2 - College and University Dialogue - General Conference of ...

© Joel Kauffman
Letters
acceptable in the real world. But I am
not persuaded that violence on TV plays
as little a role in real life violence as the
author implies. True, “television is not
the cause of social violence” (p. 27).
However, it provides an exaggerated reflection
of our current social ideology,
which is a violent one. Television, movies,
video games, and music filled with
violence, both verbal and visual, contribute
to the desensitization towards
suffering and a devaluing of human life
in our world. Although the changes
wrought may not be immediately visible,
they remain latent, ready to become
manifest given the “right” situation. Indeed,
to refer to the same Bible passage
quoted by Reynaud, “it is by contemplating
that we become changed” (2
Cor. 3:18).
Sylvia R. Gregorutti
Rutherford, California, U.S.A.
The author responds:
The purpose of the article was not to say
that violent viewing has no effect, but that it
has less effect than popularly believed, and
has less effect than other influences that receive
a fraction of the attention. The idea
that media violence is a powerful influence is
so entrenched that to suggest otherwise requires
a detailed argument to support the
case, hence my article. But this must not be
read as the media having no effect—a point
which I think is clear enough in my piece.
Pontius’ Puddle
So remember, revenge may
be the tempting course,
but forgiveness is the path
to true happiness.
Thanks,
Pontius.
What I am asking for is a reasoned reconsideration
of the emphasis placed on media violence
which I feel usually leads to a smug ignorance
of the other, more powerful, effects
of media viewing. Drawing attention to the
broken water main doesn’t imply that a dripping
tap is not a problem; it’s simply a question
of priorities.
Daniel Reynaud
Cooranbong, N.S.W.
AUSTRALIA
daniel.reynaud@avondale.edu.au
A much needed message
Thank you for the excellent articles
that you include in Dialogue and especially
for “Creation and a logical faith”
(Dialogue 10:1). I think your journal is
proclaiming a message that is much
needed in today’s world. It also speaks
strongly to certain issues with which
Adventists are grappling. Keep up the
good work!
Greg A. King
Pacific Union College
Angwin, California, U.S.A.
gking@puc.edu
Challenged and
encouraged
Among the very good material included
in Dialogue 10:2, I was particularly
challenged and encouraged by the article
“Though the heavens fall,” by Greg
Think what a wonderful world it
would be if we followed even
half the advice we gave others.
A. King. As the chaplain of the Adventist
Medical Clinic in this city, I am confronted
daily with the need to maintain
my own biblical-ethical values in a
world in which the supreme objective
seems to achieve selfish goals regardless
of the means. Indeed, secularism and
moral relativism tempt us all. Our society
needs desperately more young men
and women who know who they are,
why they are here, and where they are
going—those whom God has called
“out of darkness into his wonderful
light.”
David Alberto Manrique
Caracas, VENEZUELA
cmanrique@telcel.net.ve
We are not struggling
alone
As a student of dentistry at Universidad
Nacional de Tucumán, I wish to
congratulate you for publishing Dialogue.
This journal not only connects us
as Adventist students across national
boundaries, but also lets us know that
we are not alone as we struggle to reach
our professional goals while remaining
true to our faith. It is so encouraging to
know that there are thousands who
share our religious convictions and our
hope in the soon return of Jesus Christ
to this earth. May God bless you abundantly!
Erica Paola Palacios
San Miguel de Tucumán
ARGENTINA
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4 Dialogue 12:2 2000