Opinion

Latest show of Sinn Féin petulance

Martin McGuinness's resignation means fresh elections are likely within a matter of weeks
Martin McGuinness's resignation means fresh elections are likely within a matter of weeks Martin McGuinness's resignation means fresh elections are likely within a matter of weeks

The Sinn Féin strategy of every few years throwing their toy guns out of the pram, with baby-like tantrums accusing others of lack of respect, arrogance and blubbering about parity of esteem, shows just how politically correct they are, even when in government in Northern Ireland.

The easily-offended stalwarts of the latest SF show of petulance, reminds me of the sketch on the David Walliams’ TV show where he depicts the daytime television insurance advertisements as encouraging people to sue and take action if they’ve been insulted, had their feelings hurt and otherwise taking umbrage at those who look crooked at them.

The excuse that a flawed energy scheme is a resigning matter for Ms Foster is ludicrous and is a typical ploy SF pull when they feel aggrieved or just get bored.

Boo-hoo, him and her over there are giving them nasty looks, so what choice do they have but to pull down the democratic institutes they have only recently acknowledged were relevant to society. 

ROBERT SULLIVAN


Bantry, Co Cork

Church authorities not tackling growth in scientific knowledge

As a scientist and as a Catholic I agree with many of the points Danny Treacy makes about religion and reason being at opposite ends of the spectrum (January 2).

Since religion is about God and science is about nature, which God created, truth about the divinity cannot contradict the truths which humanity agrees are valid about science after much labour and experimentation. 

When there is apparent contradiction many priests criticise the science and scientists as agnostic or atheistic, without really trying to engage in true dialogue.

Danny has rightly concluded that this theology problem, which is now acute because of the huge growth in scientific knowledge during the past century is not being tackled by the Church authorities and as a consequence many are now losing faith.  

The theology problem is that nature is permeated by natural evil, such as diseases, pain and death from the beginning, so if God is responsible, He is not all loving. The doctrine of original sin and the fall by Adam and Eve in Eden at the beginning of the history of humanity, as described in the Catechism, requires a radical reinterpretation.

Pope Benedict recognised this even in 1985 when, as Cardinal Ratzinger, he wrote that original sin is one of the most difficult theological and pastoral problems facing the Church. Yet he presided over the publication of the Catechism in 1990, which makes no mention of the problem.  

Danny is quite right when he complains that there is no proper dialogue between clergy and laity, even though Jesus himself taught by highlighting questions and answers, an honest dialogue essential for real teaching. 

In the name of their authority and infallibility the clergy by and large seem to be afraid of any radical development in understanding doctrine and scripture. This is true of all branches of Christianity. Unless this problem is addressed and admitted, humanity will increasingly lose faith in transcendental reality of God and concentrate on the space-time reality which we all live in, ultimately believing that it is the only reality.

In science and mathematics nothing can have a finite beginning in space-time and then proceed on to eternity. This is also a fundamental contradiction in meta physics and theology, but it is what we are taught. God apparently creates the soul at conception, but it then exists forever, according to the Catechism.

In several previous letters to The Irish News I have argued that creation and humanity have a transcendental beginning in God and rebelled against the divine will for true being. This was original sin which caused all creation to fall into finite space-time, a distortion of true transcendental reality which we can regain by resurrection in Christ.

Mr Treacy is aware of the difficulties in present Church teaching, which is the first step in true leaving. I have posed an answer to the theology problem, but so far have not received any real dialogue except with members of the laity.

PROFESSOR JOHN ROONEY


Belfast BT9

Playing misogyny card shows immense weakness

The insolence of the DUP, specifically their political leader, fails to amaze even the most sceptical of observers.

Rather than humble oneself before her contemporaries and admit to her flagrant failings, Arlene Foster readily admits the RHI scheme, which has her name all over it, was/is her biggest regret as a politician. She continues to deny allegations of professional incompetence under her watch preferring as always to attack others with ludicrous and dumbfounding assertions in a blatant attempt to detract from the real scandal at hand. In an added insult she further bemoans she is being victimised by most of the parties in the assembly.

Mrs Foster has to realise that this is not a personal vendetta, that she is not being singled out because she is a woman. To play the misogyny card indicates immense weakness and frailty.  

Furthermore it has to be acknowledged that this scandal is not just a single isolated incident where because of the highly contentious and preposterous use of the petition of concern suspected wrongdoers have failed to be held fully accountable or even censured by their respective parties. Nor is it acceptable that a party in government which is suspected of so many reprehensible acts of dubious activity can continue to escape culpability.

This appears to be a recurring theme with the DUP. With their handling of the Red Sky affair, the Nama fiasco, the social investment fund and the behaviour of Robin Newton, they are in a state of denial. It is suspected they are hopeful some inexperienced minister can wave his magic wand and all will disappear.

KEVIN McCANN


Belfast BT1

Matter of public interest

THE Irish News front page headline (January 6) baldly states of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme that ‘we’re being played for fools’.

Can I ask then whether the media surveyed our elected political representatives at all levels to determine which of them – if any – are recipients of RHI?

This is surely a matter of public interest given the invective that has freely flowed over the last while.

And then, of course, there’s the other side of the equation: If the RHI truly does return £160 for every £100 invested then why would one vote for a politician who hasn’t even the good sense to sign up?

BERNARD J MULHOLLAND


Belfast BT9

Religion versus spirituality

The recent religious debate shows how little some have evolved towards understanding and the tolerance of others.

It is said that religion teaches people what to believe -- spirituality teaches us how to believe. Spirituality is our personal search for understanding the great mystery of life in this vast universe – so vast it is beyond our comprehension. It would appear that for the ‘saved’ that their religion teaches a fear of hell – spirituality is a comfort for those who have been through hell.

All religions, however divinely inspired, are man made. Jesus the Christ in his last incarnation taught love and tolerance for all. That was the message He brought. Why would a Creator create souls if only a few would be saved?   

JOHN-PATRICK BELL


Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim