After reading Bob Seward's op-ed on Jan. 27 ["What do you mean by 'Culture of Life'?"], an imaginary conversation in which a so-called Birther attempts to explain the term "culture of life," I am convinced Mr. Seward indeed does not understand it.
Pope John Paul II often used the terms "culture of life" and "culture of death," and if Mr. Seward wants to explore these in detail, I would urge him to read John Paul II's "Evangelium Vitae."
For now, here is a simpler explanation: A person who lives by the culture of life not only opposes abortion and euthanasia (because human life is sacred from conception until its natural end), but also recognizes the dignity and worth of human life in every situation.
The culture of life strives to end hunger and poverty, war, torture, prostitution, genocide, eugenics, murder, coercion--practices or conditions that take away from the dignity and worth of any human being.
In contrast, the "culture of death" promotes abortion, euthanasia, population control, prejudice, and similar oppressions. It is about promoting one's self-interests without consideration of others.
Mr. Seward seems to think that promoting a culture of life means we can ignore the plight of endangered species and livestock raised on factory farms, and that we think it's acceptable to neglect to take care of Planet Earth.
Promoting a culture of life also means we must strive to ensure future generations a clean and peaceful world to live in, and to make certain our children and grandchildren will live in a world free from a culture of death.
Sharon Babineau
Fredericksburg