The New York Times, always eager to obscure the Muslim heritage of many terrorists, does not have a problem "outing"  the father of the director of the mini—series Path to 9/11 for his Christianity.

Mr. Cunningham too has drawn attention for his links to a nondenominational Christian group based in Hawaii called Youth With a Mission, which was founded by his father, Loren Cunningham, and which promotes youth involvement in religious outreach around the world.

But Mr. Platt and Hope Hartman, a spokeswoman for ABC, said the political and religious affiliations of the two men had nothing to do with and did not influence the mini—series in any way.

Obvously, in the Times' worldview, association with Christianity does raise uncomfortable questions.

In a similar vein, the Times publicized heterodox Catholic views of Mel Gibson's father prior to the release of the Passion of the Christ. I cannot remember an instance in which the Times scrutinized the religious (or political) views of the father of a prominent leftist. If there are such examples, I would be happy to see them.

Ed Lasky   9 12 06