Casting stones
I HAVEN'T been closely following all the hoo-ha about Israel Folau, but it seems he may lose his job for the sin of expressing his opinion. The word hypocrisy springs to my mind; and then I am reminded of a remark by Jesus: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
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D. Brelsford, Legana.
No place for satire
HEADLINED "satire", Mark Bode's opinion is deeply insulting and mocking of religion, despite that it may well be tongue in cheek and be his satirical take on Israel Folau's fate at the hands of the Rugby Australia Code of Conduct Panel.
This is not a laughing matter and only serves to make fun of someone's religious belief. Poor journalism for populous reasons. Well may Christians be concerned, when we are banned from speaking out about what we believe to be a grave sin and that unless the sinner repents may be condemned to hell. This is all true and not hate speech.
Hatred is of itself also grave sin.
This is not Mr Folau's opinion, it is the word of God, whether it be based on the Old Testament or the New Testament.
Christians of all denominations, teach their faith according to the Law of God, all of which is contained in the Bible.
No one is condemning the sinners mentioned by Mr Folau, but expressing their beliefs with love that their words might bring knowledge and consequences of sin to people.
That's the work of God.
Amazing, however, that homosexuality is the one sin getting the most comment.
Mr Folau is a man to be admired for his faith as well as his skill as a rugby player who puts everything into his game and his faith, he is courageous, shame more Christians are too timid to have the same courage.
His treatment by the rugby governing body is pure and simple discrimination on the grounds of religion.
Is it now possible that all employers can write such discrimination into contracts?
Mary T. Bates, Exeter.
Is it discrimination?
I'M sure they say their anti-discrimination contractual policies are well-meaning but aren't Rugby Australia discriminating against Israel Folau?
Jack Sonnemann, Lucaston.
Drug Seizure operation
I AM constantly amazed when reports such as the one that appeared in (The Examiner, May 4) regarding federal, NSW and Tasmanian police seizures of up to $30 million worth of ice, ecstasy, cocaine and cannabis that apparently had been flown into Tasmania from NSW over a period of 18 months.
Detective Inspector Kate Chambers is quoted as saying the syndicate involved had a long history of importing illicit drugs into the state.
Thirty-one arrests have been made according to the report, no doubt all these people are out on bail and continue to do what they were doing before their arrests.
What annoys me in these cases, is the time spent by the police and drug enforcement operatives in actually bringing these mongrels to justice.
Imagine how much sorrow and grief has been caused to possibly hundreds of individuals and families, over the 18 month period that these drug syndicates have been allowed to operate without intervention by the authorities.
Of course, the authorities will say they are waiting to catch the big fish.
Another point that should be mentioned is the fact that air and sea travel to Tasmania is not being monitored to a satisfactory level when it comes to the importation of illegal substances. A recent drug-related case in Launceston saw two men charged in August, 2018, sent to trial in February and sentenced to eight and a half years jail.
Over and done with nice and quickly.
John Denne, Longford.
Weekend days
I DISAGREE completely with Fernleigh Nightingale (The Examiner, April 17).
I have always considered it nonsensical that Sunday is the first day of the week on our calendar.
For the majority, the working week is still Monday to Friday, making Saturday and Sunday the end of the week.
The European practice of having Monday as the first day is far more logical.
It's much easier to plan weekend activities when the days are adjacent on the calendar.
Long before the Bible appeared, Sunday was a special day for worshipping the sun.
If Ms Nightingale wants to consistently adhere to the biblical word, she probably shouldn't celebrate Easter or Christmas on any particular day at all, since the Bible makes no mention of specific dates for those festivals. We live in different times now, and Australians have varying beliefs when it comes to religion. Some of us have none at all.
Val Clarke, Kings Meadows.
Tiger Woods Award
THE Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honour in the United States has just been awarded to none other than golfer Tiger Woods.
OK, let's face it; it sure was great to see Tiger end an 11-year drought to claim the coveted green jacket by winning the 2019 Masters, but for goodness sake, it's only a game. The award is supposed to recognise those who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security (or national interests) of the US, well you work that one out.
I'm sure it has nothing to do with Trump and Woods being business partners, now would it?