Seeks 'Marjoe' But
Discovers Positive Atheism
G. L. White
From: "Smoke Hill Farm"
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org> Subject:
Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Friday, December 24, 1999 2:43 AM
I am very excited to have found your website, albeit almost accidentally. I was originally searching to find a copy of Marjoe Gortner's wonderful documentary exposure of the tent-revival business. The film, apparently, is unavailable anymore, which is a real tragedy -- but I may yet find a used video sooner or later on the Internet auctions. However, the fascinating interview with Marjoe that appears on your site did lead me to your home page and some excellent reading on Voltaire. I will be back for many more visits in the future!
It occurs to me, also, that you may be able to help me track down an obscure piece of Voltaire's writing for which I have searched many years. My first experience with Voltaire was when I picked up a book in a library that covered strictly Voltaire's writings on religion. In it was a particularly interesting piece written by Voltaire but structured as if it were a letter from a young monk or priest to his superior, asking many questions and trying to resolve the contradictions the monk found in the Bible. When I first got my computer three years ago, I spent weeks searching on "Voltaire," trying to locate this piece of writing -- with absolutely no luck. This evening, I've spent a couple of hours looking over the Voltaire material on your site, and as daylight approaches I must give up the search for the moment. If you have any suggestions to help me find this information, I would be extremely grateful.
Best Regards,
G. L. White
From: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To: "Smoke Hill Farm"
Subject: Re: Positive_Atheism_Letters_Section
Date: Friday, December 24, 1999 3:56 AM
The Marjoe piece is probably the most common way that those searching for something stumble upon our website. I get more letters asking where to find a copy of Marjoe than any other single question; naturally, I don't post most of these inquiries. [Note that Positive Atheism Magazine recently received a copy of Marjoe in the mail, sent to us by a reader who deals in rare videos. Copies do exist! -- August 18, 2000.]
I have heard of a Works of Voltaire that consists of at least 88 volumes (and you notice I didn't say "Complete Works" as we are not sure about a lot of the material because of all the pseudonyms he used and all the times he denied having written something simply to save his head from rolling, but he definitely was the most prolific writer in history). Perhaps a library or a university in your area has it, or maybe a smaller set exists.
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Material by Cliff Walker (including unsigned editorial commentary) is copyright ©1995-2006 by Cliff Walker. Each submission is copyrighted by its writer, who retains control of the work except that by submitting it to Positive Atheism, permission has been granted to use the material or an edited version: (1) on the Positive Atheism web site; (2) in Positive Atheism Magazine; (3) in subsequent works controlled by Cliff Walker or Positive Atheism Magazine (including published or posted compilations). Excerpts not exceeding 500 words are allowed provided the proper copyright notice is affixed. Other use requires permission; Positive Atheism will work to protect the rights of all who submit their writings to us.