July 31, 2010 in Opinion, Letters

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

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One comment on this story so far. Add yours!

  • catholic on August 01 at 2:47 a.m.

    Dan - I wish you peace during your journey.

    Like Chris Base, I lost my brother to suicide many, many years ago. My brother, in his pursuit of a personal and existential peace that only he could define, taught me that I have no right and certainly no actionable moral power to determine and direct another’s tolerance for suffering.

    Do I suffer pain as a consequence of the loss of my brother? Of course I do. Do I have the right to elevate my suffering over his? Of course I do not. That is what my brother’s chosen path to peace taught me.

    There are many sources that teach me other things about my brother’s death and choices like yours. But the loudest teaching - the teaching that has sustained itself for nearly three decades now - is this: I learned to love my brother in an entirely unselfish way and, thus, to be grateful we were here together at all. And that is the teaching on which I stand and from within which I hear your very complex and powerful story.

    What a lovely first name for a man who will, at his final breath, drift as if into the late summer air. Peace to you and Jan and all who love you.

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