Felix Donnelly’s Book (Press, 3 January 1980)

On 3 January 1980, a letter to the editor was published, highlighting the criticism directed at Felix Donnelly by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland regarding Donnelly's book "Candles in the Wind." The book explores the theme of the generation gap in New Zealand, particularly focusing on the disconnect between adolescents and their parents. One of the key issues raised in the book is the detrimental impact of punitive religious attitudes, especially in relation to sexual matters. The author of the letter, Alan Wilkinson, notes that earlier discussions among various correspondents had dismissed the idea that religious teachings contribute to feelings of destructive guilt. However, Donnelly presents case histories in his book that may challenge even the most authoritative defenders of the faith. Wilkinson points out that the Church's criticism seems to target Donnelly personally rather than addressing the substantive evidence he provides. Wilkinson expresses hope that this personal attack on Donnelly will not deter readers from engaging with his important message, even if it might provoke discomfort. He draws a parallel between the Church's historical denial of physical truths three hundred and fifty years ago and its current reluctance to accept new emotional insights. The letter concludes with Wilkinson's signature and the date of December 31, 1979, signaling a call for open-mindedness in the face of challenging ideas.

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