Dear Editor,
I am generally reluctant to express my views on religious matters, but I was livid when I read the headline 'Pope Francis says all priests can forgive women who've had abortions'.
Although irked, further reading unveiled that this "jubilee year of mercy", which begins on December 8 and runs through to November 20, 2016, affords special remission of sins. After teh year, this policy may or may not continue in perpetuity.
Now, I am fully aware that religions and denominations across the world have diverse belief systems and they all have their place in the religious landscape. But, this is unadulterated and blatant mockery.
While I laud the mantra of the Pope, 'No closed doors', the proceeding limitations of forgiveness of sins can be likened to saying, "Hey, the dog is dead, but we can still keep it." However, I could be unfounded, but tell me, is there something urgently amiss with prescribing a date and time for forgiveness? Am I the only one who believes that salvation is still a personal thing?
Hold on, when did the 70 times seven mandate get repealed? I am not throwing cold water on anyone's belief system, but something as personal and indelibly painful as abortion is between the woman and her God. Therefore, why have we allowed religious authorities to dictate our lives while missing out on the truer purpose and responsibilities with God; not man!
Kesian Bennett
Lodge District, St Catherine
kesianbennett@gmail.com
Father, forgive me, for I have sinned
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I am generally reluctant to express my views on religious matters, but I was livid when I read the headline 'Pope Francis says all priests can forgive women who've had abortions'.
Although irked, further reading unveiled that this "jubilee year of mercy", which begins on December 8 and runs through to November 20, 2016, affords special remission of sins. After teh year, this policy may or may not continue in perpetuity.
Now, I am fully aware that religions and denominations across the world have diverse belief systems and they all have their place in the religious landscape. But, this is unadulterated and blatant mockery.
While I laud the mantra of the Pope, 'No closed doors', the proceeding limitations of forgiveness of sins can be likened to saying, "Hey, the dog is dead, but we can still keep it." However, I could be unfounded, but tell me, is there something urgently amiss with prescribing a date and time for forgiveness? Am I the only one who believes that salvation is still a personal thing?
Hold on, when did the 70 times seven mandate get repealed? I am not throwing cold water on anyone's belief system, but something as personal and indelibly painful as abortion is between the woman and her God. Therefore, why have we allowed religious authorities to dictate our lives while missing out on the truer purpose and responsibilities with God; not man!
Kesian Bennett
Lodge District, St Catherine
kesianbennett@gmail.com
Father, forgive me, for I have sinned
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