MY TURN: Opinion minus the poison

What a pleasant departure it was to read “My Turn: ‘Sainthood: A Closer Look’” in Friday’s (July 26) Press. A pleasant departure from the vitriolic, uninformed, hate-speech that all too often accompanies a difference of opinion (particularly on the topic of religion) expressed by one writer toward the statements made by another writer — or speaker, or public servant, or political figure, etc. The author, Stephanie Murphy, achieved, at least with this reader, what I hope is what she set out to accomplish. She educated me on a topic about which I had only a superficial understanding, while RESPECTFULLY pointing out what she found to be misperceptions or mischaracterizations on the part of another writer.

I have always found the tenor of Sholeh Patrick’s column to be respectful and far more often than not, a pleasant means of receiving instruction on topics of general interest. The “My Turn” author seemed to validate that perception as well. At no point was she condescending or judgmental. Instead, Ms. Murphy provided a brief tutorial on the whys and wherefores of canonization. It also prompted me to return to, and reread, Ms. Patrick’s column.

As someone caught-up (categorically) in what contemporary culture refers to as a “none,” I am nonetheless interested in the cultural practices and beliefs that define the people with whom I share this planet. Those who have been generous enough to share with me their beliefs and traditions, whether or not they derive from or are rooted in a faith, have made me a much richer person for their efforts. Mutually respectful dialogue which accepts questions as sincere efforts to gain understanding, rather than perceiving them as challenges to the validity or voracity of one’s beliefs, creates a bond that is difficult to describe to anyone who hasn’t experienced it for themselves.

It would be a refreshing change if others would take heed and challenge themselves to elevate their own discourse to match what I hope is a standard set by Ms. Murphy. After all, is it really instructive to learn that person “A” finds person “B” to be not a true (fill in the blank)?

At the end of the day, even if no one else finds this behavior worthy of emulation, I hope that Ms. Patrick and Ms. Murphy will know that at least one reader finds them both very suitable role models for those seeking to secure a seat at the “grown-ups” table.

CAROLE STRINGER

Hayden