Letters to the Editor
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‘The Legacy of Slander’
How profoundly depressing it is to read such a review by Adam Kirsch. According to Mr. Kirsch, the Gospels are myth and the Jews have suffered because of Christians continuing belief in this myth [Arts&Letters, “The Legacy of Slander,” January 31 2007].
Consider this: The Gospels say nothing more than that the religious leaders of the Jews at the time of Jesus had Him put to death because of the threat He presented to their patrimony.
This impulse or need among the ruling classes, and particularly among the self righteous of the religious hierarchy, is universal among all peoples. The Inquisition was of the same spirit, but of a different time. Christians accept that Jesus’ death and resurrection are all part of the same cosmic plan. Jesus came to die so that we might live. The Pharisees were simply God’s instrument in carrying out the first step.
At this point in history, the world can ill afford provocation between Christians and Jews.
CHARLES PARLATO
Mamaroneck, N.Y.
‘Wool’s Way’
I was shocked by your recent commentary by Mark Steyn who repeated many of the countless inaccurate statements about our study of the brain’s role in partner preference [Oped, “Wool’s Way,” January 8, 2007]. The story that initially appeared in London’s Sunday Times was so riddled with errors, it has become science fiction, not science.
Claims repeated by Mr. Steyn that this research is aimed at curing homosexuality in sheep and that we have had some success in this endeavor are blatantly false. The animal rights group PETA made up these outrageous, offensive claims. As your readers undoubtedly know, PETA is opposed to any and all studies involving animals, even research that saves lives.
Basic biological research like ours is directed at understanding important relationships between physiology and behavior, not finding cures. We object to anyone on the left or on the right who attempts to hijack research for political purposes.
CHARLES ROSELLI
Professor
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Ore.
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