Biblical truths | The Salt Lake Tribune

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As I read the letter "Beliefs are not facts" (Forum, July 6), I could not help but share the author's frustration with those who seem to twist scripture into any argument they may be having. I would like to assure him that it can also be deeply "unnerving" for believers to see holy texts bandied about without regard for historical context (tradition) and reason.

However, I must lead with yet another quote: "We know the truth, not only through our reason, but also through our heart."

I quote Blaise Pascal because to imply that there is a singular source of authority in exploring social and environmental issues is highly reductionist. And I don't care if you are Richard Dawkins or the Dali Lama, ethics are neither obvious nor natural.

Does the Bible have all of the answers? No. Can it be read with a critical eye? I should hope so! But to outright disregard a thousand years of wisdom literature for the sake of a "factual world" is the work of fundamentalists who, whether they are religious or "rational," always seek to impose a singular truth on a plural world.

Charlie Knuth

Salt Lake City