Queries & Comments

Be Not Afraid

Only one letter-writer of the five letters in the May/June issue about Magen Broshi’s article on “Jesus and the Essenes” (January/February 2004) was not choking in righteous indignation at having Jesus considered using intelligence rather than blind obedience alone. One writer worried that scholarly speculation might undermine some readers’ faith.

BAR’s informative, interesting, thought-provoking articles on Christianity cannot possibly undermine firm faith. Where connections to other cultures are suggested, a person of true faith will welcome the knowledge that we are all family. Where new interpretations are offered, a person of true faith will be glad to learn a new level on which to reach out. Where scripture is examined, a person of true faith will be happy to get closer to the original. Faith is not fearful, and I am not the only Christian who thinks this way.