Being a Christian abroad

I am an Arab at heart, as I was born at the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain (‘It’s easier being Christian in Abu Dhabi than in UK’, Gulf News, May 12). I have lived most of my life in Al Ain, and studied in the city of Abu Dhabi. Soon, I will be finishing my freshman year at a university in Minnesota, US. Moving to the US was a big transition for me and I had to make my faith my own and find my own home church. During the course of this year, I have been comparing my life in Abu Dhabi to my life in Minnesota. Overall, I would agree that it is easier to be a Christian in Abu Dhabi, however, it is not always that simple. Abu Dhabi is wonderful, but, there is something that must be made clear. A ‘Westerner’ does not necessarily mean a ‘Christian’. In the UAE, the two words often go hand in hand. One lovely aspect of the Capital is that no one minds talking about God - most people like to talk about religion. Whereas in Minnesota, if you bring up the topic of God, some people get quite defensive. Some even get offended, thinking that they are being judged and that others are trying to tell them that what they believe is wrong. Abu Dhabi has churches where Christians from various cultures can meet and live in peace.

From Ms Nadia Jacobson

Minnesota, US

No method to the madness

The insanity plea is the justice system’s oldest trick in the book (‘Court told Pistorius has ‘anxiety disorder,’ Gulf News, May 12). It has once again been invoked, using clauses in the Criminal Procedures Act, and this time in the Oscar Pistorius trial. As in the case of Shrien Dewani, who allegedly paid to have his wife killed during their honeymoon, here are two seemingly perfectly sane people, who are thought to have planned the elimination of their respective partners. To me, the protracted delays in extraditing Dewani to South Africa and Pistorius’ defence of ‘an anxiety disorder’ are feeble attempts to get them both off the hook. However, Reeva Steenkamp and Anni Hindocha’s families, are seeking closure and justice for their respective losses, and the latest insanity plea merely adds to their grief.

From Mr A. R. Modak

Johannesburg

Distracted drivers

The UAE is a wonderful country with some stringent rules in place to maintain law and order. However, residents do not adhere to the rules. Cars barely stop at pedestrian crossings anymore. I was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing recently when a motorist approached at a speed of around 50km/hr. Thankfully, she slammed the brakes, so my daughter and I were safe. But sometimes, no one bothers to stop and I am hesitant to cross until they do so completely. Also, many drivers seem to be texting or talking on their mobile phones when driving, especially on Emirates Road and Shaikh Zayed Road. With such high speed limits, it’s easy to crash in the blink of an eye. Could the authorities enforce the rules strictly, with heftier fines levied for those who break rules? That’s the only language deviant drivers will understand.

From Ms Swathi

Dubai

Full name withheld by request

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