April 27 1998

ARTICLE TOOLS

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Many have written to express an opinion about the News update article "Growing Criticism" (Feb. 9) concerning Growing Families International and their Preparation for Parenthood Program. A large number have taken CT to task, citing positive personal experience with the GFI program and suggesting the information we published was biased and even "misleading" to those unfamiliar with Preparation for Parenthood. Expressing a sentiment echoed by many, one parent who is also a nurse wrote, "I have been tremendously blessed and helped by the Ezzos' materials."

At the same time, however, others have applauded CT for, in the words of one, "having the courage to publish a follow-up story on the program that is currently sweeping the nation." A marriage and family therapist, observing families using GFI materials who "join the chorus of how well it's 'working,' " expressed dismay that the "definition of 'working' seems to be limited to the parents' convenience." "I've never heard these parents discuss their children's emotional well-being or how much they enjoy the relationships with them," she says. "I find that grievous."

Randy Frame, who wrote CT's article, suggests that friends of GFI gain access to GFI's "alleged list of supporting physicians. … If they can't, perhaps they, like Grace Community Church, will begin asking some of the same questions critics have been asking."

I want to thank you for your article on Jimmy Swaggart ["Still Wrestling with the Devil," Mar. 2]. It was refreshing to see a more gracious approach toward one who has fallen rather than a critical attack. Randall Balmer made a great point we should remember, that, like Swaggart, we are all human and daily need the grace ...