In God's Country.

• Author: Lehrer, Richard G.
• Position: Letters

Tim Cavanaugh's review of the new Madalyn Murray O'Hair biography ("In God's Country," February) was interesting, if not especially perceptive. I am interested, however, in his rather strong and gratuitous characterization of Martin Luther as "a churlish priest and an anti-Semite even by the standards of his day." I wonder what basis he has for this statement: Is it his own research into Luther, or his reliance on questionable secondary and tertiary sources?

I suspect Cavanaugh was exposed to materials demonizing the man during his formative years in Catholic school. But a review of some of Luther's writings will reveal him as a highly principled lawyer and professor of theology as well as a loving pastor, friend, and parent--certainly less churlish and anti-Semitic than was typical of the Roman Church of his day.

Tim Cavanaugh replies: Much as I'd like to blame all my adult failings on a...