The Many Faces of Fundamentalism

The only thing wrong with John Balzar comparing Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson with Osama bin Laden is that he didn’t go far enough (Commentary, Sept. 17). Falwell’s claim--and Robertson’s agreement--that the attack on the World Trade Center was God’s punishment of the U.S. for tolerating abortion, pornography and homosexuals is just one more reminder that there is no fanatic like a religious fanatic.

A Christian who torches family planning clinics is driven by the same mentality as a Muslim who launches suicide missions against perceived enemies. The only difference is scale.

Forrest G. Wood

Bakersfield

*

Falwell is trying to escape outrage for his recent comments linking homosexuals and “abortionists” (among others) to the WTC attacks by saying his comments were ill-timed (“Falwell Apologizes for Divisive Remarks,” Sept. 18). Ill timed? That’s right, Jerry. Wrong eon. The Middle Ages ended quite some time ago.

William Lorton

Los Angeles

*

Balzar reports being shocked by Falwell, on Christian TV, blaming pagans, abortionists, feminists, gays, lesbians, the ACLU, People for the American Way, et al., for bringing God’s wrath upon America--according, Balzar says, to program transcripts.

I wonder if those transcripts have been softened somehow for a non-Christian-fundamentalist readership? I saw what I believe was the actual broadcast of Falwell’s conversation with Robertson, and the reverend was even more inflammatory than Balzar indicates, because he lumped all of the above groups with “the Christ-haters.” That would be a shameful provocation at any time, but considering our present national tragedy I believe Falwell should be particularly ashamed for uttering it now.

Preston Neal Jones

Hollywood

*

Perhaps, if Falwell is looking to reside in a more sacrosanct society, he might consider relocating somewhere in Afghanistan. After his unconscionable attempt to exploit the deaths of thousands of innocent Americans to promote his own narrow-minded, so-called “Christian” political views, I would be happy to pay his one-way fare.

I do commend Falwell for one thing, though--giving the people of this country a timely reminder that all dangerous religious fanatics do not live in far-off lands and appear to us wearing turbans.

Steven Korbar

Torrance

*

Religious fundamentalism has been the bane of civilization since the advent of religion. Now we have fundamentalists Falwell and Robertson stiffening their bodies, grimacing in prayer and invoking Jesus to help us. They have gained power and wealth teaching hatred and intolerance toward several classes of people (including mainline Christians) in our nation--teachings that are diametrically opposed to what the Bible says Jesus taught. They are as much of a danger to the American way of life as the Muslim fundamentalists who attacked us.

James R. Gallagher

Huntington Beach

*

Isn’t it ironic--in a land where Falwell can say gays and lesbians brought this terrorist tragedy upon America, where witch hunts keep them from serving openly in the military, where they can be fired from their jobs at will, where the Boy Scouts deem gay men as unsuitable role models and where it is illegal to commit a hate crime against a foreign-born Muslim but not an American-born homosexual--that here comes the story of a brave gay man who heroically participated in the rebellion against the hijackers on United Airlines Flight 93. He and his fellow passengers possibly saved the White House, the Capitol or even the president himself. Today, I’m not only a proud American, but an even prouder gay American.

Gavin Dougherty

Irvine