Letters to the editor for Sunday, March 23, 2014

Book began lie about Lent starting as pagan

In a recent letter, Rosalee Hinton claimed that Lent, a Christian tradition, has its origins in Paganism. This is simply and utterly false.

As early as the late 2nd century, St. Irenaeus wrote of the fasting prior to Easter. The 4th century writings of St. Athanasius and St. Cyril of Jerusalem, as well of the Council of Nicea, speak of the 40-day fast prior to Holy Week. It is clear that by the end of the 4th century that the 40-day period of Easter preparation known as Lent existed.

The notion of Lent as a pagan observance can be traced to the radical anti-Catholic writer Alexander Hislop in his book “The Two Babylons.” Hislop created many unsubstantiated myths because of his hatred of the Roman Catholic Church. These falsehoods were unfortunately adopted by the Jehovah’s Witnesses and republished by them for many decades. There exists no historical evidence to support these claims.

Lent is a beautiful, centuries-old Christian tradition in which we acknowledge our sins, renew our faith and prepare to celebrate the joyful mysteries of our salvation.

Patrick J. Beckwith

Dayton

Seeking information about your great state

Hello,

My name is Diana Higareda. I am a fifth grader at Napa Valley Language Academy in Napa, Calif. The reason I am writing to you is that my class is doing state reports and I have chosen your magnificent state, Nevada. I would really like it if you posted my letter in your newspaper so that I can get all the help I need for my report. What I need from you or your readers are pamphlets, postcards, souvenirs or anything else that would be useful.

I will be writing about your state’s agriculture, history, economy, famous people, events, historical figures and national parks. I will also be doing an oral report poster and Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.

Thank you for your support and help in making me a great researcher of your astounding state. Material can be sent to Diana Higareda, Napa Valley Language Academy, c/o Mr. Moreno, 2700 Kilburn Ave., Napa, Calif. 94558.

Diana Higareda

Napa, Calif.

Uganda isn’t the only discrimination haven

In Uganda, a day after hardline President Museveni signed into law a harsh anti-gay law, a Ugandan newspaper published a list of what it called the country’s “200 top” gays. That’s way over the top.

Not to be outdone, Republican and Tea Party religious zealots have sent a bill to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer that would grant business owners the right to invoke religion as a reason to refuse service to gays.

Examples of this type of discrimination are already popping up around the country. A New Mexico photographer who refused to take pictures of a lesbian couple’s commitment ceremony, a Colorado baker who would not make a cake for a same-sex wedding party and a Washington state florist who refused to provide flowers for a wedding. All cited religious grounds for their denial of service.

Discrimination is alive and well in America as well as Uganda.

Ron Lowe

Nevada City, Calif.

City needs brewery to attract tourism

The recent news that the brewery on North Carson Street is closing is a black mark on in the efforts to rejuvenate downtown Carson City. Throughout the history of the West, the brewery was a centerpiece of the community for gatherings, social events and tourism. The High Sierra Brewery is a nationally recognized micro-brewery and has captured a number of awards for the superior quality of its brews. To kill an important part of our community’s economic and social life is ridiculous.

In a number of communities that value outdoor activities, the brewery is the magnet that attracts tourism. Carson City is in the development stage of making the community a destination place for hiking, mountain biking and other tourist activities. It has an aggressive program to establish trails throughout the area and a top quality family-owned brewery is an important element of these efforts. In order to attract tourists, people expect to have a local brewery to savor their appetites after a long day of adventure.

Areas known for great outdoor activities such as Bend, Ore., Moab, Utah, and Boulder, Colo. all have excellent micro breweries downtown. It is essential to maintain the High Sierra Brewery for the future of tourism in Carson City.

Robert Gagen

Carson City