Dear Editor,
I agree with Emerson when he said that for every thousand hacks at the leaves of evil, there is one strike at the root. Recently in an American Heritage lecture, a student took objection to one of the film clips. He stood up and expressed his opinion that our professor should have 'listened to his heart' and 'followed the Spirit in his teaching.' He left many of us chagrined and insulted. Our professor was visibly affected.
As good and evil further polarizes in this world, the saints will be increasingly looked on as a veritable force for good. It is therefore imperative that we are able to judge impeccably. This student saw our professor point to one root of evil, and in his leaf thrashing, chopped off the good hand with the sword of pseudo self-righteous indignation.
Interestingly, I didn't hear any criticism when President Hinckley pointed to the evils of rave parties. Do we remember Mormon's lament and description of the horrible wickedness of the Nephites? And who would criticize NBC for reporting Oklahoma City or Sept. 11?
Dealing with such evils is not pleasant, but it is crucial. Sadly, I feel that this is one example of patent BYU naivete. Furthermore, these statements made by my peer beg the question of spirituality. In making those invective declarations, he assumed his superior spiritual discernment. If he could discern our professor's intent in helping to identify and rectify evil, he would not have made these ignorant statements. When measured against the standard he meted, this protestor is left seriously lacking. I venerate my professor in his attempts to serve us in pointing out the fruits, roots and trees of both good and evil.
Joseph D. Walch
San Antonio, Texas