McPhail and Gadsby

Press, 16 July 1980, Page 22

McPhail and Gadsby

Sir, —/’Religion, the Church and . the Almighty are all psed. to being mocked. They/can stand it. They > have an “off” switch on their TV. sets when they get bored with their, pathetic and unoriginal detractors. My concern is rather for McPhail and Gadsby and their sycophants. Can they stand it? Surely it is for them that we should pray. They are, evidently, unaware of the risks they take when they mock God. They need the prayers of the little people at the Communion rail. They may take consolation from the fact that it is those same little people who are, even now, praying for them. — Yours, etc., JOHN BARKER, Archdeacon of Timaru. July 14, 1980. Sir, — , The many letters and comments by Christian spokesmen,- condemning the “McPhail and Gadsby” programme have a hollow ring. Where were all these critics when we saw a series of Dave Allen programmes and “A Week of It” series? No doubt many; Christians watched and enjoyed these, laughing at the knocks against religion as well as in “A Week of It” the remarks against out political and / other . community leaders. It appears that Christians can tolerate the slating of our community and democratically .elected leaders; as. was done continually in “A Week of It” without condemnation, but when the slating is aimed at the beliefs of Christians, it is a different story. Let’s have more consistency in respecting the feelings and beliefs of others in the community.. —Yours, etc.,C. G. MARSHALL. . July. 14, 1980. Sir, — Having studied the controversy regarding McPhail and Gatsby on “Religion” I have, come to the conclusion that they have done us a good service — “sorting the sheep from the goats” as it were, just as Professor Geering did some years ago. God said: “Now and again I will shake the heavens and the earth.” He has surely done it this time. — Yours, etc.,: (Mrs) ETHEL SOTHERAN. July 14,19.80.’ Sir, — Must little, beautiful New Zealand be sullied by such; blasphemous filth as viewed ..on- the above show ’ on television; The disgusting slurs, on ..the dedicated ’.priests- .arid ; the wonderful. nuns, can only call for wide-? spread'/protests. — Yours, ’etc ' ' . ’ N. W. CONSTANTINE. July 10, 1930. ;

McPhail and Gadsby Sir, — I would join with R. J. Vaughan with the words of Christ: “Father for-/ give lhem for they know riot what they do.” A few minutes viewing of such sacrilege was sufficient to .cause me to turn television off. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked,” Gal. 6:7 — Yours etc., ,? ' • -. H. CLARK, Ashburton. July 13, 1980. Sir, — I. have read with amazement the numerous letters regarding the recent screening of McPhail and Gadsby. Several times before the screening, of this programme, a short preview was shown. From this preview I was able, to make a general assessment of the programme’s • worth and chose not to watch it. — Yours, etc., ; LYNDA MILLICHAMP, Ashburton. July. 14, 1980.