Differences of opinion in translating the Bible should not separate or divide us; a positive sign in the opioid battle | READER COMMENTARIES

Letters to the editor of the Carroll County Times.

Roemer believes everybody feels a certain way, his way

I received my first Bible from my father when I was 13 years old. It was the Revised Standard Version, just published, easy to read and biblically up to date.

Ever since, the Bible has been my book. I love the Bible. At the same time I do not worship the Bible. That would be idolatry. God did not write the Bible. Human beings wrote our holy scriptures inspired by God.

In the June 2 Carroll County Times, Chris Roemer defended Kanas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker for his commencement address and negative comments about LGBTO people, and his understanding of the role of modern women.

Butker has the freedom to express his opinions and translate scripture the way he wants and Roemer has the freedom to defend him. That’s not the issue.

To do serious scripture study we must be aware of the history, culture and knowledge of the times in which biblical scholars wrote. We need to admit that in places the Bible (especially the Hebrew scriptures) can be a violent book and at other times like the conquest of Canaan even the divine endorsement of genocide.

Roemer applauded Butker’s faithfulness to God’s word. Calling the Bible “God’s word” implies that God wrote or dictated the words. God does not change but our understanding and interpretation of scripture has changed. Thanks to modern science and evolution of culture we know more today about homosexuality and the positive role of women in society.

Roemer wrote “the sad reality is, most people no longer believe the Bible is God’s word.” Who told him “most” people no longer believe?

When you read his articles you have to watch out for comments like that. Like “progressives across the country expressed outrage at the message Butler declared.” Who told him that all progressives felt that way?

Or like “whole Christian denominations are replacing God’s definition of right and wrong with exceptions of their own creation?” Who gave him this false information? Sure, there have always been people hostile to organized religion.

The real daunting issue organized religion faces today is a changing secular culture like one person who said “I love Jesus, I just don’t see any value in the organized church.”

The reality is that these comments are his own opinion. He would like the reader to believe everybody feels a certain way, his way. If you don’t you are a watered-down Christian.

My only hope is that differences of opinion in translating the Bible will not separate or divide us or even make us belittle one another. We grow when we listen. We grow when we hear one another. This is true in life. It is also true in translating holy scripture.

Wm. Louis Piel, Westminster

County agencies making a difference in opiod crisis

Recent statistics regarding the opioid crisis in Carroll County indicate that the hard work by county agencies is making a difference. Statistics released by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office between Jan. 1, 2024, and June 5, 2024, show there have been eight fatal overdoses compared to 18 in 2023 over the same time.

Additionally, over that same time, there have been 85 non-fatal overdoses this year compared to 161 in 2023. It is extremely encouraging to see these numbers continue to decrease.

This improvement is largely due to the collaborative efforts of the State’s Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement agencies, Carroll County Public Schools, the Carroll County Health Department, Carroll County Hospital Center and local nonprofits. These county partners have collaborated in the fight against overdoses.

Currently, our law enforcement partners take a more proactive approach in encouraging those on the front lines to seek treatment. Carroll County Health Department and Carroll Hospital Center Peer programs have provided mentors and positive role models to those in the recovery community.

Local non-profits work with our court systems to ensure there are sufficient treatment options available for individuals facing the possibility of incarceration until a treatment bed is available.

Our office works closely with the CCHD and CCPS on two prevention programs — one in middle schools and one in high schools. These programs focus on prevention and play a significant role in reducing overdose numbers by addressing drug use and unhealthy behaviors early.

Our office also developed the Early Intervention Program. This year-long program targets individuals in the early stages of addiction and criminal activity, offering them the chance to complete the program and have their records expunged.

Another successful initiative is the Carroll County Drug Treatment Court. This 13-month program is a collaboration between the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Circuit Court, the Office of the Public Defender, the Drug Treatment Court team (coordinator and case workers), Parole and Probation and Pretrial Services. Drug Treatment Court helps individuals navigate recovery and has significantly contributed to reducing overdoses.

All these combined efforts are making a tangible difference in Carroll, showing that collaboration and comprehensive programs are key to tackling the opioid crisis and supporting recovery.

However, we must do better, because one fatal overdose is too many. And our community is still haunted by the scourge of Fentanyl, which continues to pour across the southern border. Of the eight people who have passed away from a fatal overdose this year, five died of a Fentanyl overdose.

We celebrate, grieve, and remember those loved ones, family, and friends that we have lost to an overdose, and we will continue the fight against substance use disorder and the poison of Fentanyl.

Allan Culver
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney in Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office

We’re not being dishonest about book banning

Recently I had a very rewarding exchange with a fellow Carroll Countian whose view on what constitutes “book banning” differs from my own. It actually occurred in the comments of a social media post.

I am a candidate for the Board of Education and the Facebook page in question is for the Slate for Student Success, the joint campaign for myself and my running mate, Amanda Jozkowski. We had shared our recently released platform priorities and the person who engaged was reacting to our statement in opposition to book banning.

My reply began: “Let me state up front that I think reasonable people can disagree on this and appreciate the opportunity to disagree reasonably.” And that is exactly what we did! That’s why I was so dismayed to read the opinion column on May 12 by Chris Roemer and have continued to ponder his piece with growing disappointment.

I do not write today to change his or anyone else’s mind on the question of what constitutes book banning and whether it is happening in Carroll County — although I am quite open to good faith conversations on the topic. My goal instead is to suggest that we do not need to and should not automatically assign bad faith to those with whom we disagree … especially on serious topics like censorship that warrant intellectual integrity and thoughtful discourse.

Roemer said that people using the term “book bans” about the materials no longer available in school libraries are being “intentionally deceitful.” He couched the issue as entirely partisan and accused people with a different opinion of manipulation.

His neighbors were divided into separate sides with no nuance or recognition of middle ground at the same time he accused one, and only one, “side” of demonizing those who think differently.

I can assure Roemer and readers that we who are concerned about book banning sincerely and confidently hold that position. One may think we are mistaken or misguided, but we are definitely not being dishonest.

I can also assure readers that among the broad coalition of supporters that Amanda and I have across the political spectrum, there are people in every party — or none — who are deeply troubled by threats to the freedom to read and learn.

I think Roemer was wrong about many things in his opinion piece and am quite dismayed at the tone he took. I think our community at large deserves to be treated more respectfully, but I embrace his right to share his writing with the community, just as I value access to a wide variety of reading materials.

Muri Lynn Dueppen, Mount Airy

Dueppen is a candidate for the Carroll County school board

Appreciation for Board of Education President Marsh Herbert

I’d like to thank Board of Education President Marsha Herbert for her hard work and dedication the past eight years. Parents in our county are very blessed to have had her leadership and involvement.

She mentioned on her Facebook page in early April that a special announcement would be coming soon. Perhaps I missed it, but I can only hope that she’s going to continue working for the people in our county.

I think Herbert would make an exceptional delegate in Annapolis serving the people of Carroll County. Given the concerns with Blueprint and the effects of poor decisions in Annapolis with education she would be a champion for students in our state.

Marci Jones, Finksburg