Dear Jerry Falwell

This letter was written by three sixth grade students -- two of my friends and myself -- as a sixth-grade history class assignment, while learning about the Buddha and his teachings. The assignment was to send a letter to someone who you think is not obeying the Buddha's teachings of the Four Noble Truths, and the Twelve Step Path.

Dear Jerry Falwell,

We are writing this letter to inform you of our feelings about your actions, and how they conflict with the Buddha's teachings. We are in sixth grade, and as a part of our history class, we are learning about Ancient India and the Buddha. We have chosen to write to you as a project because your teachings about other faiths and lifestyles are hurtful, and against the Buddha.

On your website, as a part of your mission statement, it says that you work towards "healing the wounds of immorality and godlessness in our nation." And, "seek morality in American life and government." The constitution states that religion and government are to be separated. By having one major religion, people of other faiths are not as well respected.

On television with Pat Robertson, you stated, "I really believe that the pagans, the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle. The ACLU, People For The American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say, 'you helped this happen.'" (This quote was said about the tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001). No apology will erase the amount of hate that you have caused and promoted throughout this world.

Also, you once said, "If you're not a born-again Christian, you are a failure as a human being." These remarks are hurtful, and completely disrespectful to the people of this world that are not exactly like you. We are not putting down your religion, simply encouraging you to respect other faiths and people, as well as your own.

The Buddha respected people of all religions. The Four Noble Truths inform us that, "suffering and sorrow are caused by people's greed, hatred, and ignorance." Also, "We can be freed from suffering by overcoming it's cause." We feel that your hatred for people of other religions and lifestyles is unruly, and causing much sorrow and distress to the people of this country and the world.

We hope that our letter has made a difference in the way you will act and treat others. We ask you to treat every person in this world with respect, and peace.

Sincerely,
Three Hopeful Sixth Grade Students

Jerry Falwell is accusing People For The American Way of attempting to secularize this country. Well, I don't understand how that is possible -- Norman Lear, its founder, believes in god more than anyone I've ever met. He accuses the gays and the lesbians "who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle." Not once have I ever heard of a gay or lesbian force people to believe in something, or to become homosexual. And when Mr. Jerry Falwell blames people for 9/11, because they apparently upset god, I don't know how that is possible.

I could never believe in a god who chooses to punish people by killing hundreds of innocent ones. God is supposed to be a kind figure, who is for everyone, who believes in peace. There is no difference between doing something that hurts other people in "the name of god," and doing something that hurts people for no reason. I believe in god, I truly do, but just because I don't have the same faith as someone else, does in no way imply that I try to force my beliefs on them, or that I am a bad person, or that I don't believe in god at all. So, I ask you, even if you may be hurting someone right now, what sounds better: trying to make things right, even though you've caused a lot of pain, or, never attempting to become a peaceful person, being to ashamed, and continuing to hurt someone more? I'd go with the first one if I were you.