Theology is opinion

Posted on August 1, 2003 by Gene

An excellent, rational letter to the editor in today’s Washington Post:

Friday, August 1, 2003; Page A18

The Rt. Rev. Gethin B. Hughes, as quoted by George F. Will [op-ed, July 31], says, “I am tired of people asking, ‘What is your opinion?’ Will observes, “What matters is theology, not opinion.”

All theology is opinion, either your own or from studying previous opinions. There are no proofs for anything religious, only beliefs — strongly held opinions.

CHARLES W. BARGAR JR.

Richardson, Tex.

© 2003 The Washington Post Company

May I also point out, on the subject of opinion, that polling data simply should not be used to make decisions on such things as civil rights. Just because 60% of Americans say that gay couple should not be allowed to marry doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be allowed. I think that you’ll find a statistically significant number of people also oppose marriage between persons of different races. Public opinion has no bearing on what is fair or what is right. And religion certainly shouldn’t, either.