Below, I have pasted a letter and a link for your review.
http://theapostolicreport.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/washington-post-cartoon-makes-fun-of-speaking-in-tongues/
Dear Sir:
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the long-denied political bias of the editorial board of the Washington Post confirmed by the highly offensive cartoon by Pat Oliphant published on September 9th. I was shocked to discover the board also holds a religious prejudice as well. To single out those of us who are Pentecostal and revere as well as practice the Scriptural experience of speaking in tongues in such a calculatedly offensive way is disgusting. That it was published by a leading U. S. newspaper is beyond belief. Quite obviously the board’s phobia of Governor Palin has caused it to lose its senses as well as its decency. To attack her on the basis of her political positions is certainly within your right, but to attack and ridicule her solely on the basis of her faith, a faith that is practiced by a significant number of Americans is indefensible!
A response by the millions of Pentecostals both in their future choice of reading material as well as at the polls can be expected from this unprovoked attack on a belief than spans many denominations of Christianity.
If such a deliberate disregard of the sincerely held beliefs of a significant segment of our population is fair game in the pursuit of a political agenda, how can the already tattered reputation of the traditional press in our country be rehabilitated? Your abrogation of your responsibility to respect and exhibit at least a minimum sensitivity toward other’s beliefs relegates the fabled Washington Post to the sorry company of yellow journalism rags of the past.
I urge the editorial board to issue an immediate apology to the millions offended by this silly and disgusting cartoon.
Sincerely,
Jerry Jones
General Secretary
United Pentecostal Church International
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Great response.
ReplyDeleteGood Great Wonderful
ReplyDeleteIt never hurts to stand up when affended.
Mervi
Wonderful response! I had no clue until he mentioned it in his sermon on Sunday, but our Pastor also issued a response (I have a feeling they've received a LOT of feedback on this). I wanted to share it as well:
ReplyDeleteLetter to the Editor
The Washington Post
1150 15th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20071
Dear Editor:
I am writing in regards to your recent cartoon lampooning Pentecostals.
First, I am somewhat shocked at the paucity of judgment in running such a demeaning piece (not to mention the awful artwork). The crassness and lack of discretion shown in your cartoon reveals a surprising narrowness and ignorance of world realities by both the cartoonist and those who approved it. When I compare such with the intellectual perspicacity, the enduring utilitarian beauty, and the unparalleled literary skill of the writers of the New Testament (all of which were Pentecostal, Acts 1:8, 2:1-4) your newspaper comes out a sad and very distant second. (An example of such beauty is I Corinthians 13. Yes, it is written by a Pentecostal preacher and author).
Further, it is evident that someone at the Post may not know that 16% of the world’s population is Pentecostal (not just “Christian” but “Pentecostal Christians”). This is approximately 500 million people worldwide. Further, this number is expected to continue its exponential growth for decades to come. So impacting is this phenomenon that, several years ago, Time magazine estimated it may be one of the most impacting events in the last one thousand years.
The liberating power of Pentecostalism also has a direct impact on the political climate of the world. For example, China is being revolutionized from within by conversions to Christianity, much of which is Pentecostal. This emphasis on the value of the individual versus the state is literally readjusting the philosophical underpinnings of the world’s largest nation.
In the intellectual and spiritual Hall of Greats, Jesus I know. Paul I know, but I gently ask, who are you?
Respectfully,
Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D
Hi Sis. Allard! I was disgusted when I saw this cartoon! Do you know if the Washington Post has done anything in response to Bro. Jones' letter?
ReplyDeleteMark - agreed.
ReplyDeleteMervi - Christians need to stand up for what is right.
James - thanks for the letter. I will try to post on my front page, too. I know the Washington Post has received much response but it is basically responded to with a form letter asserting the 5th amendment. To gain the needed attention, it must be blitzed across the media. This is currently be organized by Bryan Crosswhite.
There is site established to help protest Washington Post. Bryan Crosswhite, a member of Chester Mitchell's church and a man who works on Foreign Policies with the Bush administration, is organizing a huge protest starting with media first and then on to the post. Please visit his site www.protestthepost.com and spread the word for people to sign up.
Marissa - it's nice to hear from you! I don't know what response Bro. Jones may have received but I imagine it would be the same form letter they have sent others. Please read my above response to James.