The Slave Bible
Dear Editor: Thank you for sharing the information about the “Slave Bible” (“Censored Scriptures Were Used by Missionaries to Convert Enslaved,” Feb. 25).
It was used to manipulate enslaved people into subservience and ignorance. Our ancestors used the power and love of God to sustain them; today, our children can arm themselves with the whole story and be freed again.
Let us not use this knowledge of our collective history to blame or further divide us. Rather, let us study and learn from our past lest this dark history repeats itself.
Ms. Marie Maignan
Rosedale
Censored Scriptures
Dear Editor: Your article, “Censored Scriptures Were Used by Missionaries to Convert Enslaved” (Feb. 25), was enlightening and, unfortunately, saddening.
However, the article does not distinguish between these missionaries and the Roman Catholic missionaries who would not compromise the truth, preaching the Word in and out of season.
Some reading the article may feel a misplaced shame of our Missionaries who suffered greatly, even into the present day, for their love of God’s poor: Blessed Peter Donders, C.Ss.R., Surinam, South America; St. Peter Claver, S.J. in Cuba; St. Junipero Serra, O.F.M., California; and St. Archbishop Romero, San Salvador.
Father Norman S. Bennett, C.Ss.R.
Sunset Park
Truth Under Attack
Dear Editor: My understanding is, going back to Aquinas, that truth and being are convertible. God is the fountainhead of all participatory being, and the natural law and reality is the reference point for truth.
In speech, civic consensus, and journalism, the truth must always be pursued. The actions of men and the essence of moral deliberation depend upon it.
Forces now exist that are militating against truth and, therefore, against man. Fake news, disinformation, censorship, and now Artificial Intelligence are capable of disseminating bias and untruth.
Into what dark night will we descend unless we oppose this vigorously and demand objectively true journalism?
Raymond F. Roberts
Bergenfield, N.J.
Wedding Issues
Dear Editor: In re-reading the Feb. 11 issue, which highlighted the long lasting marriages of people (“Love, Hard Work, & Family Are Keys to Longest-Married Couples”), I was struck by a similarity in their stories.
They lived simple lives, worked hard, and admitted to having rocky patches, but all lived the faith and worked through, having marriages lasting upwards of 60-plus years. Amazing.
In contrast, I believe that many of today’s young couples are in love with weddings rather than each other. So much time and money are spent on selecting the venue, the dress, the DJ, the tuxedos, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the favors, the shower, and the honeymoon. My question is, do they talk to each other about important things like the rearing of children, finances, the buying of a home, and who does what in the home?
These are the hot-button topics that start most arguments, and if you don’t have a clear idea of what your partner feels, this could be a breaking point for many because we are also in an age where everything, even marriage, seems disposable. Unfortunately, consumerism has taken over this important life event, and it is sad because I seriously believe that many are in love with “weddings” and not each other.
Maria F. Mastromarino
Manalapan, N.J.