Church lights 40-foot-high Christmas cross

As a non-religious person and former Catholic, I have to say that driving up Avy Avenue and encountering this cross at night moves me to ... well, I won't go into hand gestures that come to mind.

Let's just say that Christianity and I do not get along. I do not appreciate confrontational symbols in the night, embodiments of a dogmatic command to worship and obey or there will be hell to pay. Frankly, I'd rather be in hell than share the company of the righteous for all eternity.

There. Now I feel better.

Joe,

I am truly sorry if a lighted cross brings to your mind such commands and threats, since this was not and is not our intention. I can honestly say that I do not consider myself righteous, I do not command people to worship and obey, nor do I believe pastors and churches are to spend time threatening that there will be "hell to pay." I am truly sorry that in some way, God's message of love for you was changed to something that was inaccurate and hurtful.

This season our preschool and church are providing gifts and food for 7 families in East Palo Alto, food baskets for another 20 families, and toys for children in hospitals. The lights were meant to join our neighbors in celebrating Christmas with lights.

I would love to listen to your concerns and would be happy to buy you a cup of coffee or tea for our time together. I will also continue my prayers for all people who have been hurt by the misspoken demands and threats that sometimes parade as righteousness.

Jon Coyne
Pastor, Bethany Lutheran Church

Thank you for your kind words, Jon. You are a credit to Christianity, if I may say that.

Hope they're LED lights.

Liberals are supposed to be tolerant people. But their anti-Christian sentiment is disturbing. With the ACLU as their attack dogs they are out to erode religious freedom in our country. That is too bad.

I am not a Christian but I truly appreciate what Christianity has brought to our great nation. The Christian symbols that are so reviled by the far left bring peace and harmony into most people's lives.

We should honor all religions that enrich people's souls rather than tear them down.

Merry Christmas

Yikes. I've stirred up Hank Lawrence.

Since you're paying attention, Hank, where exactly is the soul? What are its various dimensions? How does one know if his or hers is enriched or torn down? What is the state of yours?

And by the way, the meaning of a symbol depends on one's experience with it, as the pastor seemed to understand and you apparently did not.

Joe, Thank you - both for your kind words and for the courage it took to write on both occasions. Many people have been helped by Christianity, as Hank notes. However, history also indicates that many people have been harmed by Christians and by the institution of the church. I constantly have to remind myself that I have harmed other people and I am grateful for God's love that brings me forgiveness. As a pastor it is my privilege to proclaim that love and mercy to all people. Symbols create many emotions and reactions, not all of which are the ones we intend.

In gratitude, I am extending my offer to anyone who has felt harmed by Christianity and would like to talk. Call me and I will listen, without judgement, to anyone who would spend the time in conversation.

On a lighter note (pun intended) J - the lights are LED, which made this project possible.

Finally, I would like to share two lines from the well known Christmas hymn, O Holy Night.

"Truly He taught us to love one another; His Law is love and His gospel is peace."

Love one another...a radical, and often difficult idea from an amazing God, who loves always.

Jon