Wizardry

Press, 23 October 1984, Page 12

Wizardry

Sir, — The Wizard claims (October 15) that his fun provides a mirror for fanatics, and a window for others to share his “special path” to the truth. It seems that his fanatical philosophy is that no-one has yet found the truth, nor is to be regarded as trustworthy, but his own path is the best available. Ordinary Christians believe the truth is recorded in the Bible — even if they do laughably fail to live up to it. The Wizard, in attacking belief in the Bible is, in their eyes, hindering others from finding the truth. “Challenge Weekly” (October 5) reported that a 1000-signature petition organised by a Whangarei Christian businessman, Merv Barnett, was arranged to oppose the possibility of the Wizard settling in Whangarei. Although the Wizard is funny, there are many Christians who see also the black side to his proud philosophy, personal vanity, and indecision. — Yours, etc., JOHN CANHAM. October 17, 1984. Sir, — The Wizard’s initial response to his detractors on his reinstatement and pitch for the Wizard of New Zealand shingle told it all (October 10). He used simple words and' bland reason. Now that he is angry and using their language, we should be worried. The Wizard deflates the pompous, desanctifies the holy, humbles the arrogant, dignifies the meek. He makes us look at ourselves and laugh, and for years has done it gratis. What courage, what love, to peel back the conditioning and to seek the truth. He takes the mickey out of us all, lightheartedly, that we may dare to look at our ridiculous selves without crying. — Yours, etc., DAN GOODER, Westport October 18, 1984.