Greg Tonini, Minot

You could have saved valuable space on the Opinion page in the Weekend Edition (Oct 17-18) by summarizing Llyod Omdahl’s column “Apple cobbler got them in deep trouble” into his two points: the founding of this country was not Exceptional and Judeo-Christian patriarchy is misogynistic and relegates women to be house servants.

While “Jesus Christ” and “love” do not appear in the written text of the Constitution, to argue that the Constitution was not founded on Judeo-Christian principles shows either extreme laziness (a Google search on the topic returned some forty-four MILLION hits) or an ignorance of Judeo-Christian principles.

Recognizing the doctrine of Original Sin (Genesis 3), the founders established a system of checks and balances that would prevent the concentration of powers.

Another example of “Christian principles” is the Constitution requirement (Article IV, § 4, cl. 1) that every state must maintain “a Republican Form of Government.” This “republican government” was inspired by the Hebrew commonwealth described in the Old Testament. And don’t forget that Sunday is not counted in the ten days the president has to veto a bill (Article I, § 7, cl. 2).

Satire is an age-old technique of criticism, but Omdahl’s attempt at humor falls flat and is simply wrong. According to Dr. Susan Hyatt, in her book, In the Spirit We’re Equal, “The Hebrew expression ezer kenegdo appears, meaning ‘one who is the same as the other and who surrounds, protects, aids, helps, supports.'”

To suggest that Eve was created to be subservient to Adam is doctrinally inaccurate. Omdahl’s tone would suggest that being a home maker and raising children is a less-than-honorable or an undesirable profession – a typical “progressive” position.

The Founding Fathers recognized that the Constitution was less than perfect when they wrote it and women, unfortunately, are still not always treated “the same as the other.” However, when Christ commanded us “to be ye therefore perfect” (Matthew 5:48 KJV), He knew that we are less than perfect and that we would need help to become even as He is.

As for Omdahl’s piece, he is entitled to his opinion as am I. Now I have to decide if his column is better suited for wrapping fish or lining the bottom of the bird cage.