To the editor:

I would like to address a letter to the editor published in the Oct. 18 issue of The Chart. Jessica Head wrote a letter in response to Josh Ray's editor's column on Christianity. She spoke some very harsh words toward both Josh and The Chart staff

As a former Chart editor, I would like to point out (as The Chart already has) that the views expressed in editor's columns don't necessarily reflect those of the entire staff. Jessica said that Josh's column made her "diminish [her] view of the professionalism and ethics of the entire staff of The Chart." Wouldn't it have been unprofessional and unethical to deny Josh his constitutional right to freedom of speech? And furthermore, why would you think any less of a publication for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of the press?

But most of all, I would like to defend Josh as both a Christian and his friend. Even though I do not agree with his opinions, I don't think he is any less of a person for thinking them. The Bible tells us not to judge others, so I try my best not to. I just don't believe anyone has the right to claim themselves to be a Christian, and then call someone else names. And unfortunately, that was probably what turned Josh away from Christianity -- people who wear the label of a Christian, but don't live the life. Again, I'm not trying to judge anyone. I don't claim to be a perfect Christian, because there is no such thing. I just want to voice my opinion. And in my opinion, Josh has every right to say what he said, and I don't think any less of him for saying it. God doesn't discriminate against anyone - His love is unconditional - and we should strive for the same.

Genna McDaniel

Junior Communications/Public Relations Major