Cal Thomas may be able to define bigotry (Aug. 21), but he seems to be unaware that such intolerance so often and, unfortunately, is a two-way street between ignorances of what really matters.

Also, his understanding of a New Testament faith, love, hope and gratitude needs to be questioned.

Certainly, all faith communities need to be more responsive to human need. All of us must care and share more, especially in these times of irresponsible politicians and too many in our society indifferent to excessive lobbying by corporate America, and so many with wealth who lack the desire to sacrifice and to pay forward. Sometimes it appears as if the selfish are intolerant of the generous as well as the needy.

Many of the born-again evangelicals seem to forget what a gracious God expects of the blessed to whom so much has been entrusted. It is most difficult to believe in and experience love and God until one makes at least some effort to understand this.

Lawrence E. Merckens, Manchester