Neither Calvin nor Christ said that

Neither Calvin nor Christ said that

In his letter to the editor (“Religious right looks to Calvin, not Christ,” July 25) Seth Leonard wrote, “It was Calvin, not Christ, who proposed that work was the turnstile to paradise.” He also said that Christ said “heaven was in your heart.” Both statements are false.

Calvin, being a son of the 16th century Reformation, firmly believed and taught that human beings are justified by grace through faith. That is to say, God gives salvation as a gift to whom he chooses. Calvin, as did Luther before him, fought against works righteousness with a passion. He certainly believed that we glorify God in our work, and therefore should work conscientiously to make the world a better place, but this has nothing to do with our salvation.

I find nowhere in the Gospels a statement from Jesus saying that heaven is in your heart. Jesus taught about the coming Kingdom of God in which God’s will would be done on Earth as it is in heaven. He called his followers to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and show compassion even to one’s enemy in concrete, practical ways. Love for Jesus was more than an inner affection.

TOM WHARTENBY
Pastor
Galax Presbyterian Church
GALAX

TV ad makes dumb attack on candidate

How stupid do the Democrats think senior citizens are? While Social Security might be an issue in a national election, it has no place in a state election. A governor has no say in decisions about programs like Social Security or Medicare.

Let’s talk about issues the governor can affect. Low tax rates make Virginia more attractive for business and lead to more good-paying jobs. High standards for education can lead to a more capable workforce.

This election should be decided on which candidate can provide the highest quality services at the lowest cost.

Clearly Ken Cuccinelli, who has experience as a state senator and attorney general, is better qualified than Terry McAuliffe, whose only experience is as a fundraiser for the Democrat Party.

TALBOT HUFF
HUDDLESTON

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