Readers Respond -- Temples can benefit community, humanity

Churches, temples and synagogues are the heart and soul of a community

(“City will look more closely at church plan,” Feb. 14). Despite

differences in theology, they are united in promoting goodness. Since

Sept. 11, that effort is more important than ever.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do

nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

Churches encourage integrity, compassion, selfless service, humility

and self-control. They help us build faithful marriages and strong

families.

Religion has always had its critics and always will. A few extremists

can give every worthy cause a bad name. Nevertheless, religion remains a

compelling force for good in the world and in the community. It motivates

people to help others and to do what’s right.

It is sad that a small but vocal group of critics opposes the proposed

Mormon temple. Any time a new church, temple or synagogue is built, it

affirms a community’s commitment to goodness. Has our culture become so

self-indulgent that we only worship at the mall, the movies and the bank?

We hope not.

There are symbols all around us. The ones that elevate our culture are

those that point us toward something higher than ourselves.

STEVE AND MARIANNE EASTMOND

Costa Mesa

In response to Ken Everson’s Community Commentary (“Let the Mormon

temple rise in Newport,” Feb. 3), there are more than a “handful of

folks” opposed to the steeple who, out of respect for their neighbors and

friends of the Mormon faith, have kept to the sidelines.

It seems particularly troubling that neighbors would seek to single

out their particular religious symbols for such extraordinary recognition

and thereby divide a community. After the tragic events of Sept. 11,

shouldn’t we be looking toward the things that unite us and not create

issues to divide us? Shouldn’t we be trying to find an acceptable

solution, instead of bullying our neighbors into accepting the equivalent

of a 12-story building by the corner market?

Everson says that: “The things that go on in churches and temples

foster goodness in people and strengthen the fundamental relationships

that give life meaning and richness.” Why does it follow that the things

that go on in churches and temples, or tower above them for that matter,

play any part in that result?

Yes, churches, temples and mosques are positive attributes of a

community as are schools and homes, but only if they fit into the

surrounding neighborhood. A replica of the Statue of Liberty or a golden

eagle atop a similar spire would be just as inappropriate as the proposed

steeple.

Everson said the steeple will give our eyes and soul a rest. Will our

eyes and soul be more rested because the steeple is 120 feet high rather

than 50 feet? He also claims we will be inspired and our spirits will be

lifted. Would our spirits be lifted only half as much if the tower were

half that height?

As a final note, Everson states one can look at the data to see that

churches and temples boost property values. Property values have

increased over time and do increase as a community is built out according

to its plans, but there is no evidence to suggest that there is any

correlation between steeple height and property value increases. In fact,

judging from the comments in the grocery store, the excessive height of

the proposed steeple is more likely to reduce property values.

In conclusion, this is not about building the Mormon temple; the

community welcomes the temple. This is about erecting a gigantic steeple

that is simply out of place in this neighborhood. I echo Everson’s

thoughts: “bring on the churches, bring on the temples, bring on the

gardens and parks, bring on the things that add real value to our

community life,” and if a steeple must come with those things that add

real value, just bring on the steeple at a height that fits in with the

neighborhood.

CINDY DILLION

Corona del Mar

Temples are such wondrous places provided by so many different

religions. They are beautiful structures that enhance the surroundings

around them. The temple that is going to be built in Newport Beach will

not detract the property value of the housing complex in its close

proximity.

Instead, it will raise the property value.

The temple will be of such beauty that the local residents will wonder

why they ever doubted it. The lighting will be subtle, but just enough to

give the temple an enchanted look. The structure will not even be that

big.

It is a relatively small building that will have amazing landscaping

and beauty. I strongly urge every one to look again at their thoughts of

not allowing this gorgeous building to be built. It will be an awesome

sight in the eyes of everyone.

JESS HELLMICH

Costa Mesa