I’m writing in response to Guster Clifton’s letter to the editor in the February 4, 2004 edition. Mr. Clifton has followed with his usual and irrational style. I’m going to try to answer the questions he asked however I have no doubt that he is not interested, even in the slightest in answers.

The first issue which Mr. Clifton brought up was the word Bible. Judging from Mr. Clifton’s past letters it is clear that this is a major hang up for him. Does the word bible appear in the Bible? No it doesn’t. However, Bible is a term of Greek origin (if my memory serves me correctly), which means book. Clearly the Bible meets this simple requirement.

The next term which Mr. Clifton brought up was “Reverend.” The term reverend is not used in the bible as a title for a religious leader. However Reverend, as its root word points out, means “deserving reverence” (according to The American Heritage dictionary). Reverence is defined as a profound awe and respect. While all Reverend’s may not be deserving of this title it is obviously fitting for a man (or woman) who holds the responsibility of teaching the word of God to others. Likewise, Pastor, which originally was a reference to a shepherd is also fitting for a religious leader. A shepherd is one who cares for a flock (Jesus often referred to believers as sheep) as a Pastor of a church cares for the spiritual needs of his/her congregation.

Frankly, I fail to see why Mr. Clifton has a problem with the phrase “Sunday School.” Its not found in the bible nor does it matter. People gather on Sundays to learn religious principles. Sunday School is a fitting title for such a gathering.

Is the phrase “Ten Commandments” in the bible? Actually it is. It is found in Exodus 34:28 “…the words of the covenant, the ten commandments,” Deuteronomy 4:13 “And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone,” and also in Deuteronomy 10:04 “And he wrote on the tables according to the first writing, ten commandments, which the lord spoke unto you…”

“Sermon on the Mount” is another phrase which Mr. Clifton has a problem with. The phrase “Sermon on the Mount” does not occur in scripture. It is a reference to Jesus’ sermon which is presented in Matthew 5, 6, and 7 and also a, somewhat abridged version in Like 6:20 - 49. Once again, simple logic explains the phrase. It was a sermon and it was on a mountain. Logic would tell you that referring to it was the “Sermon on the Mount” is accurate and a good way to distinguish this from other sermons given by Christ.

One question, which Mr. Clifton brings up, I cannot answer. When did the name “Jesus” first appear in print? I couldn’t honestly say. Was “Jesus” the real name of the man we learn about in the Bible? Likely not. He was a Jewish man and Jesus comes from the Latin Iesus, which obviously isn’t a Jewish name. Historians would point to the name Yeshua as the most likely name for Jesus. Yeshua and Jesus have very similar meanings making Jesus a good English translation.

Mr. Clifton ended his letter saying “My quest is to learn truth and proof as opposed to some man’s mysticism. Is that asking too much.” If Mr. Clifton is truly interested in truth nothing in any of his letters show it. Mr. Clifton’s only goal is to disprove the Bible and God and all I can say to him is “good luck; your going to need it.” No matter how much technology and science advances or pop culture fights it, God and the Word of God stands firm. Mr. Clifton seeks unequivocal proof that God exist. I seek unequivocal proof that God does not exist. As John 20:29 says “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen and yet believed”