Responses To My Email....

[badstar]

Well, I recieved responses from both Kirk Cameron and the guy with the sunglasses...


Renee,

Thanks for writing to hear our side, and for putting your name to the email. That means a lot.

My name is Ray Comfort. I was the one wearing the spy-camera sunglasses and the recorder. We have begun filming the Third Season of our television program and we hope to educate people about the history of major religions and what they believe. The glasses give a unique and candid perspective. When we don't have permission to use footage, we always blur the eyes to keep the person's anonymity.

After we finished the Druidic Equinox ceremony, I noticed that Kirk was talking to a group of people. He wasn't recording them, but he had his recorder in his top pocket, in a place that was visible to a tall person. He wasn't hiding it as he had planned to ask permission for an interview with them.

I was still wearing the glasses and the camera was still rolling, so I joined in and filmed them speaking with Kirk. It was very interesting. That's when the tall gentleman noticed the recorder in his pocket and remarked about it. Kirk then explained that it wasn't turned on.

So there was no lying or lack of compassion on his part. In fact, Kirk is one of the most honest and compassionate people I know.

<< I sincerely hope that those that come to Christ do so by way of the teachings of Jesus, which I've found severely lacking in your material.>>

If you know of anything that is unbiblical in our material, please let us know and we will immediately get rid of it. Our ministry has been commended by many big name Christian leaders around the country, and we wouldn't want to betray their trust.

Thanks again for taking the time to write.

May God continue to bless you and yours,

Sincerely, Ray



Thank you for your response, and I do have a few more thoughts to share based on that. No matter how I look at the matter, I cannot find a reason to change my mind on the perspective that that the recorder in Mr. Cameron's pocket looked like a decoy.

Also, you say that you are trying to educate people about the history of major religions, however your podcast seemed more like an arena through which to ridicule a religion that you do not agree with. If you want to actually educate people about the history of those religions, why not look into informational sources and engage people in open, honest discussion?

I know that when it comes to religion, people disagree. I believe one thing, you believe another and right now I don't want to argue about who is right or wrong, but unless disagreements and discussions are handled with respect and understanding, it does no one any good.

What I find unbiblical in this situation is the dishonesty- isn't it one of the ten commandments not to lie? The recording with a hidden camera, and then the way it was talked about on the podcast. There was a tone that reminded me of high school kids who had just gotten away with some big prank. I also do believe that Jesus taught of love and compassion for one's neighbors and that this production was completely lacking of any adherance to any of the teachings of Christ.

The way that the proceedings of the ritual were spoken of was also completely disrespectful and obnoxious. I understand not wanting to drink from a vessel when you don't know what's in there. I understand not wanting to take any part of the ritual. That's fine. But you made it sound like there could have been illicit or poisonous substances in the chalices.

I am a member of the same organization as the Grove whose ritual you attended. Now, I do not speak for the organization as a whole, my views expressed in these letters are my own, but if you are attempting to learn, and in turn educate people, even if you believe that our religion is wrong, I feel that you are severely misrepresenting what we are, and what was going on at that ritual.

Many people had their trust violated. Do you know that many people who practice pagan religions do so in secret because they could be in danger of losing their jobs, or their children or their family? I myself have faced that possibility in the past. I was nearly fired from a job when someone found out that I am not Christian. I am very lucky not to work for an employer who is concerned more with how I do my job than with what I believe about god and the universe, but many others are not nearly so lucky.

Might I suggest that if you wish to learn about ADF or any other organization of a different religion, you contact them and ask to speak with members, or even if you may record a ritual, and to find out what is done and why? Many groups do have some sort of allowance for recording where, if they know it will happen, will set up a particular area for those that do not wish to be recorded. Some groups will not alow this, some won't even speak to you...but if one won't, someone else will.

Please, I do ask that you consider not using this material, and trying to obtain material in a more honest way, and not to portray those who believe as you did in this podcast. I hate to stoop to the level of saying this, but if some of these people had come to your church and done the same thing, probably a quarter of the country, if not more, would be up in arms over such a violation.

I'll post the other one in a few mintues.

Comments

[sunneyone.livejournal.com]

aaah, so he's saying it's okay that HE recorded them secretly on his camera, because kirk was going to ask?
riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!