I am concerned about the religious column, “Lust of the flesh,” in our local newspaper. This inclusion poses significant dangers to our community and the principles of journalism.

Firstly, the separation of church and state is fundamental to ensuring public spaces remain neutral and inclusive. A newspaper should be a beacon of unbiased information, not a platform for religious teachings, which risks alienating readers of different beliefs and blurs the line between objective reporting and proselytizing.

Phil Cook’s article delves into Christian theology and moral exhortations, which is inappropriate for a community newspaper. Our diverse community includes various religious backgrounds and non-religious individuals. Highlighting one specific religious perspective marginalizes others and can foster division rather than unity.

Moreover, the quality of Cook’s writing raises concerns. As an AP Language and Rhetoric teacher, his arguments are overly simplistic and filled with personal anecdotes that detract from the subject’s gravitas. Describing “10 huge shame creatures” to illustrate struggles of the flesh is cartoonish rather than insightful.

The inclusion of such a column also raises questions about the newspaper’s role. Is it committed to balanced reporting or religious instruction? This conflation can erode credibility and diminish reader trust. It is crucial for the newspaper to clearly separate opinion pieces from news articles and ensure that a wide array of perspectives is represented.

While I respect Mr. Cook’s right to express his beliefs, a local newspaper is not the appropriate venue. The newspaper should remain neutral, providing unbiased news and fostering diverse opinions. Allowing a religious column risks alienating readers and undermines the publication’s journalistic integrity. I urge the editorial team to reconsider the inclusion of religious content and strive for a more inclusive approach in their editorial decisions.

Sincerely,

MOLLY STEPANSKI,

Former AP Language and Rhetoric instructor and English department head