Zealot. A person devoted to a particular cause or belief and not afraid to express an opinion about the same. While often used as a negative, it allows for persons who devotedly believe in something to express themselves, perhaps even be outspoken. It is noticed that when someone speaks about something that another person believes the opposite, then the opposing viewpoint is branded as the views of a zealot. I believe in God and recognize that there are locals who believe God does not exist.

I do not brand them as zealots, but I could. Zealot as used by local atheists is usually directed against local religious persons, who by their very nature, are trying to exercise their right to express their heart-felt beliefs and practice apologetics, which is the act of defending our faith. Can we not do that without being labeled as a zealot or a fanatic? The root word of fanatic is fan, and many are fans of various sports teams. But, they are not labeled as fanatics because they believe their particular team to be the best at what they do. Why then are “religious fans” labeled as fanatics or zealots? Can we not agree that everyone is not the same and, at least in America, have the right to have differing opinions? I whole-heartedly disagree with not only the atheists, but also with climate change advocates. That does not mean I hate them, but disagree, usually rather strongly, with what they espouse and practice as a part of their everyday lives.

I believe in God and have accepted his son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as my personal savior. I take exception to him being referred to as a “fairy tale God” and like descriptions. I could call names of climate changers and atheists, but I choose not to.

As for the “weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth,” it is far too easy to describe Christians in that manner. If the truth were to be known, while some might express extreme frustration with those of opposing views, far more often than not we simply pray for those persons. We believe they are unsaved and therefore do not understand what we believe. While some atheists in particular might not believe it, that is the correct and proper attitude to have. I encourage local atheists to examine their relationship with God and give it some reflective thought.

Robert Sadler

Marietta