‘Religion’ refers to such a range of form and function that a single word is not adequate; it misleads. Argument made against a limited aspect taken to extreme or abused for political or other ends have obvious truth. Such argument against religion in general is simply ignorant and in error. Further, focus only on the (limited) phenomena of religion excludes the question of the concept of religion and its potential. Once again I recommend The Fifth Dimension by John Hick (Susan knows it).

I find it characteristic of much of your judgment over the years, especially of me, that a limited and distorted aspect of the case is basis of negative and hasty evaluation. This is very uncomfortable for me—and difficult because if I object you tend to become heated, sarcastic, and evasive; I’ve written before but gotten no real response. It would be entirely unfortunate for me except that even wrong headed criticism can be useful. It might be unfortunate for you but perhaps the style of judgment above supports your sense of identity. In any case to listen more is a solution to knowing. Less judging makes for better judgment.

Barack Obama—my attitude is that proper assessment of a man should be a balanced picture of the whole. In his case this is important because he is subject to an immense campaign of misinformation and distortion. It is harmful to America, especially re Obama and generally as a pervasive way of politics. I therefore consciously choose to speak the whole. I do not object to stating the negative—it is important. However, instant opinion without pause, further judgment, dilutes or hides the main issue, is muddles; and finally evasion enables you to judge my attitude without knowing it or knowing that you don’t know.