Ignoring Offensive Party Was A Valid Christian Reaction

To the editors:



In her comment on Christianity at Harvard (“Goodness Gracious,” Apr. 17), Ms. Caldwell identifies a phenomenon that should not be seen as a problem. Bemoaning what she sees as an insufficient level of anger on the part of Christian students reacting to the Owl Club’s “Catholic Schoolgirl Party,” she points out that “most of Harvard’s Christians turned the other cheek despite the offensive nature of such an event.” While Ms. Caldwell longingly observes that the University’s Muslims would never have allowed such a thing, she seems to ignore the fact that “turning the other cheek” is a reaction explicitly recommended by her own religion. Perhaps we should be applauding Christians who have the wisdom to react this way rather than interpreting their lack of outrage as a sign that Christianity at Harvard is embattled and weak.



ALEXANDER B. LEMANN ’06

April 17, 2006