signs of neglect but still held the promise of continued usefulness if given some attention and loving care. I’m sorry to say that the wonderful old structure has been torn down–with only a remnant of its foundation standing testimony to its former existence.

As I thought of the hopes and dreams of those who originally built it, and the treasures it protected for them, I was saddened to think that something–once held in such high esteem–was no longer wanted. Many things in life suffer a similar fate–loved and cherished for a time–only to be relegated to distant memory or forgotten altogether.

Of course, the tearing down of the old barn will not change the lives of very many people, if any, but the same cannot be said about the tearing down of the Bible’s influence in our society and in our world. Many have decided the Bible has outlived its usefulness and lost its relevancy in our modern world—and so–should be torn down. The truth is–we need the Bible as much now, and perhaps more, than ever. Its timeless truths are the only things offering real hope, comfort, and direction in our lives.

I don’t think those who would destroy its influence have considered what our society would be like without it. History has shown us over and over again what happens to the ideal of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” in societies where the Bible is forgotten or ignored. The strong take what they want from the weak, and might determines what is right.

Personally, I think “love thy neighbor as thy self” makes a lot more sense. For those who haven’t read the Bible in a while, maybe this would be a good time to begin reading it again.

Larrel Whitaker, Minister

Church of Christ, Stockbridge