COLUMN: Love thy neighbors

I’m having trouble grasping the mind-set of individuals who publicly shame others. As I read through Ron Vieselmeyer’s May 15 “My Turn,” I’m filled with sorrow.

I’ve never had trouble with other beliefs as they are their own, but is it so hard to understand not everyone shares the same religion? As there’s half a page as to why someone’s sexual orientation is unjust, someone this individual has never met, never will meet and he means to put them down with his “opinion?” How on Earth is that OK? Because the Bible says so? Doesn’t the Bible also teach forgiveness and kindness? Isn’t God supposed to be loving? Instead you’re shaming people under his name, when no one can speak for God. The beauty of opinion is that I can dismiss his; I can also share mine, too.

Someone else’s life is none of my concern. Wether my Bible tells me it’s wrong or not. Live your life how you intend to and stop forcing your views on others as not everyone shares your beliefs. It is completely wrong to publicly shame people with religion as there are so many in this country it’s wrong to try and push one.

Religion is meant to be kind and loving, not used to bash others when they don’t believe. It baffles me how The Press is OK with posting such a hateful column. All I can do is shake my head and know not everyone feels this way. Eventually this will no longer be a topic and I will never have to read about individuals who are shamed based on someone’s Bible. But until that day all I can do is turn my cheek and love my neighbors as I’m intended to do.

DAYNA BREKKE

Coeur d’Alene