Readers Reply

M. J. Michaux Forgiven, Damned and Laughed At

Though misogynist M. J. Michaux ostensibly gets his shallow, frightened “last word” in Bible Review’s Fall issue (Readers Reply, BR 02:03), any truly intelligent reader, male or female, understands that he has made of himself a blatant example of the rather common male who has never been able to come to very loving terms with the gentle, tender, compassionate, vulnerable, passive, giving, “female” side of his own nature. He’s only half alive. All of us women readers, anyway, do kindly forgive him.

M. J. Michaux is by no means alone in his interpretation of Scripture. I know many people who share a similar viewpoint.

The attitude reflected in Mr. Michaux’s most recent letter leads me to believe that his character compares closely with that of people I know who share his ideas. This character embraces traditional values; is fearful of change; views life in simplistic terms, with good and evil clearly defined (little or no gray areas); and has a tendency to fight with unusual vehemence any threat to traditional values. In Mr. Michaux’s case, this tendency to defend traditional values results is ridicule directed at Mr. Lockley.