The letter on the " problem " of the Unitarian columnist Rev. Ahlburn was published in the Providence Journal on September , 20 . 1999 just before our beloved " Pop " died

September 20, 1999 | Providence Journal (RI) Page: B-05 | Section: Editorial 235 Words | Readability: Lexile: 1270, grade level(s): 11-12 Read News Document Regarding the Aug. 31 letter "Censor Mr. Ahlburn": I think the real question raised by Mark McKaig is whether the Rev. Thomas Ahlburn - whose columns I admire - should be preaching anti-belief under the banner of the "Religion" page. It is not true that he is ignorant and believes in nothing, as McKaig asserts. But for Mr. Ahlburn to pass himself off as a clergyman is indeed a bit of effrontery. Perhaps he should be arrested for impersonating the true clergy, the representatives of God on Earth. I would appreciate the Reverend Ahlburn all the more in the Lifebeat section. The religious instinct in ordinary people seeks out the man of faith. In a world going mad - going to hell - can you blame them for yearning for a positive faith? Faith in God is either a gift or a form of lunacy. We can at least respect it, even if we do not find ourselves in the pews of the devout. In a way, Mr. Ahlburn has no more right to preach in the religion section than a creationist has to lecture in a high school science class. I concluded a long time ago that his Unitarian Church is little more than a social club - the ideal place on Sunday for successful East Side chiropractors. Mr. Ahlburn's church is as holy a place as the new Providence Place mall. Perhaps if we built more cathedrals - as they did in Europe during the Middle Ages - He would come. RON RUGGIERI Warwick