The main editorial in this week’s local newspaper

Posted by Helen on: 10.05.2006 /

The main editorial in this week’s newspaper is about the dialog which developed after they printed my article (about why I don’t go to church anymore):

Can God be found in letters to the editor?

The editorial begins:

A discussion has been going on back in the letters section of this newspaper in recent weeks that doesn’t shriek or accuse, isn’t about calumny in Downtown Oak Park or who has done right or poorly in the matter of lights in Keystone Park in River Forest.

It’s a dialogue about God-about belief and doubt. And it is what people talk to me about most in the paper of late.

It’s what people talk to him about most in the paper lately? Wow. That really surprised me (in a good way!)

I’ve put links to all the newspaper editorials, letters and articles related to my original article on this page: Why I don’t go to church anymore

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9 Responses to "The main editorial in this week’s local newspaper"

  • Comment by: Julie Marie

    1 10/5/06 1:08 PM | Comment Link |

    awww Helen, now you’ve done got me all choked up. I’ve said previously, humanity at its best always chokes me up. I’m so proud of you for being brave enough to be honest…first with yourself, and then with others. You may never know how many people you have helped. (but then again…maybe you will!)

  • Comment by: Helen

    2 10/5/06 1:24 PM | Comment Link |

    Thanks Julie Marie!

  • Comment by: Karen

    3 10/5/06 4:26 PM | Comment Link |

    Helen! You’re famous! :-)

    That’s so wonderful that the newspaper exchange is attracting great readership. I think it’s because the honesty and civility in tone is so unique and badly needed.

    I second Jim’s encouragement that you need to explore the idea of writing a book, if you haven’t done so already.

  • Comment by: Helen

    4 10/5/06 4:32 PM | Comment Link |

    Thanks Karen.

  • Comment by: Paul

    5 10/6/06 4:34 AM | Comment Link |

    Now you make optimists out of cynical journalists… it captures me beautiful tender fragile unfolding conversation and captures glimpses of the beauty of our very best moments as human beings… love it!

  • Comment by: NCxian

    6 10/6/06 5:38 AM | Comment Link |

    Very cool, Helen!

    I especially like the editor’s comment that religion should be covered in newspapers “broadly and personally”.

  • Comment by: Rachel

    7 10/7/06 6:16 PM | Comment Link |

    Well done, Helen! Thank you for having the courage to say what so many others have been thinking and feeling.

  • Comment by: Eliza

    8 10/8/06 12:13 AM | Comment Link |

    Helen, how wonderful! Kudos to you, again for your original article, but also for taking the time and having the inclination to connect with Rev. Lueking after his response.

    This editor sounds like a thoughtful guy, and willing to take some chances, too. I like his line “Newspapers are best when they surprise with light”, and his closing comment that the forum is open!

  • Comment by: Helen

    9 10/8/06 8:55 AM | Comment Link |

    Eliza wrote:

    This editor sounds like a thoughtful guy, and willing to take some chances, too. I like his line “Newspapers are best when they surprise with light”, and his closing comment that the forum is open!

    I was very pleased that he likes the dialog - since he’s the main editor of the newspaper. He was one of the founders of it.