I read with deep concern the profile of Neil McGillivray's Karate for Christ program. It is unfortunate that he has chosen to mix violence with teachings of the prince of peace. The message of Jesus Christ was clearly one of non-violence.

The mixed messages received by the children must be confusing at best.

The justification of the use of violence with the word of God has a long and shameful history.

An important point to consider is that violence does not require a "victim"to be damaging. Believing the skills of violence are useful tools in our society limits our ability to feel safe. Preparing for violence makes us feel less safe. Mr. McGillivray illustrates this well with his "rape" example. Every person who read that sentence felt a little less safe even though the odds of actually witnessing such an event are astronomical.

We live in a culture of fear. Fear of violence, fear of failure, fear of the unknown. Karate for kids reinforces these fears by presuming the need for violence.

The word of God, however, is an intrument of peace and should be a means of overcoming our fears.

Colin Carmichael

Cambridge