September 9, 2002
Dear Karl,

Thank you for sending us the two booklets on the way to happiness. As you know, I recently sent you an extensive email in response to your last Wednesday Letter concerning the problems we face with immorality in this country (and the world, for that matter). Since you have already received this email I will refrain from reiterating those remarks.

There is no doubt that we would have a better world if people followed many of the concepts presented in the booklets you sent. I find it interesting that all of these topics and the remedies thereof are fully discussed and remedied in God's Word. There is nothing new under the sun!

Someone once made an interesting observation concerning the problem mankind faces. All kinds of remedies and systems have been proposed but it just like putting lipstick on a pig. It may make the pig more attractive on the outside but it does not change the inside. The pig is still a pig!

Mankind has a problem. It is called original sin. You can make the outside look beautiful but if the heart is not changed the problems will continue. The only remedy for this is found in the words and teaching of Jesus Christ. (John 3:16)

Respectfully submitted,

Gene Hallum

Dear Gene,

Thanks much for the comments on the Book.  I would completely understand that you find your own fully satisfactory source for a moral code within the Bible.  I note, however, that you didn't comment that anything in this book violated your own sense of Biblical morals?  I'd be interested in that.

And, then, one of the purposes of this book is to get a moral code that lies outside of any religion.  Normally it has been religion on the planet that has defined morals.  One religion's moral code is hardly ever acceptable to another religious group. So, this book attempts to provide a moral code that everyone can ascribe to.  It is clear to me that you could always ADD additional items to your personal code -- from the Bible or anywhere you choose.

But, I would think that whatever you might want to add would not be contrary to any of these Precepts, but just additional?

If some religious moral code approves one of the restricted behaviors in The Way To Happiness, I would have to assume that this particular religious moral code would not be acceptable in the world community.  I am not sure, but I know that some number of Americans probably think that Islam includes "religious teachings" or a "moral code" that would violate some of their own views of righteousness -- and possibly even violate some of the precepts of The Way To Happiness.

I wonder if I missed your long message?

I normally would not ever receive something from you and not recall it.  And, any long message would have received my acknowledgment.

I had a message left on the Happiness web site, quite long, but unsigned -- could this have been you?

I wonder if you would mind sending it again?

Thanks,

Karl Loren