Proselytizing unwanted

My wife expresses puzzlement over The Spokesman-Review’s provision of a forum wherein Chris Base (Letters, July 27) addresses a religious appeal directly to me – that I should consider “Jesus’ words” on how one’s life should end. I, too, am surprised to see a newspaper provide 5 column inches – as an editorial page forum – for people seeking to persuade others to adopt certain religious views. Doesn’t anyone (journalist) find this odd?

Exactly what words does Mr. Base’s “historical Jesus” utter to persuade anyone to passively suffer pain – without recourse to merciful deliverance? Does “Jesus” actually address suicide? In whose Bible? And, why does any of this concern a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Jew, an animist or an atheist like me?

Mine is not a “fight with cancer.” I’m in a death dance with cancer. I need no one else’s “superior” metaphor for what I do. The dance ends with the final event of my life – my death. Why argue with me about this? My time is short, and my patience is thin.

I wish I could believe that I’ll live on, to be reunited one day with my beloved wife and family and deceased friends. I cannot.

Dan Treecraft

Spokane