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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 27, 1995)
I T A M U l n ■■■■■■■ rw-mr J7,i lJ Fri ^The Battalion Opinion Friday October 27, 1995 13 Search for truth only leads to more questions \«r\ u I I >V \C/t Ition Carnal Jason Brown Columnist uae res veritas?” (What is truth? .This is the ques ts Crusade for iChrist is asking in the Ver- litas Forum, a week-long se- Iries of lectures designed to lencourage rational discus- Ision on how Christianity Irelates to modem life. Although Campus Crusade for Christ has a bad track record with rational discussions, the lectures have surprisingly stuck to their purpose. [Respected, intelligent scholars from around the I country have come to Texas A&M and offered food for thought on the role of religion in contem porary society. Unfortunately, none of them has succeeded in finding the undisputable truth they and the rest of us are seeking. Monday night’s program, “Fulfilling the Hu man Quest for Meaning,” featured Dr. J.P. More land, a philosophy professor at the Talbot School of Theology. After giving an impressive presentation on the importance of religion in society, Moreland ieBattcH suddenly abandoned logical thought and sug gested that Christianity is the most rational major religion and is supported by more evi dence than others. The problem with Moreland’s assertion is that religion is based on faith, not evidence, so no re ligion is really rational. Besides, few Christians are Christian because it seems practical, or be- ternocr es adeitto for the jy also ,sme kg Af- it gives dean DcomiiE for the tie ,hat af- the con- is not ?gi« rce. •I cause evidence says it is true. After all, the Virgin Mary’s records from her Ob/Gyn no longer exist, so we will never know for a fact that she was impregnated without having sex. Still, many people believe the story be cause of faith. Unlike facts, the validity of different faiths cannot be measured. So, Moreland’s claim about the superiority of Christianity failed the test of logic. Sadly, a person who lis tened and agreed with Moreland’s view would have found reasons to be intolerant and insensitive toward people not like them, a problem that is already too common around here. On Tuesday night. Dr. Thomas Schmidt, a professor of religious studies at Westmont College, ad dressed the issue of “Homosexuality and Christian Morality.” In an unexpected move, Schmidt refused to judge ho mosexuals and even implied that same-gender sex was no more of a sin than extramarital sex. His message was that homo sexuals cannot find happiness through unnatural relationships. As evidence, he quoted statistics about the large percentage of homosexuals with psychologi cal and health problems, such as depression, drug use and AIDS transmission. Of course, he quoted the Bible, too. The focus of his compassionate speech was the misery many homosexuals feel, all of which can not be imposed by societal stigmas. His solution was that a stronger relationship with God would give them a peace they do not experience. But, Schmidt never ad dressed the issue of gay gays — homosexuals who are genuinely happy with their lifestyles. With his reasoning, a person should feel at \ peace with his or her i life, but what hap pens when a homo sexual is at peace? There is no sense in solving a problem that does not exist, so homosexuality cannot always be treated as incompatible with Christianity. Dr. David Larson, a physi cian and president of the Na- tional Institute for Health Care Research, spoke Wednesday night on “The Benefits of Spiritual Commitment to Health.” Larson cited many statistics showing that churchgoers are healthier, less likely to commit suicide and less likely to abuse drugs and alco- fORUM hoi. His conclusion: Religion and spirituality have a significantly positive effect on the physi cal and mental health of people. He might be right, but he neglected to men tion other possible reasons for the relationship. One could be that unhealthy and unhappy people do not feel up to going to church. Another could be that happy, healthy people go to church be cause they mistakenly believe that religion con tributes to their well-being. His reasoning would be like saying suicide at tempts provoke depression. True, there could be a cause-and-effect rela tionship between spirituality and wellness, but I’m not about to get rid of my health insurance. The forum continued last night, and will fin ish tonight. Despite their flaws, I was impressed with the mature treatment all the speakers gave to sensi tive topics. However, their search for truth hit a few brick walls. A true forum would have consisted of several perspectives on each topic, not just one man’s opinion. A true discussion would have consisted of dialogue instead of a moderator screening written questions from the audience. As a conse quence, the Veritas Forum’s search for truth came up empty-handed. Instead of asking “What is truth?”