No need to drive wedges between faiths

I read with frustration the letter from Charles Danyus, May 16. I have never perceived the use of the word "God" in our Pledge of Allegiance or as it is used on our currency to be "evidence of America's Christian heritage …" I was taught a long time ago that some of the first settlers of the "New World" were people seeking freedom to practice the religion of their choice. Later our Founding Fathers saw fit to include "separation of church and state" in the First Amendment.

I understand why Mr. Danyus may feel frustrated when society norms seem to depart from traditional values. Personally I would like to pull up the pants of every person I see wearing them too low. But I have respect for other people's beliefs, practices and opinions. I might disagree with their way of thinking, and I might not understand their practices, but I don't see them as a threat to my own values or as a threat to "Christian citizens."

I was taught to be generous and to accept others for whom they are. We have more to gain from acceptance of others than to try and drive a wedge between people of different faiths and backgrounds.

Bruce Beiersdorf

Wheaton