So, the question, then, is whether we can live without God and redemption, while maintaining a need and an ability to live an ethical life, and still have some moments of happiness.
We know we can as individuals, but as a community? A society? A species?
In my last column, I went so far as to suggest that because of the wars and violence that continue to be wrought by religion, perhaps now is the time to move beyond that phase in our human evolution.
I can't say the reaction from readers was entirely unexpected. I've been around long enough to know you shouldn't talk about religion, but I did it anyway. And the result convinced me that people do want to talk about metaphysical issues but are hesitant to speak up because so many others are dogmatic in their ``faith.''
A Washington, D.C., man, who was visiting the area when the column was published, sent a note to remind us all that a ``respect for religious beliefs should also include respect for no religion.''
Most letters, whether in agreement or critical, were sincere and rational. The others, the personal attacks and the name-calling, may have helped prove my point.
Much of the response, however, didn't make it into the newspaper because it was directed to me personally, off the record, so to speak.
We did have a few churchgoers cancel their newspaper subscriptions, with one telling the editor that she didn't want to subsidize my salary.
On the other hand, a woman wrote to thank me for the column, and added, ``I was pleasantly surprised to read it in an upstate New York paper. Count me in as a new reader.''
A couple of the earliest responses scolded me for being out of touch with area residents and suggested I should be dismissed by the newspaper at once _ but not before writing an apology to the community.
I'm still not sure for what I would apologize. And after being here nearly 25 years, my opinions about ``man and God and war'' haven't really changed.
A Cooperstown man agreed ``with the need to end the many atrocities committed in the name of religion,'' but correctly pointed out that ``not all religions are equal nor destructive. Much of the efforts to reduce suffering over the centuries have been a direct result of Christ's teaching on love.''
Yes, there's no doubt that much good has resulted directly from the teachings of Jesus _ the compassion, the caring, the love and respect. But couldn't those actions be carried out in deference to a human Jesus, whereas the killing and warring requires a divine Jesus?
Another writer was skeptical, and understandably so, of our ability to right ourselves.
``There were definite atrocities committed against defenseless people in Iraq and that had to be stopped. If your only hope for the end of all war lies in `evolution' achieving a `higher consciousness,' I would not hold my breath. I have been so busy in my life I have often found the need for a third arm and have yet to evolve one. I pray that God shows you more grace than you have shown him.''
An Indiana man had a suggestion for how I might make the world a better place.
``If Mr. Brunswick wants to change the world, he must first change himself by showing the boldness and strength of character to accept the Gift of Salvation that is offered through Jesus Christ. Then, once he has taken on that life, becoming a minister to others.''
The Rev. Brunswick? No, I don't think so.
Metaphorically concerned about the reaction of the religious to my remarks, a Charlotteville woman wrote that ``finally someone had the courage to say what you did. "¦ I hope the locals with torches and pitchforks have not done you in yet!''
And an Oneonta man wrote to say he was reading an author ``who analyzes the principal events in the Old Testament in the light of recent biblical scholarship. Most of the traditional interpretations do not stand up to close scrutiny and archeological evidence _ to put it mildly.
``I think we need a universal "religion," he continued, ``that embraces all of mankind and which respects and maintains the natural environment. Future generations will thank us.''
Indeed, we do, and indeed, they would.
Religions and nations divide us. We need to come together as Earthlings and cooperate to save the planet and stop killing each other. Some say it would take a common foe such an invader from outer space to rally the nations to be on the same team.
Maybe, but I think we can do it ourselves, eventually, without foreign _ or divine _ intervention.
___
Cary Brunswick is managing editor of The Daily Star. He may be reached at (607) 432-1000, ext. 217, or at cary@thedailystar.com.
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