Editor,

I have a proposal for your newspaper, and for Mr. Ralph Nielsen. In his most recent screed, Ralph said that he declined a public debate with me because he is not a trained speaker, and he prefers the written word. Good enough.

This, therefore, is my proposal. The Argonaut should publish 500 words from Mr. Nielsen on a debate concerning "the moral necessity of believing in Christianity," Mr. Nielsen (probably) taking the negative. I will respond with 200 words, and Mr. Nielsen will counter with 100 words. I will then make a statement on this topic in 500 words, Mr. Nielsen will respond with 200 words, and I will make a final statement in 100 words.

Now what does the Argonaut get in exchange for this? Well, apart from avid reader interest, Mr. Nielsen and I would both promise not to write into the Argonaut for at least twelve months following the publication of the debate. This would give the readers of the Argonaut a real rest.

And I am sure Mr. Nielsen could use the rest too. Chewing on Christianity's ankle all the time must be exhausting.

Cordially,

Douglas Wilson

This was a letter to the UI Argonaut (October 14, 1993)

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