. Campus Crusade for Christ should first ask “How do I find truth?” Then, maybe we’ll all learn something. Jason Brown is a senior economics major Mail Don’t pretend it’s not happening Society needs to take the responsibility to end domestic violence Amber Wettstein Guest Columnist W hen I first moved to College Station, I experienced a very disturbing situation be tween two of my neighbors who happened to be dating each other. In the beginning, I would hear loud arguing and the slam of a few doors. The growing pains of any relationship, right? Over the course of the next few months, not only did their arguments grow louder and more frequent, but they escalated into physical violence. I would hear objects being thrown against the walls, obscene profanity and muffled cries from the woman. Yet, despite what I heard, I would just lie in my bed and hope that the arguing would stop. Well, the argu ing never did stop. Everyday, I would watch them act as if nothing had happened the night before. She would smile and hold his hand. He would open her car door and carry in the groceries. What was I supposed to do? She obviously cared for him. Furthermore, she had no intention of leaving the relationship — one in which love had been mistaken for pain and bruis es. Eventually, the couple moved. But I cannot forget the anxiety and guilt I felt, and still feel, because I made no ef fort to stop the situation. At the time, I felt it was a private matter. I falsely believed that if she had really want ed to get out of the abusive situation, she would have taken some action on her own. I now know that, as Ellen Steese of the Christian Science Monitor says, “battered women are invisible refugees in our midst, fleeing a war declared on them alone.” The time has come for each one of us, as members of communities across the country, to take the individual responsibility of ex tending our hands to eliminate this crime. Because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Bureau of Justice Department has released some staggering statistics: Every 15 seconds, a woman is being beaten in the United States; 40 percent of all female homicide victims are killed by relatives or boyfriends; and 40 percent of women who commit homicides are battered women who kill their batterer. One of the most disparaging statistics of all is that in the homes of battered women, 60 percent of sons will grow up to be batter ers, and 50 percent of daughters will grow up to be battered women. Domestic violence is blind to race, culture, religion and socioeconomic status. It can happen to anyone. Currently, many people may wonder why the district attorney in Houston is so adamant to prosecute the famed Warren Moon in the beating of his wife. Mrs. Moon has made a fervent plea to drop the charges against her husband, claiming that “her family needs to heal pri vately.” Despite her pleas, the DA is firm in the belief that batterers have been hiding under the protection of victims for decades, and it must come to an end. If the charges against Warren Moon were dropped, what kind of message would be sent to the other countless victims across America? It's all about accountability. A batterer has committed a crime and must be held responsible. A public “Fm sorry and will seek counseling,” is only a beginning. Mr. Moon, along with every oth er batterer, should go before a judge and receive just punishment. The question remains, what can each one of us do to help eliminate this crime? Although there are many ways which could be discussed in greater detail, the fol lowing is a list of suggestions that we can be gin to work on immediately. First, we must display absolutely no toleration for such acts of violence. We must learn to make it our business not tolerate perpetrators. What is meant by no toleration? Simply put, let the perpetrator know of your disap proval and disgust. Discontinue playing ball and having drinks with a guy who thinks nothing of slapping his wife or girlfriend around. Each of us must recognize our re sponsibility toward battered women and learn to live our lives more aware of those around us. If the perpetrator is a celebrity, do not pa tronize their current activities. A person will not change if the society he lives in continues to support him without any type of reprisal. Second, we must actively help women pro tect themselves from batterers. This can be done by educating ourselves on how to counsel a victim, by becoming aware of shelters in the community and by accepting that abuse is not a private affair. Remember, hugs are not going to help. Vic tims need constructive advice and a way out. Each of us must recognize our responsibil ity toward battered women and learn to live our lives more aware of those around us. A woman is being beaten every 15 sec onds. To