response to two articles

Ben Heaton’s article on marriage exhibits erroneous> reasoning. He assumes in his argument that> religious people in general have in the past been> adverse to interracial marriage. All religions are> not the same, nor do they espouse the same doctrine.> Never have leaders in my Christian religion (LDS)> supported the false presumptions that God placed> different races on different continents for a> reason, or that interracial marriage is not natural.> In the past, when interracial marriage was an> issue, I presume that different religions had> different takes on the matter. Although society in> general has made improvements in society including> the acceptance of interracial marriage with its> understanding that all men are equal, to accept the> union of people of the same-sex would be detrimental> to society. Same-sex marriages do not equate with> interracial marriages in any way. Not all religions> have the same philosophies concerning same-sex> marriages. In fact, I know that there are> many people that do not claim to be religious that> do not support such unions. There are negative> social, political, and economic ramifications with> the allowance of same-sex marriages. It is> definitely more than just a religious issue. > > > > Tony Terradas’s article concerning the Greeks and> the positives left me with some questions. How is> it that being socially trained (socially trained in what?) equates with knowing> how to handle potentially dangerous situations> involving alcohol? Basically, fraternities and> sororities have become havens where people can> self-indulge in risk-taking behaviors. True philanthropy would be shown if people in these> fraternities and sororities would give the money> that many would use to indulge themselves with> something such as alcohol and donate it to a> charity. Drinking and other risk-taking behaviors> are not “developmental” behaviors that have to occur at this stage of life. > I know many in this world who have high moral> standards, even in college. It is okay to say no to> the participation in unhealthy behaviors. Dangerous> risk-taking behaviors have negative consequences no> matter what. True leadership skills are attained by hard work, by being honest, by proving loyalty to principle, by being unselfish, by showing self-mastery and self-discipline, and by showing respect to others in language and action. These leadership skills are not obtained easily and are not fostered in environments that support behaviors that are counterproductive to the attainment of virtuous qualities. The Greek environment is self-centered, many are seeking to do the things that will satisfy only themselves. The environment does not currently support an environment that will attract people that do have an appreciation for noble qualities, nor does it foster an understanding of how to foster quality relationships with other people who think differently. In fact, it repulses many who seek to have good reputations and who have honorable intents. >