This piece led to quite a few letters to the editor when it was first published:
Sir — I do not see racialism and Christianity as compatible, although obviously many do. In any case, as David Lane has said, “It does not matter whether you believe Nature’s laws are the work of God, or of gods, or that we are an accident. Those laws exist and we are subject to them.”
With respect to your quote from Jefferson on the masthead, I might cite the 2nd Century church father, Clement of Alexandria: “Not all things that are true need be made known to all men.”
Sir — Father Tacelli asks for help in responding to the argument that knowledge of racial differences may lead to Hitlerian eugenics policies. I would suggest that truth is a tool, and like any tool, it has the potential for misuse. This does not mean we should suppress the truth; we do not deny knowledge of fire in order to prevent arson.
Fr. Tacelli also expresses misgivings about racial consciousness for fear of the unsavory audience such a philosophy attracts. This appears to be an inverted ad hominem argument. Just as an idea cannot be judged by its source, neither can it be judged by its audience. An idea stands or falls on its own merits, like a work of art. A painting becomes no less beautiful if its painter cuts off an ear, or if it is appreciated by Nazis. I would respectfully remind Fr. Tacelli that Christianity attracts its share of squirrels; we don’t discount it for that.
We cannot build a society on lies, however well-intentioned. Ugly truths are comely when compared to pretty lies.
Sir — With regard to Fr. Tacelli’s article, the awakening of our consciousness and identity are vital for our survival. At the same time, we need transcendent moral, spiritual, and ethical values and an emphasis on the interdependence of individual and community.
I believe that the universalist-egalitarian aspect of Christianity is devastating to us, but it is important to retain the essential aspects of our Judeo-Christian heritage as a connection with the past. We therefore need a church to affirm, support, and encourage our group. What about a Caucasian Orthodox Church? It sounds funny, but only until you think of Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Korean Christian churches, etc.
Sir — While I agree completely with Fr. Tacelli that AR articles and readers should not show animus towards anyone because of race, that does not exclude a certain degree of hostility — at least an absence of hospitality — towards groups by which we are threatened.
As for Fr. Tacelli’s inability to deal with liberals who argue that beliefs in racial differences inevitably lead to “the scent of Zyklon B,” one need only point to the far greater numbers exterminated by Stalin and Mao in the pursuit of egalitarianism.
Fr. Tacelli notes that Afro-centrists depend on “not merely an equality yet to be, but on a superiority that already was and has somehow been stolen away.” Of interest in this regard were the Russian Communists’ perennial (but false) discoveries of things that had been invented first in Russia. This is the sort of thing to which the pursuit of radical egalitarianism leads.
Sir — I can no longer continue to subscribe to AR. I am nearly 70 years old, physically and mentally ill. The racial changes you describe do not help my mental condition.
Fr. Tacelli’s article was wonderful, but the opening passages were chilling. In your excellent reply, you described the feeling of bitterness of one who returns to see the wreck that nonwhites have made of the formerly-white neighborhood of his childhood. I know that feeling all too well.
Best wishes in your new endeavors. I take comfort in knowing you will continue the struggle, though others may fall by the wayside.
This piece led to quite a few letters to the editor when it was first published:
Sir — I do not see racialism and Christianity as compatible, although obviously many do. In any case, as David Lane has said, “It does not matter whether you believe Nature’s laws are the work of God, or of gods, or that we are an accident. Those laws exist and we are subject to them.”
With respect to your quote from Jefferson on the masthead, I might cite the 2nd Century church father, Clement of Alexandria: “Not all things that are true need be made known to all men.”
Edward Novak, Massapequa Park, N.Y.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sir — Father Tacelli asks for help in responding to the argument that knowledge of racial differences may lead to Hitlerian eugenics policies. I would suggest that truth is a tool, and like any tool, it has the potential for misuse. This does not mean we should suppress the truth; we do not deny knowledge of fire in order to prevent arson.
Fr. Tacelli also expresses misgivings about racial consciousness for fear of the unsavory audience such a philosophy attracts. This appears to be an inverted ad hominem argument. Just as an idea cannot be judged by its source, neither can it be judged by its audience. An idea stands or falls on its own merits, like a work of art. A painting becomes no less beautiful if its painter cuts off an ear, or if it is appreciated by Nazis. I would respectfully remind Fr. Tacelli that Christianity attracts its share of squirrels; we don’t discount it for that.
We cannot build a society on lies, however well-intentioned. Ugly truths are comely when compared to pretty lies.
Name Withheld, Fla.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sir — With regard to Fr. Tacelli’s article, the awakening of our consciousness and identity are vital for our survival. At the same time, we need transcendent moral, spiritual, and ethical values and an emphasis on the interdependence of individual and community.
I believe that the universalist-egalitarian aspect of Christianity is devastating to us, but it is important to retain the essential aspects of our Judeo-Christian heritage as a connection with the past. We therefore need a church to affirm, support, and encourage our group. What about a Caucasian Orthodox Church? It sounds funny, but only until you think of Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Korean Christian churches, etc.
Kelly Richards, Salt Lake City, Ut.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sir — While I agree completely with Fr. Tacelli that AR articles and readers should not show animus towards anyone because of race, that does not exclude a certain degree of hostility — at least an absence of hospitality — towards groups by which we are threatened.
As for Fr. Tacelli’s inability to deal with liberals who argue that beliefs in racial differences inevitably lead to “the scent of Zyklon B,” one need only point to the far greater numbers exterminated by Stalin and Mao in the pursuit of egalitarianism.
Fr. Tacelli notes that Afro-centrists depend on “not merely an equality yet to be, but on a superiority that already was and has somehow been stolen away.” Of interest in this regard were the Russian Communists’ perennial (but false) discoveries of things that had been invented first in Russia. This is the sort of thing to which the pursuit of radical egalitarianism leads.
Name Withheld, Crawfordville, Ga.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sir — I did not subscribe to AR to read religious dogma. If you publish any more religious propaganda I will cancel my subscription.
Fritz Fredrickson, Richmond, Cal.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Sir — I can no longer continue to subscribe to AR. I am nearly 70 years old, physically and mentally ill. The racial changes you describe do not help my mental condition.
Fr. Tacelli’s article was wonderful, but the opening passages were chilling. In your excellent reply, you described the feeling of bitterness of one who returns to see the wreck that nonwhites have made of the formerly-white neighborhood of his childhood. I know that feeling all too well.
Best wishes in your new endeavors. I take comfort in knowing you will continue the struggle, though others may fall by the wayside.
Ralph Singer, Bronx, N.Y.
https://www.amren.com/archi...