put that into perspective: By the time you have finished reading this column, approximately 20 women have suffered vio lent abuse. Educate yourselves and those around you. You have a lifetime to make a difference in another’s life. Amber Wettstein is o senior psychology major Aikman one of best players ever I am writing in response to Nick Georgandis and his column on Troy Aikman. I find it hard to believe that he would discuss this subject in such a manner. The element of surprise has lost its effect somewhere along the way on opposing teams, which happens if your team is tops, as is Dallas. Couple that with the fact that an athlete will put forth a mediocre performance at times, and it becomes clear that leading everyone else by “leaps and bounds” is idealistic and illogical. It would make more sense to say that Aikman stands in the shadow of his fellow teammates, and is not overrated by any means. One can generally expect Irvin to collect over 100 yards re ceiving every time out,. However, he’d have a tough time doing it all by himself week after week. Troy Aikman is America’s Quarterback — a shoe-in each year for the Pro Bowl, owner of more Super Bowl rings that Mari no and Elway combined, and the most consistent and dependable passer in the game. If Georgandis really feels this way, I hear that there’s a great team down the road in Houston who would love his support and omniscient criticism. Paul Paris Class of ’98 • This is in reply to Nick Georgandis’ Oct. 26 column on Troy Aikman as the “Most Overrated Cowboy.” If he is going to write a col umn degrading someone like Aikman for 40,000-plus students to read, he better make sure his facts are correct. Georgandis said that Aikman was a mediocre quarterback sur rounded by an awesome offense. The reason Aikman does not have the high passing yards like some of the other great quarter backs in the league is because he can hand the ball to Emmitt and let him gain five, 10, 20 or more yards on the ground each carry. Aikman ranks right at the top as far as touchdown passes go, and at the bottom as far as num ber of interceptions thrown. And in regard to last Thanks giving’s game against Green Bay, Wade Wilson was not the quarterback while Aikman was out. Wade Wilson just signed with the Cowboys this season. While Aikman was out, Rod ney Peete stepped in and was also injured. The Cowboys then brought in the number 3 quarterback, Ja son Garrett, no slouch himself, who led the team to victory. Just a few weeks ago, Aikman went down with a calf injury in their first drive against the Red skins, and the Cowboys went on to lose in his absence. This was the only loss of the season so far, and the only time Aikman was out the whole game. Aikman, one of the most im portant players on the team, will lead the Cowboys to triumph again in this year’s Super Bowl. Andrew Kollman Class of ’96 People can, should trust police officers I took offense to Erin Hill’s Oct. 25 column on trusting au thority. Hill is guilty of the same generalization that she has ac cused others of in past columns. Just because she fears that she’s an easy target doesn’t mean that all police officers can’t be trusted. This community has well- trained and professional police patrolling its streets. Few professions require agili ty, drug and written tests; crimi nal and driver history checks; credit, employment and refer ence checks; psychological evalu ation; physical fitness evalua tion; review boards and adminis trative interviews to be consid ered for employment. I doubt the officer handling the accident was trying to take advantage of Hill. A number of departments don’t hand out fine lists when issuing tickets, and officers don’t always know the fine amounts. If she feels the officer was tak ing advantage of her ignorance, a quick call to Bryan Police Depart ment would answer her questions about police procedures — not a column in the Battalion. Individuals must take mea sures to educate themselves to have the common sense to recog nize dangerous situations and shaky business deals. To add another position of power to Hill’s list: journalists. Their words and opinions are read by many. Rebuttals come several issues later. One final note, never hand out your deposit slips as note pa per. They have account numbers on them and should be protected like credit card numbers. Annette Hallmark University Police Department The Battalion encourages letters to the editor and will print as many as space at lows. Letters must be 300 words or less and include the author's name, class and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, style and accuracy. Letters may bfc submitted in person at 013 Reed McDon ald. A valid student ID is required. Letters may also be mailed to: The Battalion - Mail Call 013 Reed McDonald Fax: Texas A&M University (409) 845-2647 College Station, TX E-mail: 77843-1111 Batt@tamvm1 .tamu.edu