Letter to the Editor from Marietta, GA

Published: November 11, 2004

To the Editor:

I read slackjawed Father Gene Barrette’s piece about what appeared to have been a near religious experience at a comedy act by Bill Cosby (“Bill Cosby: An ‘Amazing Grace,’” The Georgia Bulletin, Nov. 4). With all due respect to Mr. Cosby’s comedic talents (which are considerable), “over the top” didn’t seem to suffice in describing this article.

I am glad that Father Barrette had such a wonderful time seeing Mr. Cosby perform, but I would suggest that he take a deep breath and put things back into proper perspective. Bill Cosby is a wonderfully funny man, he has dealt with tragedy in his life with grace and strength, and his comedy is wholesome and uplifting. But having said all that, it is just comedy, and like many of God’s gifts it is just another way in which we come to know of His love for us. However, put in the proper perspective, I save the superlatives expressed by Father Barrette about Bill Cosby for our Lord, when I visit Him in the chapel and approach Him in the Eucharist in wonder and amazement at His unconditional love for us to the point of an ignoble death on the cross (and just think, I didn’t even have to pay $50 to get in … what a deal!).

Earl H. Scott, Marietta