(Letters, continued) Counterpoint tion, as their own literature demonstrates month after month, opposed with equal vigor nonmarital sex, abortion, "pornog- "700 Club": Humanism and Christianity raphy," the ERA, and secular humanism. L. A. Villadsen Santa Barbara, California Larry Quisenberry Often when two people look at the same frequently are unfair in their comments. (B1\ and Gullibility object, read the same book, or talk to the 1 do not believe, however, that a person same person, their perceptions somehow who voted for Carter or who supports ERA May 1 say that 1 was enlightened and end up differing. In FREE INQUIRY, Summer cannot have a personal relationship with gratified by the article on the "700 Club" 1981, Paul Kurtz's "The 700 Club's Anti- Jesus or be a Christian. Pat and CBN docudrama (Summer 1981). particularly for Humanist `Documentary,' " reflects that definitely do not say this, but 1 have often the background information. perceptual principle in the real world. been concerned that religious leaders' politi- 1 do, however, still feel that something When I was asked to make that docu- cal comments distract people from the basic could and should be done in response. I, for mentary for CBN on "How Humanism Is De- message about Jesus, even though at times one, would enjoy watching the "700 Club" stroying Our Schools," 1 was reluctant be- politics and Christianity must be related. et al. attempting to substantiate some of cause of the common overreaction by many 1 have no doubts that Paul Kurtz and their sillier statements. people to anything that is in the slightest way •humanists in general want a better world However, knowing the types of people inconsistent with the legalism of their parti- and a better society. He sees reason, based that follow the CBN and the "700 Club," and cular religious group. It is becoming more on science, rationality, and objectivity, as the type that religiously (pardon me) attend and more commonplace to find a cultural the means for finding that better world. the local showings of this film, I doubt many reaction to Christianity by many people Even so, it is important to realize that 1 would willingly expose themselves to any rather than to find their lives reflecting choose to go one step beyond that and base rebuttal or clarification anyone would offer. values consistent with Christianity. most of my life choices on faith. The gullible and the narrow-minded It is very important to me that people 1 would like to comment that many "want" something to fear, to blame, and to understand that the documentary was made Christians could learn much about the kind- be "protected" against. The red herring of for the "Christian" audience. 1 did not ness and gentleness that Christ talks about humanism is as good or better than any the expect a humanist to watch the film and from Paul Kurtz. Of all the people I inter- McCarthy era came up with. These people agree with the counterposition of Christian- viewed for this documentary, Kurtz was with- certainly don't want to be confused by facts. ity that was presented following each hu- out a doubt the kindest and most con- 1 recently ran across a Spanish version manist position. The humanist viewpoint for siderate. One of the major points of during a "spin around the dial"; 1 can only the documentary was based on Humanist agreement that I have with Kurtz and his wonder about the accuracy of the transla- Manifesto II. Because of this, I failed to views on humanism is Tolerance. There is a tion in light of their one-sided editing of the clarify or even to imply that not all human- difference between accepting a belief and original. ists see the world in the same way. For respecting one's right to believe the way he 1 have heard many a fundamentalist example, 1 neglected to point out that not all chooses. I am not afraid of humanism and its harangue against the so-called "lifeboat" humanists are for abortion or ERA. At the influence on society. 1 am afraid that many scenario; I have yet to hear one of them tell same time, not all Christians are against Christians will get so caught up in fighting me what the "Christian" answer is. Per- abortion or ERA. However, as a producer, 1 humanism and other philosophies and reli- haps they wish all to drown. had the responsibility to produce the pro- gions that they will forget that it is not what duct in accordance with the client's request. you say so much as how you live. Jesus Dennis W. Wendt Even though 1 feel the documentary pre- didn't let lightning bolts strike people every Waupun, Wisconsin sented the views consistent with Humanist time they challenged him and his teachings. Manifesto 11, 1 do believe that it was unfair In fact, He loved and blessed those who Eisenhower's Prayer to Kurtz to have omitted some of his state- strongly disagreed or even persecuted Him. ments that showed a compassionate and To me humanism and Christianity are on Please accept my congratulations on the caring side of the person. opposite sides of the fence. For those who quality and content of your publication. It is important to recognize, however, accept the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, I must tell you of a story that gave me that I strongly disagree with Kurtz and hu- the lines of separation from humanism are quite a laugh. One of the current books on manism when it comes to those positions that getting wider and wider. If those of us who Eisenhower relates that when Ike was pres- disagree, outside of legalism, with basic claim to be Christians really believe in Jesus' ident his inner circle met each Tuesday Christianity. To begin with, 1 fully agree teachings, then we really don't need any morning to decide upon policy. Someone with Pat Robertson, the host of the "700 other philosophy to guide our way of life. suggested that they begin the meetings with a Club," when it comes to "Jesus being the prayer, which they then did at each sub- answer to and for the world." 1 have no sequent meeting. One morning, the president doubt that CBN and Pat Robertson are 100 Larry Quisenberry produced the film used came briskly in, nodded to the group, percent legitimate and dedicated to convey- on the Christian Broadcast Network's "700 opened up his portfolio, and began on the ing the words and teachings of Jesus Christ Club" anti-humanist program. first item of business. throughout the world. I not only believe that Someone slipped a note to the president but often feel hurt for Pat when people so (Counterpoint is continued on page 38) that said, "Mr. President, you didn't say the

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