Letter to a Southern Baptist Minister

Letter to a Southern Baptist Minister

How does Wilson, a secular humanist, try to establish common ground with the Southern Baptist minister (pages 400-403)? Note tone, personal background, goodwill, and respect.  Answer in well written, coherent paragraph of about 250 words.

In “Letter to a Southern Baptist Minister Edward Wilson tries to establish common ground by comparing himself to the priest. He states that he and the priest grew up having a similar faith, they both had a link with church activities, they are both southerners, and they both have identical principles concerning behaviour. Wilson tries to establish common ground by stating some of the similar beliefs he shares with the priest before addressing his idea of wildlife preservation. He also establishes a common ground by using facts to persuade the minister on the importance of wildlife conservation. Wilson further talks about the power of science and religion and how it would be important if the two were combined. He states, “If religion and science could be united on the common ground of biological conservation, the problem would soon be solved” (402).

Wilson acknowledges that there are things which he may clash with the priest about, but he respectfully states that they should put their differences away to save the Creation. He addresses the minister with respect, to the extent of calling him a pastor. Wilson states, “Pastor, we need your help. The Creation — living Nature — is in deep trouble. Scientists estimate that if habitat conversion and other destructive human activities continue at their present rates, half the species of plants and animals on Earth could be either gone or at least fated for early extinction by the end of the century” (401). He uses a serious tone to explain the importance of conserving wildlife. Since it is a personal letter, Wilson ensures that his points are clear and precise, which works as a stronghold in convincing his target audience.

Wilson obviously seeks to present his views in a fashion that makes them as palatable as possible. Do you think he succeeds in this endeavor?

In the letter, Wilson presents his views in a persuading matter. First, he begins by capturing the attention of the priest when he states the similar beliefs and perceptions he shares with the priest. Secondly, he acknowledges that there are differences in their beliefs but pleased that their differences should be set aside for the sake of saving the environment. Wilson states that plants and animal species are likely to be extinct if damaging human activities continue. This statement is true because wildlife conservation is a thing that has to grow in people’s hearts. The cutting down of trees is one of the things human beings should avoid because it destroys the inhabitant meant for animals. Pollution and global warming also play a role in destroying the creatures.  Wilson believes that combining science and religion would help save the creatures. Some people in the world believe words from pastors and preachers; therefore, when the religious people begin talking about wildlife conservation and using science to back up their claims, then people will embrace the idea. Wilson states, “If religion and science could be united on the common ground of biological conservation, the problem would soon be solved” (402) I agree that he makes a powerful point when he argues that religion and science are powerful tools because the bible emphasizes on taking care of the creatures.

Although Wilson argues that religious differences should be kept aside, this statement could send a wrong impression to the priest. I think that Wilson does a great job in persuading the priest because he uses facts to back up his claims. The rate at which human beings are hunting wild animals, cutting down trees without replacing them and using chemical substances that pollute the environment, then the world is heading towards destruction. No one would like to see plants and animal species become extinct, and therefore, Wilson’s explicit claims and facts are likely to convince the priest to help him. The only problem Wilson does is mentioning Charles Darwin in his letter. He states that Darwin was a religious man, but he became unreligious.