I ATTENDED the public debate on Jerry Springer - The Opera, which was held in York St John College on Thursday.

Having heard the arguments both for and against this production I found myself better able to understand, though disagree with, the motivation and mindset of Stewart Lee, the show's co-writer.

In essence his view is that although some may be offended at and disturbed by the play, that in itself does not mean it should not be performed.

The motion put to us was that "We believe that the Grand Opera House is wrong to stage Jerry Springer - The Opera".

I was interested in the way this motion was worded and, especially, the use of the word "wrong". The question it begs is who decides whether something is right or wrong?

Last night Stewart argued in effect that censorship itself was wrong and that there were many worse things that could have been included or performed.

It seems to me that in today's society we must be tolerant of everything except intolerance.

When society decides what is right or wrong, standards will change, opinions will vary and confusion will reign.

However, the Bible claims that God has given us an absolute standard of right and wrong, enshrined within the ten commandments.

It is for this reason that I oppose the performance, not merely because of its effect on the sensitivities of other people.

As Christians we have a responsibility to stand up for and live out truth, honesty and purity. Sadly, we all fail to do so. How grateful I am to know, therefore, that Jesus Christ, despite being much satirised and attacked, still has the power to forgive and change lives for the better.

John Green,

St Nicholas Crescent,

Copmanthorpe,

York.

Updated: 11:25 Saturday, February 11, 2006